Scan-tools are a huge part of automotive diagnosis and can do a lot of cool features. Code Readers are great for the DIY type guy/girl and can be found at a relatively cheap price. I have access to many scan-tools and have enjoyed working with mostly Snap-On's Modios (actually three of them, and all of them are updated with the latest software - including the newest Asian). The Modios is defilently my favorite.

http://www.imcool.com/hotnews/images/04pix/Snap-on-MODIS4.2.jpg


I also have worked with Ford scan tool; the NGS (New Generation Star) scanner. It is a bit out-dated and will be useless on most anything, I believe, 2005+ vehicles. The NGS is better over the Modios in basically one feature: program. You can reprogram and/or change data inside modules easily with the NGS that the Modios would that.

http://www.turbotraining.com/automotive/images/P10104012q.jpg

The shop I am at is soon to purchase a Tech 2 (GMs factory level scan tool) and Fords new Laptop programs/scan tool. I haven't worked much with the Tech 2 -- but I have worked with its cousin the MasterTech by Vetronix (exact same thing as the Tech 1 really). The MasterTech is actually Toyotas factory scan tool.

http://www.gmtcny.com/tech2.jpg

http://www.vetronix.com/img/diagnostics/mts3100_big.jpg

So anyway, what are you guys using and who likes what features, what would you recommend to someone who was thinking about purchasing a scan-tool, etc! Any feedback is welcomed! Also, for more information on scanners read this Thread by Glacier http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80707


-Drew

clearly laptop interfaces are the thing of the future. I have wanted one that had a digital snapshot graphing feature...like your Modio picture shows... but those so far are way out of my league, and so my trusty old oscilloscope (remember those) gets dragged out and I relearn how to use it each time, and wish (and, btw, the breakout box is nearly always used with the scope).
I think the scope is pretty awesome.... trying to figure out a slow start problem and SEEING a low PIP signal is pretty impressive. My scope is dual trace so I can superimpose things, which is nice too. But only 2... digital could do more.

I think the next few years is going to stagger people's imagination on what is available out there for a savvy amateur. Trickle down.

I still like my old Actron scanners, shown in my thread... yet....anyway...
For now, I want an NGS. I won't be working on anything 2005+ for some time.

I recently missed out on a SBDS selling closeby pick up. It went for $350!

As far as DTC reading and monitoring parameters, my ScanGauge works good for me. And the price was right too, only $100. Works great for what I use it for.

I bought a Diagtek tool a couple of years ago. It is a software package and data link connector that works with a Palm Pilot.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=85555&highlight=scan+tool

I like it for the price I paid (~$280), but the newer versions are more expensive.

My MATCO MD-1000
I LOVE this tool. CAN ready, Air bags, ABS, tranny,full live data stream that tells me every thing but what color the vehicle is.

I just recently got a new color catalog from MATCO and their diagnostic section looked very nice and that their scanners look like high quality machines.

Also, I also have used the Snap-On' MT2500 (kind of old school). We have, I believe, three of these also.

-Drew

http://www.breguet.tv/service/002/mt2500.jpg

I just recently got a new color catalog from MATCO and their diagnostic section looked very nice and that their scanners look like high quality machines.

]

Well technically it is a SPX ( with Matco lables ) SPX makes OTC. OTC has just about cornered the market on high end scan tools.

I use an Auto X Ray ( http://www.autoxray.com/default.htm 0 scanner and for the laptop, an http://www.autoenginuity.com/

I cannot imagine not having a scanner

I use my X-calibrator Version 2 programmer as it has DTC capabilities for all 96 and newer Ford's even the new CAN vehicles, both read and clear, and it can also datalogg any parameter in the PCM along with putting it on your Laptop screen to show it. I use this for my dynotuning as well.

At work I use the NGS and the add on NGS plus and the refresh rate is too slow for tuning but the code scanner and module communication is always a plus.

later Doug.

Nice setup Doug. Looks very useful and easy to work with!

-Drew

I'm lookin to get a PC setup for dataloggin and whatnot.
anybody have any experience with the AutoTap?
and Aldive, I assume you're likin the AutoEnginuity?

Gavin, care to share some links or information on what you are thinking about purchasing?

-Drew

AutoTap
http://www.autotap.com/autotap_for_windows.html
plus enhanced data
http://www.autotap.com/enhanced_parameters_ford.asp

and I looked up the AutoEnginuity....
http://www.autoenginuity.com/products-scantoolpc.html

Both look like good tools and softwares. Here are a few videos from AutoTap that they are showing:

http://www.autotap.com/video/AutoTap_Misfire.wmv

http://www.autotap.com/video/AutoTap%20MP1.mpg

Everything they are doing you can do with the Modios. Most scan tools now a day also tell you what the code means once you pull it. Of coarse those videos are a little cheesy and aren't exactly true, but most scan tools are worth their money. I haven't used the AutoTap system myself, but maybe someone else has. Thank you for posting Gavin.

-Drew

bump

I use a PC program and OBDII interface cable from http://www.obd-2.com/ . Cost about $100 and works well for 96 and newer. It does nothing for GEM, ABS Brakes or Transmission but the engine stuff is great. Have fixed many Fords with this one.
Jerrys Repair Service - Jerry

The one I would like to get, Actron cp9145.

guys, i see so many options i'm confused to help me guys what would be the best for an average bloke here in aussie i have a 9/99build xlt i believe i'm pretty handy with a spannerbeing a jack of all trades but a master of none i would like to obtain one but i guess i'll have to go usa to get one could some one supply a address if possible and a cost if possible i would like to look at a flasher as wellthanks a've a g'day

Well - two things: what do you want to get out of it? Just to scan codes and clear codes or scan codes, clear codes, graph out things, read data displays, etc. -- there are numerous applications that'll work with your truck, but you have to see how much you want to spend and how much you want to get out of it. A code reader with the ability to clear codes will probably run you around $100-150 dollars (for a nice one). Check eBay for OBD-II code reader...that has the Code Reader and the function to clear codes.

-Drew

For the price, around 100.00, the Davis Car Chip is a pretty good tool.
50.00 more gets the EX version

Last year I purchased the AutoLogic Pocket OBD. I opted for the Professional which was CAN enabled. I'm just a "backyard mechanic" and the unit wasn't cheap but in just one year it payed for itself ... my wife has an Escort and I have my X.
I repaced my gauge faces with the New Image Platinum faces and added stock orange needles. The tach and speedo were off and Ford wanted alot of money to recalibrate. Using my Pocket OBD I was able to recalibrate my speedo within .5 MPH and my tach is dead on. This is just one example.
This unit has some nice features. It is set up in a Windows format so it is easy to use. It offers digital readout or graph read outs. You can check O2 sensors in wave format or digital. It has data recording. There is too much to list so here's a link : AutoLogic (http://www.autologicco.com/pocketline/pocketobdpro.shtm)

I'm not affiliated with them at all but I do like the unit. The only drawback is you have to re install the program if you forget to keep the unit charged. It's not a big deal as it takes 5 minutes but it would be nice if I didn't have to do this.

Anyone got the Proscan from http://www.myscantool.com/? I just ordered one so I guess I'll find out soon.

I have one and loaned it out to a young friend here in Sacramento this summer with the promise he will write an article on using it for this hread or forum. He send me a preliminary draft, and I am going to bug him to post the final version. In short, it was nice, but a little slow. Still a good value for the money.

It is important to remember that until CAN the bus speeds on the backbone of these systems was in the dark ages.

I have one and loaned it out to a young friend here in Sacramento this summer with the promise he will write an article on using it for this hread or forum. He send me a preliminary draft, and I am going to bug him to post the final version. In short, it was nice, but a little slow. Still a good value for the money.

It is important to remember that until CAN the bus speeds on the backbone of these systems was in the dark ages.
Pardon my ignorance but does the ProScan support CAN?

Good question, and one best directed to the company I suspect. I cannot imagine why it could not be configured to do so, but short answer - I dunno. I'd check their website.

Good question, and one best directed to the company I suspect. I cannot imagine why it could not be configured to do so, but short answer - I dunno. I'd check their website.
Took a month for me to receive the ProScan unit. Left numerous e-mails to seller (Gore Research); did not respond to any one of them. Non-existent customer service. This is not the support I need when I have a disabled vehicle and cannot even get hold of them. Sorry but this serves as my review for ProScan. DO NOT PURCHASE this product!!!

What do you guys think of this unit?
http://www.tradervar.com/cgi-bin/store/agora.cgi?cart_id=&page=ez6000.htm

What do you guys think of this unit?
http://www.tradervar.com/cgi-bin/store/agora.cgi?cart_id=&page=ez6000.htm

That's a nice one.

Excellent unit for the money.

Please help, I am undecided on the one I linked above or the Actron CP9150.

Help me decide on which one!!!

I am debating between the AutoX-Ray EZ Scan 4000, the Actron CP9145 and the OTC 3408. I know that they 4000 offers real-time data monitoring, but I am not sure on the Actron or OTC. Any thoughts?

Well this is what I bought.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/AutoXray-EZ-Scan-6000-OBD-I-II-scanner-Free-Shipping_W0QQitemZ170041507644QQihZ007QQcategoryZ43989QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
May need some help from the ex-perts here!!!!

I purchased the AutoXray EZ-Scan 4000 (in transit, awaiting delivery). The difference in the 4000 and the 6000 (the one that peties3 bought) is the portions of the software that are activated and the cables that are included. All of the software options on his are available to be activated on mine, over the phone or over the internet. I will get the enhanced codes for Ford and GM turned on sometime soon (I own a Ford and a GM), plus I will also try and find the software that allows you to plot the real time data on the PC (also included in the 6000). Once I get the unit and try it out, I will add an update.

I received my EZ-Scan 4000 and I upgraded to the enhanced Ford and GM codes today. I am very pleased with the unit. I took some pictures of the actual screen of the unit (freeze frame data for the CEL that I currently have). The unit only displays freeze frame data for the first error code. I apologize for the poor quality of the pics.

Here is the first screen, showing the error code:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d11/KaiserM715/Scanner/IMG_1664.jpg

The first screen of the freeze frame data:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d11/KaiserM715/Scanner/IMG_1665.jpg

The second screen of the freeze frame data:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d11/KaiserM715/Scanner/IMG_1666.jpg

If you decide to upgrade your scanner, I recommend doing it over the phone rather than the internet as they have to call you to give you the unlock codes anyway. Over the phone would be faster and easier. Overall I am very impressed with what I got for the money. I will try and post more updates as I use the unit.

That code probably set when you were puttin around town. Good pictures - thanks! :thumbsup:

-Drew

Yup, looks like mine!!! Real happy with mine so far. Since I have had it and trying to capture the errors that set the CEL, I have had not one!!!!! Maybe I will just leave it plugged in all the time!!!
LOL

I've read all this info and I'm a bit confused-- I don't have a scan tool and I'd like to get one. My immediate problem is that the wife's 01 Chrysler T&C minivan is giving an OBDII code (P0700) that means there is a transmission code stored in the transmission computer. I'd like something that could pull the transmission code. ("Honey, I need to buy this to fix your car." ;) )

Although I have a 94 X, I'm not really looking for OBD-I to the extent I could trade off for more OBD-II features for the price. The ability to bleed ABS brakes would be nice as well as getting a broad range of domestic mfg-specific codes.

I'd like to buy something asap and don't have a lot of time to research the ins and outs of everything available. That's where I could use your advice. What would you guys recommend for a budget in the $500 range? (if there's something suitable for less, that would be good).

Brock-

The EZ-Scan 6000 is the the upgraded version of mine and will do all OBD II (including CAN) with the enhanced codes for Ford, GM, Chrysler and Toyota. It also includes all of the cables and software for OBD I. I have seen them on eBay with "Buy it now" for $300 - $335 (retail is $650, I think). I am really happy with my 4000.