I know I'll get the straight scoop here...Do All the ODB II scanners work the same? I mean if I buy a cheap one just to get & eraser the codes, it should work right? On EBay I see them for $30 to $300. A code is a code right? Heres one http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/OBD-2...75971486QQrdZ1

 

I got one for about $100 a year ago (scangauge.com) that reads and clears codes. The thing I like is that it give other diagnostics too(mpg, trip meter, ia temp, water temp.) Anything you might want to know. I velcro'ed it under the dash as a permanent gauge in the f-150. I think if you decide to get it, and sign on to the f-150 forum, you get a $30 discount.

 

There are two types. Generic and specific. There are a bunch of codes and parameters that are generic for OBDII. The rest are manufacturer specific. So, if you want to know everything about a particular vehicle, you need to make sure that you have the GM (or Ford or Chrysler) specific scanner. That might be one of the big differences between the $30 and $300 units.
-Matt

 

Harbor Freight sells that same one for under $40.
I bought one and have used it a couple times. As pointed out, it just gives the OBDII code that you look up in a book that comes with it.
I would reccomend buying one that gives more info, like ElCids, if you're going to do any work on the car.
Gary

 

I need one for my wife's '98 Tahoe.
Initially, I looked and found some for about $100 that connected to a laptop.
Now, the cheapest I can find is $350 http://www.obd2.com

These software based ones are upgradable via software to vehicle specific codes.
Also, they have performance graphing/datalogging.
You can even do a virtual 1/4 mile / etc.

Damn computers.

 

Many different types of OBDII readers:

Simplest type can only read generic codes.

Next type can read generic plus manufacturer specific codes. IMO this is the minimum to get. There are way to many manufacturer codes to get by with a generic reader.

Next step up is a reader that also displays real-time sensor data.

Finally you have the more professional models that will also interface to systems besides the powertrain: ABS computer, Airbags, BCM (body control module) etc.

Top of the line for GM is the Kent-Moore TEC-II. Besides all the stuff above it also lets you run diagnostics. It can order the car's computer to run specific tests such as a cylinder balance test etc and also order the ABS module to open specific solenoids for certain types of brake work. But last I check the TEC-II was $2000.

 

The 30 dollar units flash generic codes and clear...thats it.

OBDII is awesome if you have a nice scanner. You can read the output of every sensor on the vehicle and see its specific output as well as manufact codes that vary from the generic ones. On some OBDII cars like my Honda you can just jumper the service connector and get the Check engine light to flash the code and works just as well as a generic code reader. So you might want to search for your particular application and see if it has a trick like that and save yourself 30 bux.

The Snap-on scanner my friend has cost ALOT of cash, but you can get a ton of info when hooked up to his Z28.

 

ok so here is my question. i have a 99 f150 with the v6 and i was wanting to know if i get one can i set it up for better gas mileage? with gas prices climbing ive been thinking about selling my truck and getting something else but if i can get better gas mileage then i will keep it. TIA oh yah and does anyone have a link to the f150 message board?

 

Try f150online.com. I had the V-6 in an 02 F150 and was doing right at 20mpg. The scangauge can give you mileage, and inlet air temp, etc, but you can't "tune" anything from it. You can only see the results from tuning and mods.

 

There are many companies that will gladly take your money and give you something they swear will improve mileage. But think about it; with all the pressure on OEMs the last 3 decades to improve mileage don't you think that if there was an easy computer way to get better mileage they wouldn't have done it already?

 

How about a "tornado"

 

More laptop scanner interface options:

Being an electrical engineer and former technician, I think I am
going to eventually build my own scan interface:
http://www.elmelectronics.com/obdindex.html

If you want it all built ... or extras for building your own:
http://www.scantool.net/products/index.htm

 

The exact answer based upon the way you phrased it is, yes, the do all read and clear codes.

And to reinforce what's already been written...you get what you pay for and if you can choke out the extra buck for a scanner that reads enhanced code (the manufacturer specific codes) then you be well advised to step up.

But here is a real important thing about a scanner: It is a tool to assist in diagnostics and nothing more. It takes a good, experienced technician to make the best use of a scanner. Having a scanner show you a P0301 code (misfire in cyl 1) doesn't mean that you have a bad plug in that cylinder. A good tech will go through the diagnostics to determine why that cylinder is showing a misfire and this is based upon vast experience in being able to interpret the code and conditions. They wouldn't usually just replace the plug and wire on that cylinder and call it fixed since it may not be the ignition that is causing it. A malfunctioning injector on that cylinder, as well as other things, will trigger that code too. It's not a common occurance that a scanner will tell you exactly what the problem is, only what the thing is that triggered the code.

So, in summary, a scanner is just a path in diagnostics. You crack the code, then determine what you're going to do with that information.

 

got one already gave me a little better gas mileage but only got me from 18mpg to 20mpg. im sure my vette will do that when im done so im putting the pressure on myself to get it done so i can drive that on nice days.

 

100% The generic code readers will only tell you the codes and the more expensive scan tools will help you only if you know what info you are looking at. Keep in mind a code can pinpoint a problem and it can also lead you 180 degrees in the other direction. Most people have the general idea that the code will tell you the exact problem and just repl. the part only to find out it did not repair the problem.
Most poeple i have had experance with find out the hard way and give up and take it some where to have it repaired and then find out they could have saved money in the long run just haveing a shop repair the vec. first in stead of trial,error and fustration.
I use a master tech scan tool at work and it is very nice but you are looking at several thousand dollars and a lot of time geting to know what to look for.
I am a master automotive equipment tech. and work for verizon.
I have my ase master auto and truck cert. My advice is take it some where and save your self some fustration and MAYBE some money.

 

Look on Ebay for a Snap-On MT2500 Scanner. You can probably buy one updated to 98 for $500 or so. Even if it's only good to 96 you can update the cartridge. For a bit more than the $300 you were looking to spend you will have a much more versitile tool. It will do the tests and run systems that the generic won't. The troubleshooter can be very handy.