Vehical Scanners ?

[Morgan1986]

I notice a common theme is when a person asks for help a BIG reply is get it scanned.

 

So if that is the way things are going to be, I guess I should learn about this magical device that knows all problems with a vehicle.

 

1.How do they work ?

2.What is a good one?

3.Does it work on most vehicles? example my 05 truck and girlfriends 03 car and lets say a brand new truck like a 2013 .

 

Any information about these tools would be good . Would it be worth it to spend the money on one.

 

What is the limitations on one?

 

What are some things they can do ?

 

 

 

[MikeNH]

The basic ones will be OBDII compliant meaning they can read most engine codes on 1996 or later cars. Basic ones will run $50-$120 or so probably. A better bet would be to get one that can pull codes from the secondary modules like the ABS controller, BCM, TCCM and so on. Those will probably start at $2-300 and the sky is the limit as the high end scanners from Snap On and the like can cost thousands of dollars. The generic readers will help you solve most common issues but if a code is set elsewhere you'll never know with those.

[kstruckcountry]

I like my ScanGuage. It doesn't tell you what the code is from like my other scanner does, but you can google it and find out quickly. It can clear them too, not to mention it's useful as a gauge. I paid about $100 for it, I use it constantly.

[gmtech4]

good ones can read codes,,,show data and operate some actuators (thru special functions screen)

 

they also can program modules (new) or update ,,,thou this is done thru the manufacturers service site ,,,,these sites are expensive and the scanners are not cheap either,,,,

 

it makes zero sense for an owner of a veh to get all that ,,,,after market scanners can do some of the above features but not all,,,

 

ex: snap on scanner can pull a code from one of our 08 fords fine and dandy ,,,,print out the codes diagnoses tree on MItchell On Demand(which uses manufacturer DTC Diag trees) and in 10 min i was shut down as the diag tree wants me to ramp up the pulse width of the fan clutch ,,,,,cant do it (its not in the scanner),,,,,either throw parts at or send it to ford ,,,,

 

on the programing side of things ,you cant adjust the programming or update from manufacturer site (unless an update is avail),,,,thats what bullydog is for ,to raise shift points etc etc

 

the scanner hooks up to the vehs network ,the various modules (up to 10 or more) perform regular daignoses of its system and if all conditions are met (at least 5 i would say ),,if it doesnt like some thing it will store a code ,,,if its in the PCM/TCM it will turn on the SES light ,,,,if its a bad enough fault the 'putor will go to a default programing or as you guys say limp in mode (which is BS ),,the programing change is done to try and protect the system and get your attn (perfect example is a stuck valve in the Allison transmission),it ramps up line pressure to max and turns on the "range shift inhibited message"

 

if the code is bad enough your on the side of the road ,,,the TPS problems of late put up the "engine power reduced " message ,which gets you home and obviouslt gets your attn ,

 

owners manuals have a vast amount of knowledge about all DIC messages

 

all ^^^^ is from my GM days ,i have been out of it for a few yrs and the new system came out as i lefft in 08 ,i can find any descipton and operation for anyone about anything ,,,if ya want i can post it

 

i hope this helps abit

[dgrinnell]

Ive got the app torque on my android phone and bought an Bluetooth adapter off amazon. It works great and have yet to scan a vehicle that it didnt work on. I think I ppaid $10 fornthe app and 30 for the adapter.

[Chris]

Ive got the app torque on my android phone and bought an Bluetooth adapter off amazon. It works great and have yet to scan a vehicle that it didnt work on. I think I ppaid $10 fornthe app and 30 for the adapter.

 

Ive got the app torque on my android phone and bought an Bluetooth adapter off amazon. It works great and have yet to scan a vehicle that it didnt work on. I think I ppaid $10 fornthe app and 30 for the adapter.

 

 

I think I gave you that idea...

 

But if you are going to buy a scanner and all you own is GM get a used Tech 2. it does everything Rob mentioned

[dgrinnell]

I think I gave you that idea...

 

But if you are going to buy a scanner and all you own is GM get a used Tech 2. it does everything Rob mentioned

Nope Have had mine long before I joined this forum. They work great and they are cheap! Great minds think alike!

[Chris]

Been running if almost 2 years

 

Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX using Xparent Red Tapatalk 2

[Knowklew]

I have been running a dashhawk in my silverado since I bought it. I also had the same dashhawk in my 2000 Z28. Works great for reading codes as well as real time monitoring.

[marksoldtowne]

HI Morgan1986

"Scanners" is a simple & inexpensive device. It will monitor vehicle data from a vehicle's sensors in realtime. This device read codes from OBD-II autos and reset the "check engine" light; advanced models feature more informative screens, battery power to store codes after the unit is unplugged, and broader compatibility with earlier OBD-I vehicles or new CAN vehicles.

[Daryl LBZ]

I've been eyeing up one at Sears now for a while. It's $300, but it would come in handy because it does OBD 1 & 2, and I think it does ABS and a few other things too. It's on my X-Mas list for the Wife to get me.

[KMGZ400]

i had a superchips tuner on my 03 silv and it had a code reader on it. would tell you the code and what it is and would let you clear codes. helped me out a few times