Diagnostic Tools?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 46
From: Raleigh North Carolina
Diagnostic Tools?
Hi ya'll... I need some advice on where to start with diagnostic equipment for a 1987. I have a new Dell laptop running Windows 10 (Christmas gift). What is the most sensible software and real time data logging equipment I should get? Where's a good place to get it? I don't need the Cadillac version... just the backyard mechanic sensible stuff to get the job done.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,424
Likes: 3,276
From: Hartford WI
I don't like the laptop since you have to buy the cable and use the software which has a learning curve. I'd get the handheld one so it is easier to take along. Snap On MT2500 or maybe a used Tech1?
Zen Vet Master Level VII
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 5,218
Likes: 1,174
From: Southlake, TX
look up WIN ALDL as it is OBD1 compatible. They may have a version for your year
I had this set up for my 82 and I liked it very much. Yes, it has a cable and CD and I could see charts and graphs.
However, as Aklim mentioned a Tech 1 is a great way to go
I had this set up for my 82 and I liked it very much. Yes, it has a cable and CD and I could see charts and graphs.
However, as Aklim mentioned a Tech 1 is a great way to go
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,424
Likes: 3,276
From: Hartford WI
If I had needed it then before I bought my scanners, I'd have gone with the Tech 1 because it can cycle the ABS among other things.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 761
Likes: 68
A dedicated scan tool, particularly the Tech I, is quick and easy. However for $85 (the ALDC cable) and a free program called TunerPro (tunerpro.net) you not only can log but you can start to learn how to edit your tune aka BIN.
Perhaps the beauty of the laptop is it can run a log for virtually forever whereas the typical scan tool may log for 30 seconds at best.
Anyhow TunerPro is actually 2 programs in one: log and/or tune. Yes there is a learning curve but this is also true of most things in life worth anything !!! lol greg
Perhaps the beauty of the laptop is it can run a log for virtually forever whereas the typical scan tool may log for 30 seconds at best.
Anyhow TunerPro is actually 2 programs in one: log and/or tune. Yes there is a learning curve but this is also true of most things in life worth anything !!! lol greg
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 16,836
Likes: 337
From: Database Error Indiana
Tunrpro and an ALDL cable . Less than $100 and it works .
http://www.moates.net/tunerpro-rt-v5-p-68.html?cPath=31
http://www.reddevilriver.com/aldl.html
http://www.moates.net/tunerpro-rt-v5-p-68.html?cPath=31
http://www.reddevilriver.com/aldl.html
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 46
From: Raleigh North Carolina
Tunrpro and an ALDL cable . Less than $100 and it works .
http://www.moates.net/tunerpro-rt-v5-p-68.html?cPath=31
http://www.reddevilriver.com/aldl.html
http://www.moates.net/tunerpro-rt-v5-p-68.html?cPath=31
http://www.reddevilriver.com/aldl.html
Also...I don't have a smart phone.
Last edited by Tom454; Mar 3, 2017 at 03:31 PM.
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Team Owner
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From: Hartford WI
It might be but you have to place the laptop in the car. So yes, it is cheaper and cannot do the cycling of the ABS. That means I have to be more careful when bleeding the brakes. It also means I have to take the laptop out to the car when I want to do work. Driving with the laptop isn't an option. Handheld would allow portability even if it cannot cycle ABS like my scantools. I can bring them along in the trunk or glove box since I don't have an OBD1 car besides the C4. Costs less up front? Yes. Cost effective? It depends.
You are the 2nd person I know of who doesn't.
You are the 2nd person I know of who doesn't.
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From: Hartford WI
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I have a Tech1, but in addition to buying a used Tech1 you need the cartridges also. I don't have the mass storage cartridge, and even though I have all the others, I'm limited without the mass storage cartridge.
Given that you have the laptop, tunerpro is a good option.
Given that you have the laptop, tunerpro is a good option.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,424
Likes: 3,276
From: Hartford WI
Why is that? Just not available or ridiculously expensive?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 46
From: Raleigh North Carolina
Price is a high priority in my case. I only want to spend enough to get the job done. I tried a code reader and that was useless. I can do $100. For my purpose, anything more is not cost effective. Thanks for the suggestions. I think I have a mission now instead of a question.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
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Price is a high priority in my case. I only want to spend enough to get the job done. I tried a code reader and that was useless. I can do $100. For my purpose, anything more is not cost effective. Thanks for the suggestions. I think I have a mission now instead of a question.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 16,836
Likes: 337
From: Database Error Indiana
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,424
Likes: 3,276
From: Hartford WI
My thoughts are that you would have to have a dedicated laptop to do this if you want to scan it when you want. That or take it in and out of the house when you leave and come home. I can leave the scanner there all day long. I have my OBD1 scanner in the car as a permanent resident
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Database Error Indiana
I have a Windows partition on my laptop with my scan and tuning programs. I have a linux partition that I use for everything else so I just carry it in and out as needed. I dont scan or tune that often these days. In fact I no longer have the C4 so I should probably sell the hardware that I have for it. 