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.

[moosc]

 ok i bought actron cp9580 from autozone. it is obd II, can & abs scan tool (for all 1996 and newer vechiles) includes a database of 3 million fixes it says. it can be updated via web. http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16364 it runs about 250$ at autozone.

[MonstaMonsta]

ok i bought actron cp9580 from autozone. it is obd II, can & abs scan tool (for all 1996 and newer vechiles) includes a database of 3 million fixes it says. it can be updated via web. http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16364 it runs about 250$ at autozone.

I like the Actrons but they are outta my price range for the moment. 

I'm staying away from the laptop to OBII connectors because I thought about the trouble of having to always have the laptop, I feel more comfortable with a stand alone handheld device.  But that's just me.

I figured I could probably find a scanner that does not include the newer "CAN" (Controller Area Network) protocol, that way it'd be cheaper..

I found this sucker,
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390217419346&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

There's one that supports CAN called the U581 for about $20 to $30 more.   

Now I just need to double check and make sure the 2002 Avy is OBII not CAN...

[MyBigToy]

Now I just need to double check and make sure the 2002 Avy is OBII not CAN...

It is......

[MonstaMonsta]

haha MBT thanks,  I bought the "U381" code scanner off ebay for around $70 plus shipping

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390217419346&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Same as the one I detailed in an earlier post.  I ordered it about 3-4 days ago.  I'll be sure to take pictures and do some sort of write up when it gets here.  Let anyone who is curious know whether it's worth the money. 

[coolram62]

I have an Actron CP9190 kit (includes cables and case). It's stated to work operate on 1984+ (Domestic and Import). Though I have found it will work on my '83 Z28 w/CFI. The screen is well lit,buttons are large and simple to use,has a built in code library and it's internet updateable. I was never to keen on taking the laptop outside and this gives me the best of both as it can record and download to your laptop.

[oHIobellboy]

I have an Actron CP9190 kit (includes cables and case). It's stated to work operate on 1984+ (Domestic and Import). Though I have found it will work on my '83 Z28 w/CFI. The screen is well lit,buttons are large and simple to use,has a built in code library and it's internet updateable. I was never to keen on taking the laptop outside and this gives me the best of both as it can record and download to your laptop.

Sounds like it has plenty of features.

[coolram62]

Sounds like it has plenty of features.

It does have a lot of features even some I'm still learning after 4 years. I like that it will do data logging in real time plus you can down load the information through USB to a computor. The only scan it won't do ,and I'm not certain it won't, is ABS system. I haven't tried it yet on my '07 Avy so it may since the ABS is more integrated into the PCM/ECM/BCM.