OBD-1 Scan Tools
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 183
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From: N.E. Ohio
OBD-1 Scan Tools
Has anyone had any experience with using the Snap-On MT 2500 or the Actron CP 9690 on their Corvettes? If so are they mainly for reading data or can they send a signal to the ECM to command various components? What I'm asking is are they bi-directional? Would either one be useful in diagnosing a no start condition? I don't know a bunch about scan tools so any information will be greatly appreciated.
My Corvette is a 1989.
My Corvette is a 1989.
Last edited by DALE53; Feb 27, 2022 at 08:53 AM. Reason: add more info
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: South-central Missouri
Has anyone had any experience with using the Snap-On MT 2500 or the Actron CP 9690 on their Corvettes? If so are they mainly for reading data or can they send a signal to the ECM to command various components? What I'm asking is are they bi-directional? Would either one be useful in diagnosing a no start condition? I don't know a bunch about scan tools so any information will be greatly appreciated.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2022
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From: Spokane Wa.
I recently purchased a Snap On MT2500 with the understanding that they are bi-directional. I haven't had a chance to use it yet so can't verify but from the research I did they are able to command various components. If you do go with the Snap On make sure that it has all the cartridges to cover the vehicles you intend to use it on as they can be pricey to buy after the fact. The one I bought has both the dedicated GM cartridge and the troubleshooting one. My understanding is Snap On would come out with updates every year or so so the latest versions will be the most helpful. Mine even has an adapter to work with OBDII. Having all the adapters is also a real plus if you work on a variety of vehicles as I do. I bought mine from a retired mechanic and it came with all the adapters,cables, and numerous cartridges covering vehicle up into the early 2000's. I gave $200 for it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2014
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For 94 and 95 model year LT1 you can get an ALDL cable to connect a windows laptop the diagnostic port.
There are free software scan programs that work well. Also available are free data logging, chip read / write and bin modification programs.
If you have a 94 or 95, this is the no brainer route in my opinion.
I use EEhack for scanning, diagnostic and data logging. Flashhack for reading and writing. TunerPro for bin modification. These are free but the program writers do accept donations. I chose to donate.
There are free software scan programs that work well. Also available are free data logging, chip read / write and bin modification programs.
If you have a 94 or 95, this is the no brainer route in my opinion.
I use EEhack for scanning, diagnostic and data logging. Flashhack for reading and writing. TunerPro for bin modification. These are free but the program writers do accept donations. I chose to donate.
Team Owner
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For 94 and 95 model year LT1 you can get an ALDL cable to connect a windows laptop the diagnostic port.
There are free software scan programs that work well. Also available are free data logging, chip read / write and bin modification programs.
If you have a 94 or 95, this is the no brainer route in my opinion.
I use EEhack for scanning, diagnostic and data logging. Flashhack for reading and writing. TunerPro for bin modification. These are free but the program writers do accept donations. I chose to donate.
There are free software scan programs that work well. Also available are free data logging, chip read / write and bin modification programs.
If you have a 94 or 95, this is the no brainer route in my opinion.
I use EEhack for scanning, diagnostic and data logging. Flashhack for reading and writing. TunerPro for bin modification. These are free but the program writers do accept donations. I chose to donate.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2014
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I have heard that the partial year application of some aftermarket scan tools wasn’t compatible with all 94’s. But I have not heard that limitation with the shareware programs I mentioned.
My vette is a 96 OBD2 so I can’t use these programs on it. But we have used them extensively on my sons Malibu which has a 94 Z28 LT1 swapped in.
The EEhack site doesn’t mention any limitations within the 94-95 years that I have seen.
http://fbodytech.com/eehack-2/eehack-features/
My vette is a 96 OBD2 so I can’t use these programs on it. But we have used them extensively on my sons Malibu which has a 94 Z28 LT1 swapped in.
The EEhack site doesn’t mention any limitations within the 94-95 years that I have seen.
http://fbodytech.com/eehack-2/eehack-features/
Last edited by JD1964; Feb 26, 2022 at 09:19 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2021
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From: N.E. Ohio
Forgot to mention my car is a 1989. Will the Actron be able to handle this scenario? Let's say the car is running rough and you suspect a fouled injector. You hook up the scan tool and it reveals #3 injector not functioning as the rest. Is this what the Actron is capable of doing? Thanks.
Team Owner
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Forgot to mention my car is a 1989. Will the Actron be able to handle this scenario? Let's say the car is running rough and you suspect a fouled injector. You hook up the scan tool and it reveals #3 injector not functioning as the rest. Is this what the Actron is capable of doing? Thanks.
I always fall back on what the GM techs would have used when the car was new with the FSM at their disposal. with that said you cannot go wrong with any tool that is made by snap on. that tool has gone down in price a lot in the last ten years. mainly due to how outdated it is. which is a great thing for C4 owners
Thread Starter
Instructor
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From: N.E. Ohio
Team Owner
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From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
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yes every time the CEL light came on I could plug it in and read the codes and go through the data logging of each sensor and figure what is going on
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 183
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From: N.E. Ohio
I always fall back on what the GM techs would have used when the car was new with the FSM at their disposal. with that said you cannot go wrong with any tool that is made by snap on. that tool has gone down in price a lot in the last ten years. mainly due to how outdated it is. which is a great thing for C4 owners
Team Owner
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I am not sure how advance the other one is. Is that more of a one size fits most? The snap on has over a dozen “keys” that lets you scan all makes and models accurately I am not saying they are not equal I just know what works for me. One thing your learn from a mechanic that is there is no substitute for good tools and the one tool for all never works like you want it too.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2018
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From: Mays Landing, NJ
Forgot to mention my car is a 1989. Will the Actron be able to handle this scenario? Let's say the car is running rough and you suspect a fouled injector. You hook up the scan tool and it reveals #3 injector not functioning as the rest. Is this what the Actron is capable of doing? Thanks.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 689
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From: Spokane Wa.
That's good logic in what you say, however the Actron is also capable of OBD-2 as well as OBD-1. Since I do own OBD-2 vehicles I could get more bang for my buck in a scan tool that handles both. Not ruling either out right now just trying to make a good decision and appreciate your feedback.