Best scan tool ?

[email protected] · October 29, 2006

Good day all! This is my first post here.

There is some very good information on this site!

1st GMC Owner, I bought a 2000 Safari Cargo Van this summer and would like to know what scan tools that you are using (I am a week-end mechanic). I would like to be able to read codes and troubleshoot easily with an interface to a laptop.

I was thinking of :

http://www.autoenginuity.com/order.html (400 US$)

or

http://www.obd-2.com (140 US$)

Any comments, experience in that matter ?

Thanks in advance!

Ben

marinchevy · November 8, 2006

Good day all! This is my first post here.
There is some very good information on this site!

1st GMC Owner, I bought a 2000 Safari Cargo Van this summer and would like to know what scan tools that you are using (I am a week-end mechanic). I would like to be able to read codes and troubleshoot easily with an interface to a laptop.

I was thinking of :

http://www.autoenginuity.com/order.html (400 US$)

or

http://www.obd-2.com (140 US$)

Any comments, experience in that matter ?

Thanks in advance!

Ben

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Check this site out http://www.scangage.com/

1999 Tahoe 4x4 · January 31, 2007

Tech2 is the Chevy Dealer's Scan Tool.

I have a Snap-On MT2500 and I like it. However if I had to buy one today I would go with these guys; I have checked out many scantools and this is the best that I could find:

EASE PC-Scan:

http://www.obd2.com/ <--- PAY attention this is NOT obd-2.com

I have called them up and talked to them for about 20 min. They are relly nice and it seems like they have a really great product. For GM they are selling 3 levels. The most expensive is of course level 3. They told me it would cost about $450.- for my Tahoe.

As you have probably already found out scantool <> scantool. There are huge differences.

The trick is that EASE PC-Scan is FULLY BI-DIRECTIONAL. They told me that it among all it's other bells and whistles it can FULLY program your computer, you have FULL access.

Unfortunately I can't say that of the my Snap-On MT2500. It can "only" perform a few factory preprogrammed functions like operating EGR etc.

ridgekid · January 31, 2007

I'm looking at the aero Force Interceptor. Lets you see and reset DTC's.

http://www.aeroforcetech.com/

Billdog350 · January 31, 2007

You're best off going for EFI Live or HP Tuners which will scan, datalog, view and reset DTC, as well as REPROGRAM YOUR ECU!!! Well worth having the ability to tune your vehicle in addition to scanning it.

If you want a "scan only" solution, you can get pcmscan for $70 online and the interface cable for all OBDII and CAN systems for another $100 on Ebay....then you can scan every vehicle from 1996 to present.

1999 Tahoe 4x4 · January 31, 2007

You're best off going for EFI Live or HP Tuners which will scan, datalog, view and reset DTC, as well as REPROGRAM YOUR ECU!!! Well worth having the ability to tune your vehicle in addition to scanning it.

If you want a "scan only" solution, you can get pcmscan for $70 online and the interface cable for all OBDII and CAN systems for another $100 on Ebay....then you can scan every vehicle from 1996 to present.

I have just checked the website of EFI Live. You are right it seems quite capable. The website even said it is PC Based which is a big plus considering the ease of big screen input and data management/saving functions.

The only "problem" that I would see is that with around $1000 and over it seems to be a rather pricy alternative.

As far as "regular" scanners, regular autostore alike, you have to consider that most of these scanners ONLY read generic codes, which is basically engine and transmission codes. However on today's supercomputerized vehicles you will need to be able to read body/chassis and ABS codes as well. You want to be able to check functions as simple as of your steering sensor, or even more, your body control module. That is where you will need a good and capable scanner.

Most manufacturers advertise that you can turn off the check engine light with their product. Well in reality, without diagnosing and fixing the problem that would be quite a useless function. The check engine light would come back. Also please consider that in most cases the check engine light will turn off by itself after a problem has been fixed. The scedule for how soon the PCM turns the check engine light off is dependent on particular problem that occured. In some cases it is as soon as 3 times turning on/off the ignition.

1999 Tahoe 4x4 · January 31, 2007

I'm looking at the aero Force Interceptor. Lets you see and reset DTC's.

http://www.aeroforcetech.com/

I have just checked the Force Interceptor.

Sorry but I have to blow it down. It seems to be one of those generic ones without all extended capabilities.

SoCalChris · February 5, 2007

If you're just a weekend mechanic, and only want to occasionally read a code, and reset the SES light, you can't go wrong with the $40 el cheapo model from Harbor Freight. It's basic, but it will get you the trouble code that the computer is throwing, and will allow you to clear it. It also doesn't require a computer.

Unless you're trying to reprogram the van's computer, this should work fine for you.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/disp...temnumber=94169

It's what I have, and has worked great on our 99 Safari.

bowtygie · February 7, 2007

hi guys , i was wondering if any of these programs\scanners are able to "commission" new components such as radios or bcm's etc. thanks for any input you guys have