What scantool would you guys recommend? I am going to be looking to buy one shortly and want a recommendation from the group. Is AutoXray the best or is there something better out there? I have a 1987 Vette, so I believe I have the OBD I system. I'd like something that is easy to use. Just want to know what is going on with the system. Thanks in advance.
Brad

 

I use a Snap-On Mt 2500. Check eBay...

 

Do you have a laptop with a good battery? If so Datamaster is a great deal for around $100.

 

Auto X-ray 2000 Model, Inexpensive For The Shadetree Mech & Easy To Use

 

how long have you used ???

 

If price is no problem:
http://www.vetronix.com/diagnostics/mts3100/index.html

or

http://www.vetronix.com/diagnostics/tech2/index.html

Tom Piper

 

www.obd2.com
EASE software if you have a laptop. AWESOME product!! I used it when I had a C4. Sold mine to Bogus. Check the C4 Parts Section. "h rock" is selling his copy.

 

Thanks guys! Lots to consider here! I didn't know there were so many different products out there. I believe I need the OBD I type of scanner since this is a 1987, so the OBD II scanners may not work on my application. Guess I have some comparison shopping to do! Again thanks!
Brad

 

Here is my vote;

http://w1.601.telia.com/~u60113744/s...dl/winaldl.htm

Its free, but you will need to either build or buy a cable. There are links on the site to do both. You will need a laptop, and preferably one with a serial port, some laptops have only USB which can cause porblems with adapters. Mine has an adapter from Radio Shack that works fine.

 

One thing to consider:

All scan-tools give you the capability to diagnose problems with the ECM/PCM, but not many give you the capability to diagnose problems with the ABS/ASR, C68 climate control, radio, etc.
The Vetronix products I mentioned above do all of the computers in the vehicle.
These scan-tools cost much more, but they do much more.
I've used my Vetronix Tech-1A (now replaced by the Mastertech) to diagnose problems in the:

C68 climate control -- along with error codes, the readout shows communications on the dedicated climate control serial-bus in English and you can emulate the control head to send commands to the Programmer to determine if the control head or the Programmer is at fault, etc.

ASR/ABS computer -- along with error codes, you can send commands to the system to determine if it responds correctly. You can put the car on jack stands and send a command to each wheel individually to activate anti-lock on that wheel. With an assistant applying full brake pressure using the power assisted brakes, you should be able to turn the activated wheel by hand when the Vetronix scan-tool commands anti-lock on that wheel to be active. This way you can confirm that the anti-lock works on each wheel.
You can simultaneously view all four individual wheel speed sensors and see the speed of each wheel -- going down a straight road, they should all read the same and be the same as the speedometer reading. This way you can tell in a second if any wheel speed sensors are defective.

You can do similar extensive diagnostics on the SIR and radio.

I am mentioning only a small portion of what you can do.



And, the list goes on..........

And, you can do most of this (not manually spinning the wheels) from the driver's seat in a tuxedo.

I also download "snap-shots" of data to my laptop and graph/print the results -- you can do this with the AutoXray for the ECM/PCM. I have both.

The question is: how much is all this worth to you?

Over the last eight years, my Vetronix Tech-1A has paid for itself several times over -- I paid $1000 for it with **ALL** the software for GM vehicles up to 1997.

You can probably find a used Tech-1A today for less than $300 -- make sure you get the software you need.
There are three software cartridges:
1) Powertrain -- ECM/PCM
2) Body -- CCM, SIR, C68 climate control, radio, etc.
3) Chassis -- ASR/ABS, LTPWS, etc
There is a "Mass Storage Cartridge" that was available to GM dealers only that included all the software in one cartridge, but I haven't found one.

Tom Piper

 

I've got both a Tech 1A and the Snap On MT 2500. I prefer the Snap ON. The screen has bigger numbers. It will do all the ABS checks on my 90, seems like the exact menu for the Snap On ABS vs Tech 1 ABS. I use the Snap On with my Ford products, a 97 Dodge Truck, and the Vette. Used MT 2500's are available on Ebay. Or, track down a Snap On truck. They usually have several available, used. You have to be a little selective on which cartridge and connectors you need. For the older stuff, the SnapOn guy may give you some cartidges. The newer OBD2 cartridges are a little more expensive. Good news, the OBD2 has only one connector. I love OBD2.
A good bidirectional scanner is worth the money. I plan on using this scanner for another 5 years with no software upgrades.
Good luck with your selection.
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