Topic: Buying a OBII Scanner

[MonstaMonsta]

Hey all,

I thought I'd invest in a OnBoard Diagnostics Scanner.  The Avy is getting old and I'm tired of having to plan a trip to the shop for every darned Chk engine light. I have found these scanners ranging anywhere from a $15 OBII to USB wire to 400 dollar HP Tuners VCM Scanner Professional...   

Does anyone know of a good "Resonably" priced OBII scanner for a 2002 Avy?  All I need it to do is pull accurate information on that darned Chk Engine Light, and clear it. 

Any input would be much appreciated!!!

[oHIobellboy]

This should get you a few different responses.

I used my Predator but it's vin locked programming wise to one vehicle. It can be used on others to read and clear codes.  Might find a used one on eBay. You'd have to make sure it's the right one.

We have a few guys on here that use HP Tuners with success. You can do all kinds of programming with that.

Moosc just bought a scanner at a local auto parts store for around $300 but I think it does many different years and makes. Maybe he'll chime in.

Parts stores also sell other scanners a lot cheaper but I don't know if they will reset the codes.

[Enkei]

Same as above.. My Superchips is Vin locked but it can read and clear codes on many GM cars and trucks..

I would keep an eye on Craigslist or Ebay for a used reader or Programer....

[MyBigToy]

If you are going to buy a scanner, I would suggest you go ahead and get one that does the new CAN codes as well as the OBDII codes. You probably won't have to spen and a lot more money to get one that does both and you'll have a more versatile tool. I've actually never used anything to scan codes other than a Predator or Hypertech or my HP Tuners so I can't give you any brand-specific advice. I suspect they are pretty much all the same; the more expensive ones probably offer more features and possibly scan more "brands" (GM, Chrysler, Ford, etc.).

I believe Richie_Rich is pretty knowledgable about this stuff so maybe he'll chime in.

[Richie_Rich]

I bought mine from Harbor Freight and it does what you are looking for.
I've got one similar to the $49 model.
http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result/?category=&q=obd

[MonstaMonsta]

OBB, Enkei, MBT, and Richie_Rich  you guys are truely one-of-a-kind !     

Thank you for all the responses.  I'mm be looking into the CAN/OBDII Scanner for future use as well (Good thought MBT).  I'll check out Ebay for a used one.  I'll probably just stick with the readers that Richie_Rich refered me to.  I'll be sure to post a write up on which one I choose!!!   With pictures!!!

Thanks again everyone

[MonstaMonsta]

After wading through the hundreds of different handheld devices on ebay I've decided I'll stick with one that plugs into my laptop.  So far it looks like the Elmscan 5 seems to be a good buy. 

Anyone have any experience with the scanners that interface with your laptop/computer? 

[Richie_Rich]

I did a Google and came up with this.
http://www.scantool.net/elmscan-5-usb.html
They say the Elmscan 5 is no longer produced.

You may want to buy the latest product.
http://www.scantool.net/scan-tools/pc-based/obdlink.html

It looks pretty cool.
Only drawback is having top have the laptop  to use it.
Not as convenient as a small hand held unit.

If I need something better than my el-cheapo unit, I'll definitely look at this.

[MonstaMonsta]

Ah, yes, shoulda googled it...   

I think I'll just go with a cheap hand held unit myself. 

Thanks RR

[Alaska_AV]

I have an elm interface for my lap top.  The big prob is if you end up with a knock off version most good softwere co's will not support it.