What OBDII scanner you using?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
What OBDII scanner you using?
Not for the Vette but I do work on cars a lot so I need to go ahead and grab me one. Here is what I need:
OBDI and OBDII readings
would like to be able to read transmission codes
remove check engine lights after repair
I'm looking at spending no more than $600. If you guys could give me some recomendations I would appreciate it. If there is something cheaper that will serve my needs let me know. I just don't want to ver spend but want to be able to do all of my scanning myself. Thanks.
OBDI and OBDII readings
would like to be able to read transmission codes
remove check engine lights after repair
I'm looking at spending no more than $600. If you guys could give me some recomendations I would appreciate it. If there is something cheaper that will serve my needs let me know. I just don't want to ver spend but want to be able to do all of my scanning myself. Thanks.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,042
Likes: 9,804
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
As long as all you want to do is restrict yourself to engine/drivetrain solutions the cheap scanners are OK. Once you get into ride control, abs, hvac, etc problems (more likely than engine/drivetrain issues) you still will not have a scanner. The ride control system on my 5 year old Tahoe is the only system on the truck that has caused any problems and I have to take it to the dealer to get the codes read. The local mechanics (even ones with Snap On scanners) can't read the codes.
Bill
Bill
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
As long as all you want to do is restrict yourself to engine/drivetrain solutions the cheap scanners are OK. Once you get into ride control, abs, hvac, etc problems (more likely than engine/drivetrain issues) you still will not have a scanner. The ride control system on my 5 year old Tahoe is the only system on the truck that has caused any problems and I have to take it to the dealer to get the codes read. The local mechanics (even ones with Snap On scanners) can't read the codes.
Bill
Bill
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 19,557
Likes: 1,470
From: I love you & miss you Linda
2017 C7 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Contributor
Actron CP-9150
Very good unit that can read all codes AND reset them as well.
This unit can be found if you shop the right places
for under $150
Very good unit that can read all codes AND reset them as well.
This unit can be found if you shop the right places
for under $150
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
I using only an OBD2 and CAN compatible scanner. This OBD2 Scan Tool will have an GM Enhance Software soon. This will allow you to read CEL, erase CEL and read sensors for ABS, Air Bags and Transmission.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
Man reading all the reviews on Actrons, Innova, and other like scanners don't seem too great. lol
So I may look into the OBDII app to use with my ipad. Is there anything that might get me what I want out there? I know nothing about them and will start researching when I get off work today but would appriciate first hand experience if anyone can shed some light.
So I may look into the OBDII app to use with my ipad. Is there anything that might get me what I want out there? I know nothing about them and will start researching when I get off work today but would appriciate first hand experience if anyone can shed some light.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 5,414
Likes: 25
From: Texas
I use a snap-on modis at work, and use elm scan (cheap on amazon) at home with my laptop... its not perfect, but i can read codes....
i have thought about buying a cheaper $300~ scan tool for work ( I teach High School Auto) so the kids would have access to something else besides snap-on....
i have thought about buying a cheaper $300~ scan tool for work ( I teach High School Auto) so the kids would have access to something else besides snap-on....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,141
Likes: 49
From: Northridge CA
Have a smart phone?
Torque app for the win and a cheap bluetooth works great for me.
http://torque-bhp.com/software/torqu...obd2-adapters/
Torque app for the win and a cheap bluetooth works great for me.
http://torque-bhp.com/software/torqu...obd2-adapters/
Racer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 301
Likes: 3
From: Endicott NY
This is what I been using for 5 yrs with no issue's, work's on all vehicles & will pick up transmission codes aswell!!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Innova-3140-...1e0456&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Innova-3140-...1e0456&vxp=mtr
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,754
Likes: 379
From: South Florida FL
Have a smart phone?
Torque app for the win and a cheap bluetooth works great for me.
http://torque-bhp.com/software/torqu...obd2-adapters/
Torque app for the win and a cheap bluetooth works great for me.
http://torque-bhp.com/software/torqu...obd2-adapters/
for $25-30 you can't beat it. but yea, assuming you don't have a flip phone, but then again, this is corvette forums
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,067
Likes: 46
From: Springfield IL.
Oldtimer
I've been investigating scanners as well. I haven't really seen too many advertised for reading trans codes. I ended up buying a Mac tools ET9640 off of e-bay used in like new condition. I needed obd1 and obd2 too. My scanner was built for Mac by Actron, but not being made in the usa anymore. Check e-bay prices before you buy, could save a bunch of money. I don't know if mine will read trans codes on obd2. I did have it on my 05 Silverado for a short time just make sure it would read it. I bought it because I was having trouble with my 95 chevy chassis motorhome.
That link above for the actron unit, is about what I ended up with.
That link above for the actron unit, is about what I ended up with.
Last edited by 92GA; Dec 1, 2012 at 10:23 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 955
Likes: 4
From: Union City, CA
I use a wireless Bluetooth OBD-II adapter that stays plugged into the port. The adapter was less than $30 shipped.
I bought the wireless OBD-II adapter after I purchased a Windows Valet. At first, I thought I would have to swap the devices back and forth.
I was pleasantly surprised to find an OBD-II splitter, so you can connect two things at the same time in the ODB-II port.
With the adapter, I use the app called Torque that displays all your cars vitals in real-time along with codes and the ability to clear them. Remember, there is no physical connection to your phone -- it's done all via Bluetooth.
Another cool app I use is called aLapHD. It overlays your phones camera with your speed, throttle position, RPM's, throttle position, etc and record video. Very, very cool!
It even will show you position on Google Maps in real-time for playback.
EDIT: I got a few PM's asking if I had any pictures. I snapped one real quick. In the foreground is the OBD-II splitter, to the right is the Windows Valet, and in the rear is the Bluetooth adapter zip tied to the openings under the knee bolster.
I bought the wireless OBD-II adapter after I purchased a Windows Valet. At first, I thought I would have to swap the devices back and forth.
I was pleasantly surprised to find an OBD-II splitter, so you can connect two things at the same time in the ODB-II port.
With the adapter, I use the app called Torque that displays all your cars vitals in real-time along with codes and the ability to clear them. Remember, there is no physical connection to your phone -- it's done all via Bluetooth.
Another cool app I use is called aLapHD. It overlays your phones camera with your speed, throttle position, RPM's, throttle position, etc and record video. Very, very cool!
It even will show you position on Google Maps in real-time for playback.
EDIT: I got a few PM's asking if I had any pictures. I snapped one real quick. In the foreground is the OBD-II splitter, to the right is the Windows Valet, and in the rear is the Bluetooth adapter zip tied to the openings under the knee bolster.
Last edited by GK; Dec 1, 2012 at 11:34 PM.