OBD2 Scan Tool Recommendation
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OBD2 Scan Tool Recommendation
I'm not used to newer cars or American cars and just bought my wife a 2003 Century. Is it recommended to have an OBDII Scan Tool on hand or am I asking the fates to send me codes?
Assuming a yes answer and since I hate to buy too cheap only having to rebuy something that really works, what make/model/type is recommended and/or price range and/or important features. In other words, what do you find helpful between a top end SnapOn whiz bang special and a Harbor Freight Chinese whiz bang special.
Thanks.
Assuming a yes answer and since I hate to buy too cheap only having to rebuy something that really works, what make/model/type is recommended and/or price range and/or important features. In other words, what do you find helpful between a top end SnapOn whiz bang special and a Harbor Freight Chinese whiz bang special.
Thanks.
Retired
Certified Car Nut
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 17,960
Likes: 1,839
From: Dark Side, AZ
If its just code retrieval your looking for, then a cheap Actron pocket scanner will do just fine. About $80 or so new?
If your into codes and watching what your engine is doing by viewing live data, then your looking at about $200 for a full fledge scanner.
Then you have the scanners that plug directly into your laptop. Unlimited data storage, bigger screen, you can take snapshots, record data etc. Like the one I have from Scantool.net.
If your interested in reprogramming like Billboost37 and Danthurs has(HP Tuners) those things do everything like above, but also reprogram. Those little boogers run about $400-500.
If your into codes and watching what your engine is doing by viewing live data, then your looking at about $200 for a full fledge scanner.
Then you have the scanners that plug directly into your laptop. Unlimited data storage, bigger screen, you can take snapshots, record data etc. Like the one I have from Scantool.net.
If your interested in reprogramming like Billboost37 and Danthurs has(HP Tuners) those things do everything like above, but also reprogram. Those little boogers run about $400-500.
Senior Member
Posts like a Turbo
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 233
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From: Illinois
I use a OTC Genisys. But my family has its own small fleet of cars. And friends always need to use it.
It can do everything with trouble codes, repair-trac (common symptoms and problems), circuit descriptions, data-streams with recording, etc.
I picked up a used one for 300$, it can read old obd-1 systems if you have the correct cables and reads obd-2 up to 2002. I think an update is around another 300$ but I'm not worried until we get something newer.
Might be more than what youre looking for but I thought I'd mention it. It'* been a lifesaver for me.
It can do everything with trouble codes, repair-trac (common symptoms and problems), circuit descriptions, data-streams with recording, etc.
I picked up a used one for 300$, it can read old obd-1 systems if you have the correct cables and reads obd-2 up to 2002. I think an update is around another 300$ but I'm not worried until we get something newer.
Might be more than what youre looking for but I thought I'd mention it. It'* been a lifesaver for me.
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