Diagnostic tools
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,362
Likes: 3
From: Delray Beach FL
Re: Diagnostic tools (rick lambert)
Rick,
There is really no reason if all you want to do is get the codes. All the inexpensive units do is short the A and B terminals to have the codes flash. Here is a site the explains how to get the codes from your car: http://www.c4vettes.com/ecm.htm
The expensive tool you need is a paper clip or piece of wire. If you want to be able to monitor different aspects of the engine, then you may want to take a look at EASE software. Their site is http://www.obd2.com. I just received my EASE software and have not had a chance to play with it.
:cheers:
There is really no reason if all you want to do is get the codes. All the inexpensive units do is short the A and B terminals to have the codes flash. Here is a site the explains how to get the codes from your car: http://www.c4vettes.com/ecm.htm
The expensive tool you need is a paper clip or piece of wire. If you want to be able to monitor different aspects of the engine, then you may want to take a look at EASE software. Their site is http://www.obd2.com. I just received my EASE software and have not had a chance to play with it.
:cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,884
Likes: 3
From: Magnolia Mississippi
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Re: Diagnostic tools (CentralCoaster)
:withstupid: There's a big difference between a scantool and a code reader.
I use a paper clip to read my codes. :yesnod:
I use a paper clip to read my codes. :yesnod:
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,492
Likes: 94
From: Westfield MA
Re: Diagnostic tools (rick lambert)
I agree with the paper clip method of retrieving codes. I have an AutoXray scanner that will allow you to read the sensor values and can be very useful for trouble shooting. It will take a snapshot, monitor real time or take a set of values over a short time period to catch an intermittant problem. It was $100 refurbished.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,858
Likes: 2
Re: Diagnostic tools (rick lambert)
If you want to go beyond reading the codes only (paper clip method is best/free for that) you might also look around on eBay. Not long ago a guy auctioned an $180 (new price) AutoXray XP240 unit for 84 - 93 OBD-I GM and it went for like $60.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,949
Likes: 23
From: Bowling Green KY
Re: Diagnostic tools (rick lambert)
I just went with the Datamaster software and love it. Let's you use your laptop to see everything in real time.
It's about $100 for the cable and about $100 for the software.
It's about $100 for the cable and about $100 for the software.
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Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Almost all Skyline Cruises Vettes at Waterside 1-5
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Re: Diagnostic tools (skybolt31)
:cheers: I got an auto xray on e bay for $ 120
great tool, saved me a lot of $ recently
:seeya
:steering:
great tool, saved me a lot of $ recently
:seeya
:steering:
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,212
Likes: 10
From: Sun City West Az
Re: Diagnostic tools (skybolt31)
I have an Auto X-Ray too and I like it. I paid $100 for it and it has been a helpful tool. I am hopeful that I won't need anything better!!
[Modified by ittlfly, 10:13 AM 2/27/2004]
