pcolt94

Looking at the Autel AL619 and the Innova 3160D.
The 3160B looks good to but not much cheaper.

Both look like great scan tools and in my price range. What would be the difference between be other than price?

I guess in these price ranges there are no bi-directional units.

THE 383 admiral

Both good choices. Your dash will display codes. When shorted

LT1_383

The A-B shorting method doesn't work on 1994-1995. I'm not 100% certain, but it looks like the two scanners you mention are OBD2, which don't work on 1995 and older. Actron makes a high end scanner that does GM-OBD1 and OBD2. The most popular options for 1995 and older are the USB cables to laptops or the new ALDL Bluetooth adapters.

pcolt94

You are correct.

In addition the 94-95 uses a OBD2 connector but is a OBD1 system. The 3160D will do OBD1 as well. But I was just looking for general information to see if someone had any experience with them. I have some other usages for the OBD2 units that I am looking at.

THE 383 admiral

yes, thank you, I do know this.. i thought the OP had 92 -93

94 -95

You can short like this.



Yes All 3 scan tools listed are OBD2 Only

pcolt94

OK, thank you however, I am well versed using the on board diagnostics as well as have a Tech1.

I was merely looking for any information or experience others might have had on the units I have mentioned.

bjankuski

You could by a 12 pin and 16 pin y-cable adapter cable from moates and use tunerpro on your laptop to log the data for your car.

pcolt94

I never went as far as Tunerpro, but I think I played with Datamaster few years ago. I do have a program or two that runs on my laptop with an interface board I built with a custom connector that will show me live data, works OK .

But when I got my Tech1, it worked so superior to what I had I basically stayed with it. I realize a data logging program is different from a Tech1, but I guess I don’t have a need for the logger at this time.

pkincy

I like Datamaster as it allows a longer more visible log file than a scanner. I have an EZRay 5000 i use as a scanner but they are good for different purposes. I use the scanner as a quick check on how all monitored systems are gunctioning but when i am contemplating or evaluating a new tune, i meed more and Datamaster fis that function.

kkperformance

You might check your local Snap On or Matco tool trucks- even craigslist or Fleabay- You can pick up the Snap on scanners pretty reasonable nowadays that would be awesome for an older car. They have a ton of info and some good bi directional control - easy to navigate also.