I'm looking for one that'll do obd1, obd2, & can with some different connectors for different makes.

Autoxray any good?

 

If all you want is a code reader, a paperclip does a hell of a job. A lot cheaper, too.

RACE ON!!!

 

With OBD II???

 

Don't know nutten about OBDII.

RACE ON!!!

 

Harborfreight sells a universal code reader for OBD11 1996's. The part number is 46030-oyva and is #39.95 The web site is www.harborfreight.com I've used it for over one year and works great reading codes and erasing them.

 

I bought a AutoXray 3000 which is only for the OBD1 cars, its great. The next step up which does OBD1 / 2 was a little more , but just as good i am sure. Money well spent!

 

I bought a used Snap On MT2500 system. It does everything you ask, but by the time I got all the cartriges and connectors for doing the Domestic and Asian cars I spent close to $800 (and that's after lots of paitient bargain hunting on eBay).

 

Thanks guys,

That's what I want to avoid, getting nickel & dimed for this conn & that software update.

I've used a paper clip, but I don't know if you can erase codes w/ a clip? Can you?

 

You can erase codes by disconnecting the batter for 10 seconds or so...

My vette is an '85, so that's ODBI, but my parent's Grand Prix is an ODBII system, and when I need to check that- I always just take it to autozone. They'll tell me what the code is (for free).

That's just an option if you don't wanna drop the money for a scanner.
My brother uses an Autoxray for his car, it seems to do the job pretty well.

 

I use my laptop and free software= moates datamaster winaldl

 

Could you give me a link or something more to go by

 

I see now your also looking for OBD2 and the programs i listed are all OBD1, Sorry

 

I bought an Autoxray 6000 off e-bay for about 350. It reads all years, all cars, OBD I & II. It will give codes, clear codes, show all sensor and engine readings, capture and download to PC and do some testing. I Love It!

 

You might want to check out EASE Diagnostics:

http://www.obd2.com/

Look under Automotive DIYers. I have/use their OBDI program that I picked up from a forum member. A little pricey to buy new, but good stuff.

 

Does Moates have the cable too? I have an OLD laptop that woould probably be great for something like that.

 

Actron makes a scanner that is available for earlier year cars. They are available from Pep Boys, and Advanced Auto. I bought one for my 1991 Vette, but it will also work on my new Chevy Colorado. The model is #9145, which works on both OBD I, and OBD II. It comes with the cable for OBD II, and you have to buy an additional cable for OBD I. The scanner was $299, and the cable was an additional $30, but it also gives you the power cable for the cigarette lighter. You can look on their website, www.actron.com. They also have excellent customer service, as the power cable continually blew my 15 amp fuse, I found that the cable was bad. I called them, and they sent me a new one in two days, for free! Saved me a trip back to Advanced Auto, which only would have had to order me another one. Hope this helps....

 

I built my own cable from this schematic
I use it for Datamaster and Moates.

 

Try Ease Diagnostics at: http://www.obd2.com/index_home.html

Ease sells OBD2, OBD1, and CAN capable scan tools to DIY'ers and Professionals. I rep for Ease and I give a 10% discount to other CF members who order through me.

There are several free OBD1 scan programs/tools available on the internet. Most of the free ones are limited in the specific vehicles that they will scan, but you cannot beat the price and if the tool will scan your Vette it may be all you need. Moates scan tool and WinALDL are real good choices (FREE) for OBD1 Vette owners.

OBD1 and OBD2 are not interchangeable protocols, so an OBD1 only tool will not help you with OBD2. There aren't any really free OBD2 tools that I know of, but there are some available for VERY low prices and limited number of free uses if you search.

The CAN capability is fairly new, so mostly the major scan tool suppliers are the ones who support that at this time.

This is why I like Ease scan tools. Their OBD1 for GM supports ALL GM OBD1 vehicles (Saturns, GMC Trucks, Vettes), including the Body & Chassis & ABS controllers in the later OBD1 GM vehicles. The GM OBD2 tool supports ALL GM OBD2 vehicles and supports bi-directional control. You can clear DTCs and set run time values similar to the way the dealers do with the Tech2. Ease also offers scan tools for pre-OBD1 F*rds, Chrysler, Toyota, as well as a generic OBD2 tool for all makes. The OBD2 generic tool can also be used on several different types of PDAs.

If you really want an all in one OBD1/OBD2/CAN scan tool product email or PM me and I'll be glad to answer more questions.