Aftermarket Scan Tools- Anyone Have One?

8.1HD/ALLISON · March 20, 2011

I am looking for an aftermarket scan tool. I quit my job at the dealership and still want to tinker at home. Anyone have any suggestions? I am looking at a craftsman scan tool on this website. craftsman scan tool Wondering if anyone has used it or any other ones. This one does engine, abs, and srs systems.

Thanks for any help. Matt

~kyle · March 21, 2011

I've had this one in my cart for quite a while on amazon but haven't pulled the trigger yet. It might be worth it at less than half the price of the one you linked to.

8.1HD/ALLISON · March 21, 2011

I've had this one in my cart for quite a while on amazon but haven't pulled the trigger yet. It might be worth it at less than half the price of the one you linked to.

That one looks just like the Craftsman, but it does not do Abs or Airbag codes. I think if I am going to spend the money I'll get one that does them all. Thanks for the link! I am surprised there is not much feedback on this topic. I figured there would be a lot of people that have them. Guess not?

HawkScot · March 21, 2011

I don't have one but am thinking it might be a nice present to myself. I use the http://www.obd-2.com/ (I don't have the CAN version yet). It seems we all have a computer around.. the virtual dashboard is a cool feature. I will probably upgrade to the CAN version so I can have a look at the new 2011 GMC Sierra we have..

NitZ · March 22, 2011

I used the Snap On Modis that we had at work for several time while I was in the shop for a general mechanic garage. Now at the dealership we only have the one made by BMW. My father in law bought me a little scann tool for Christmas, I don't know if you can find this brand in USA. It is called Motomaster, you can find that in Canadian Tire store (I think it's Parts Sources in USA).

I like this one because you can do domestic and europeans cars. Most of basic scan tools will do only domestic car and you will have to buy another plug or an update for the europeans cars. You can read and erease all the DTC and search for them with an included booklet. It can also find pending code.

Here is a picture of the scan tool.

8.1HD/ALLISON · March 26, 2011

Thanks for the input so far. I'm looking for somthing more in depth. I want to be able to check codes for engine, transmission, abs, and air bags. Also anything on the CAN system. Surely someone out there has a scan tool that will do this. Anyone else chime in? I'm looking to spend about $500 or less. OTC has some out there around 400, anyone use them before? otc scan tool

MikeNH · March 26, 2011

It's been a while but I'm pretty sure OTC is one of the big companies that makes the various "special service tools" for lack of a better term. You know, the ones that cost a bundle that you'll use like twice a year but you buy it anyway? It may be too late now but I heard about some nice deals on Tech IIs when GM dealers were closing during the bankruptcy BS.

8.1HD/ALLISON · March 26, 2011

Ya, I wouldn't mind having a tech 2 but I also have an 01 Durango I would like to be able to work with. Also want to be able to use it on side jobs. Kind of an all purpose tool.

8.1HD/ALLISON · March 27, 2011

Just an update. I did some more research and ended up buying an OTC 3797m08 scan tool. Here is a link the brochure for the 3797m07. I can't find the brochure for the new one. I will update when I get it and let everyone know what I think. It is OBD I and II, CAN protocol, Engine, Trans, ABS, and Air Bags. Does Global OBD II, graphing, and includes software for the desktop. Found a deal for just over 500 bucks.