Scan tool opinions/experiences

[albj93]

Hello everyone,

New member here for a few months. I've been playing around with GM's since I was 13 years old. First it was Tri-powers/ Carbs and then fuel injection. It started with 8 bit ECM's that I have an OTC 2000 and an OTC 4000 for. Then I bought the Auto-tap software for the 99-03 vehicles which just gives diagnostic P000 codes and live data which has worked for now.

I would like to ask what people are using for scan tools for non-professional use. I am mainly interested in bi-directional communication with the vehicles.

Example: From what I gather, the fuel pump in my 2013 Silverado can not be operated like the 99-03 vehicles I have, by using the prime terminal to energize the fuel pump relay in the fuse panel. I need a scan tool to turn on the fuel pump module.

Example: The ABS on the 99 Silverado is giving me trouble and I would like to view the ABS codes and sensor data.

Example: The HVAC in the 2000 GMC is acting up. I'm sure it's the control head but would like to retrieve /review data from the sensors.

Is there a scan tool/laptop based software in the 200-600 dollar range that will do these things? Or, am I just stuck with buying/finding a 1000-2000 Tech 2 and hope I don't get ripped off with a china copy?

In reading/searching I found this:

 

http://www.hptuners.com/products/

This seems to be what I'm looking for and I will call and talk to them but wanted to ask the forum if there were other options.

Thank you,

Andy

[gmtech4]

You need a $650. Candi module along with a $1300. Tech 2 to even read anything ,

 

 

That is out of the question for an average vehicle owner to have unless your loaded ,

 

You're gambling that you'll need it ,

 

Rethink this idea

[xXZ-71Xx]

I have a Tech 2 clone. It cost me less than $400 and has already saved me that much. From what I understand the Boshe Tech 2 isn't much better than the clone but the vetronics one is more reliable...Still for under $400 I say the clone is great.

[albj93]

I have a Tech 2 clone. It cost me less than $400 and has already saved me that much. From what I understand the Boshe Tech 2 isn't much better than the clone but the vetronics one is more reliable...Still for under $400 I say the clone is great.

Thank you fro the reply. Could I ask where you purchased yours?

 

 

 

That is out of the question for an average vehicle owner to have unless your loaded ,

 

You're gambling that you'll need it ,

 

Rethink this idea

I'm not loaded but will spend the money for the tool needed. Plus a few trips to the dealer for repairs more than outweighs the cost of the tool. I'm not gambling that I would need it. I gave examples where I already have the need for it.

Thank you for the reply.

Any others care to comment on what there using?

Thank you,

Andy

[WilliamBos]

Here is what I am looking at getting

 

http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/MD70/obd-ii-scanner-fix-advisor/

 

I see nothing wrong with buying a good scanner. Let us know what you get.

[xXZ-71Xx]

Thank you fro the reply. Could I ask where you purchased yours?

 

 

 

I'm not loaded but will spend the money for the tool needed. Plus a few trips to the dealer for repairs more than outweighs the cost of the tool. I'm not gambling that I would need it. I gave examples where I already have the need for it.

Thank you for the reply.

Any others care to comment on what there using?

Thank you,

Andy

I will look again tonight and post a link as soon as I find it. I am very happy with mine and all the things that it can do. The only negative thing I can think of is that it only works on GM but so does the original.

[xXZ-71Xx]

I can't find the exact site I ordered mine from but here is one anyway. They all seem to come from the same place in China from what I can tell (Mine did too but the build quality is surprisingly good).

 

http://www.gobd2.com/gm-tech2-diagnostic-scanner.html