Scanner decision
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 642
Likes: 11
Scanner decision
Hey guys never used one but getting interested with these code readers and needing suggestions for one that is reasonably priced yet easy to use for early model C4s.
Last edited by lectroglide; Jan 3, 2015 at 07:33 PM.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 372
Likes: 23
From: Harper Woods MI
I have an Autoxray 2500. It reads OBD1 and OBD2. It's pretty easy to work. I'm unsure about other units. I bought this on a recommendation from a auto parts store I spend some time at.
I think OBD2 didn't start until 1996.
http://www.autoxray.com/product_detail.php?pid=126
I think OBD2 didn't start until 1996.
http://www.autoxray.com/product_detail.php?pid=126
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 30,427
Likes: 1,609
From: Outside the Quick Stop N.J.
I have an Autoxray 2500. It reads OBD1 and OBD2. It's pretty easy to work. I'm unsure about other units. I bought this on a recommendation from a auto parts store I spend some time at.
I think OBD2 didn't start until 1996.
http://www.autoxray.com/product_detail.php?pid=126
I think OBD2 didn't start until 1996.
http://www.autoxray.com/product_detail.php?pid=126
I would get a scanner that reads both OBD I (1995 and earlier) and OBD II (1996 and later) codes. I have a Craftsman that does both, I have also used an Innova brand. Both worked well, but it depends on what you want the tool to do. Most basic scanners will only read powertrain codes, not body, trans or ABS codes. To read those codes you will have to step up to a Tech II or similar. For most people the cost of these units outweighs their usefulness. Whatever you choose, I would try it out first (if possible) and make sure it works for you.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 642
Likes: 11
I would get a scanner that reads both OBD I (1995 and earlier) and OBD II (1996 and later) codes. I have a Craftsman that does both, I have also used an Innova brand. Both worked well, but it depends on what you want the tool to do. Most basic scanners will only read powertrain codes, not body, trans or ABS codes. To read those codes you will have to step up to a Tech II or similar. For most people the cost of these units outweighs their usefulness. Whatever you choose, I would try it out first (if possible) and make sure it works for you.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
I don't know if you really even want a scanner.
You can get the codes by using a jumper (paper clip) and connecting two pins on the ALDL.
Try looking at
http://tech.corvettecentral.com/2011...trouble-codes/
or
http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/foru...56&postcount=9
Good luck.
You can get the codes by using a jumper (paper clip) and connecting two pins on the ALDL.
Try looking at
http://tech.corvettecentral.com/2011...trouble-codes/
or
http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/foru...56&postcount=9
Good luck.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 16,089
Likes: 819
From: Dallas Texas
2025 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I don't know if you really even want a scanner.
You can get the codes by using a jumper (paper clip) and connecting two pins on the ALDL.
Try looking at
http://tech.corvettecentral.com/2011...trouble-codes/
or
http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/foru...56&postcount=9
Good luck.
You can get the codes by using a jumper (paper clip) and connecting two pins on the ALDL.
Try looking at
http://tech.corvettecentral.com/2011...trouble-codes/
or
http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/foru...56&postcount=9
Good luck.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 30,427
Likes: 1,609
From: Outside the Quick Stop N.J.
I am just going on the assumption that you have another car that you drive. Or maybe you would get something newer in the future. I think a dedicated OBD I scanner would be hard to find, however code readers are readily available. If you are going to make the investment why not get something that would work on more than just one car ?
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 30,427
Likes: 1,609
From: Outside the Quick Stop N.J.
[QUOTE=QCVette;1588596311]I don't know if you really even want a scanner.
You can get the codes by using a jumper (paper clip) and connecting two pins on the ALDL.
This method will give you the trouble codes, but no further data. If you just want to pull codes out of the computer, this will work fine. If you want more detailed diagnostic info such as sensor data at the time the code was stored you need a scanner.
You can get the codes by using a jumper (paper clip) and connecting two pins on the ALDL.
This method will give you the trouble codes, but no further data. If you just want to pull codes out of the computer, this will work fine. If you want more detailed diagnostic info such as sensor data at the time the code was stored you need a scanner.
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
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From: Anaheim CA
In my opinion the best solution is a cable (roughly $70) and scanner software for a laptop. The major advantage is that you can data log and import the results into a spreadsheet. I find graphing certain parameters can give me a much better picture of what the engine is doing.
Here's an interesting example which show how the IAC counts decay as the engine warms up at idle. The default startup IAC count is 144, so that's where it begins when the ignition is first turned on. The coolant was at 91° at startup. When the engine was started the IAC dropped pretty fast to the initial idle speed and slowly tailed off from there until the coolant was fully warmed up.
Here's an interesting example which show how the IAC counts decay as the engine warms up at idle. The default startup IAC count is 144, so that's where it begins when the ignition is first turned on. The coolant was at 91° at startup. When the engine was started the IAC dropped pretty fast to the initial idle speed and slowly tailed off from there until the coolant was fully warmed up.
Last edited by Cliff Harris; Dec 31, 2014 at 02:41 AM.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 642
Likes: 11
I am just going on the assumption that you have another car that you drive. Or maybe you would get something newer in the future. I think a dedicated OBD I scanner would be hard to find, however code readers are readily available. If you are going to make the investment why not get something that would work on more than just one car ?