Scantool Recomendation
 

Hello,
Could someone recomend a relativalely inexpensive scantool for my 97 Bonneville. Or should I go with a used Snap on or other well known brand from craigslist ?
Thanks!!

The answer depends on what you want the scantool for. Many of the more inexpensive scan tools are great code readers and provide some live data, but most do not support all the extended data that some desire for OBDII. The Actron CP9145 is one of these. The AutoXray seems to be one of the better handheld scanners, but you would need to buy the enhanced data upgrade to get all the enhanced parameters that make the tool the most useful. There are also several laptop based programs if you have a laptop and prefer that method of data collection.

do you want just a code reader, or a real scantool that reads live data?

Yes..I need to read live data. My Bonnevile has very low power going uphill or even flat under load. I have tried cleaning MAF, changed out plugs and wires ; new coils...I need to stop throwing parts at this car. I already have a code reader...shows no codes

Tell us where you live (city/state). We may have a member nearby with a scantool already.

I live in Fairfield, California which is almost considered the San Francisco bay area.....

Welcome home. I'm from Davis (grew up there from 3 on, and born in Healdsburg).

Rod Rounds (rrounds) is our nearest member with a scantool. PM him a link to this topic. Let's get you hooked up. He's in sacramentoish.

Will do...thanks for the help!!

In the meantime, the best way to go is probably the Actron CP9145, but it won't read enhanced data.

Look up the Aeroforce scangauge. It's VERY popular here.

Willwren,
Since you are familiar with Fairfield could you give me your opinion. When I am In Vallejo and making my way up the grade toward Fairfield , the Bonny loses power in my opinion. I usually just put it in 3 or tap the brakes to get the converter unlocked and it then goes ok. Its worse when its warm and I have the AC on. Maybe this is normal .. Do you think I should be able to make it up that grade in overdrive and the TCC locked? Car has been running like this since I got it with 80k about 4 years ago, but seems to be getting worse.