Need scan tool
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 275
Likes: 1
From: Point Richmond California
Need scan tool
Hoping someone can recommend a good tool for pulling OBD-II codes. I got a check engine code and would prefer paying one time for some software (and some kind of link to the car) rather than ~$65 a pop for a garage to pull the codes for me.
Also, does the software translate the codes into something useful (O2 Sensor bad for example) or does it just spit out some number which I have to look up in a shop manual or something? Would be helpful if it could pull codes from other cars as well (not just Corvette).
The ads in this section seem like good deals - but want to make sure I know what I'm getting into.
Oh, also, do I need any special kind of computer connection? I don't currently have a laptop, but might purchase one for this (and DVD's on the plane). Want to make sure I buy the right thing or accessories (USB port works or do I need something else?).
I really appreciate any help, and I apologize for the rudimentary nature of the questions. Couldn't find another message explaining this with a quick search of the current topics.
Also, does the software translate the codes into something useful (O2 Sensor bad for example) or does it just spit out some number which I have to look up in a shop manual or something? Would be helpful if it could pull codes from other cars as well (not just Corvette).
The ads in this section seem like good deals - but want to make sure I know what I'm getting into.
Oh, also, do I need any special kind of computer connection? I don't currently have a laptop, but might purchase one for this (and DVD's on the plane). Want to make sure I buy the right thing or accessories (USB port works or do I need something else?).
I really appreciate any help, and I apologize for the rudimentary nature of the questions. Couldn't find another message explaining this with a quick search of the current topics.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 275
Likes: 1
From: Point Richmond California
Hmm - couple extra bits of info.
Don't think I need a tool to re-tune my car for mods. I'd prefer something that pulls and interprets codes from multiple cars at a reasonable price.
Also, since I don't have a laptop, a standalone device might be best. For instance, are the AutoXRAY tools any good? They certainly seem to fit the bill for a decent price..
Don't think I need a tool to re-tune my car for mods. I'd prefer something that pulls and interprets codes from multiple cars at a reasonable price.
Also, since I don't have a laptop, a standalone device might be best. For instance, are the AutoXRAY tools any good? They certainly seem to fit the bill for a decent price..
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 338
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster Ohio
There are several different options. #1 thing is don't pay anymore garages to pull a code for you. Do you have an Autozone or Advanced Auto near you? I think both of those pull codes for free. Not sure about Napa but call some parts stores near you and find one that pulls them for free.
A couple years ago I bought an OBD2 hand held scanner from autozone for $150 that pulls codes. I forget the brand name and I have it loaned out at the moment but I can get the name for you if you'd like. The big plus with that one was I didn't have to use a laptop and it worked on all OBD2 vehicles.
Also, keep your eyes out in the "for sale" sections of LS1.com and LS1Tech.com and possibly here for used scanners. I regularly see Autotap for $100-$150. With Autotap you'll need a laptop. Maybe someone else will chime in about other brands, I know of AutoXray but have no personal experience with it.
Something kinda funny just hit me, you have a vette. You can pull your own codes. Did I miss something somewhere???
Anyhow, to look up codes most scanners have a manual with them or go to www.obdii.com and look the code up there. Hope this helps although I will have to say I'm dumbfounded about needing codes pulled on a vette from a garage???
A couple years ago I bought an OBD2 hand held scanner from autozone for $150 that pulls codes. I forget the brand name and I have it loaned out at the moment but I can get the name for you if you'd like. The big plus with that one was I didn't have to use a laptop and it worked on all OBD2 vehicles.
Also, keep your eyes out in the "for sale" sections of LS1.com and LS1Tech.com and possibly here for used scanners. I regularly see Autotap for $100-$150. With Autotap you'll need a laptop. Maybe someone else will chime in about other brands, I know of AutoXray but have no personal experience with it.
Something kinda funny just hit me, you have a vette. You can pull your own codes. Did I miss something somewhere???
Anyhow, to look up codes most scanners have a manual with them or go to www.obdii.com and look the code up there. Hope this helps although I will have to say I'm dumbfounded about needing codes pulled on a vette from a garage???
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,593
Likes: 0
From: Mobile AL
St. Jude Donor '05
Scanner
Oddly enough, Sears now carries both handheld and computer based scanners. I went in Saturday to replace a broken light-based voltage tester, and they have both. The computer-based was $150 but I did not notice the price on the handheld. Might be worth a look.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 275
Likes: 1
From: Point Richmond California
Now I feel really stupid. How do I pull my own codes from my Vette? I'm assuming through the DIC, but I've never found that feature.
I may get my own scan tool anyway because my other car also recently started getting an intermittent check engine light (the Vette light is constant, but I parked it since it came on). Prefer not to go to the Autozone because I would not park my Vette at the only one within a reasonable distance. A lot of bad neighborhoods in Houston.
Thanks for the note gvajgrt, I'll probably stop by Sears and see what they have - might be faster than ordering one online.
I may get my own scan tool anyway because my other car also recently started getting an intermittent check engine light (the Vette light is constant, but I parked it since it came on). Prefer not to go to the Autozone because I would not park my Vette at the only one within a reasonable distance. A lot of bad neighborhoods in Houston.
Thanks for the note gvajgrt, I'll probably stop by Sears and see what they have - might be faster than ordering one online.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 876
Likes: 23
From: Prescott Valley, AZ
To pull codes on your vette do the following:
1. Turn key to on position
2. press and hold options button
3. while holding the options button, press the fuel button 4 times within 10 seconds
That will trigger the code sequence. It wll go through all the areas showing where the codes are then it will switch to manual mode and you can step through the codes manually. Write down the numbers of any codes you have and do a search on the forum codes. Somewher there is a list of what all the different codes mean. Many of the explanations are rather cryptic but it will point you in the right direction.
If you want to erase a code, press the reset button when it's on the screen. To exit, press the em button.
BTW, you can check codes at any time, even whille driving.
mark
1. Turn key to on position
2. press and hold options button
3. while holding the options button, press the fuel button 4 times within 10 seconds
That will trigger the code sequence. It wll go through all the areas showing where the codes are then it will switch to manual mode and you can step through the codes manually. Write down the numbers of any codes you have and do a search on the forum codes. Somewher there is a list of what all the different codes mean. Many of the explanations are rather cryptic but it will point you in the right direction.
If you want to erase a code, press the reset button when it's on the screen. To exit, press the em button.
BTW, you can check codes at any time, even whille driving.
mark
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 275
Likes: 1
From: Point Richmond California
Thanks all!
This is a really handy tool to have (getting the car to tell you the codes). Seems Chevy did something right.
There were two codes. One the vehicle speed sensor. Haven't had any trouble with the speedo, and I can drive with the tach if it goes out. So, I'm not doing anything for that.
Second one was "secondary air injection (AIR) system bank 2". Found another post about this - looks like it's just used during startup to cut emissions. Don't think I need to worry about that, but I'll fix it if the code trips again.
Thanks again. Knew this was the right place to come.
This is a really handy tool to have (getting the car to tell you the codes). Seems Chevy did something right.
There were two codes. One the vehicle speed sensor. Haven't had any trouble with the speedo, and I can drive with the tach if it goes out. So, I'm not doing anything for that.
Second one was "secondary air injection (AIR) system bank 2". Found another post about this - looks like it's just used during startup to cut emissions. Don't think I need to worry about that, but I'll fix it if the code trips again.
Thanks again. Knew this was the right place to come.
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Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
Likes: 180
From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
do you know anyone with a Predator? It will pull codes, give a brief description of the cade, and clear it out if requested. The diagnostic function of the Predator is not VIN locked; so you can use anyones for this.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 876
Likes: 23
From: Prescott Valley, AZ
Originally Posted by Bleck
Second one was "secondary air injection (AIR) system bank 2". Found another post about this - looks like it's just used during startup to cut emissions. Don't think I need to worry about that, but I'll fix it if the code trips again.
mark
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 275
Likes: 1
From: Point Richmond California
No more warranty, but doesn't sound like a big deal to replace. The code hasn't tripped again, but if it does I'll be sure to replace both.
Mike, don't know anyone with a predator, but sounds like I don't need one since the car will tell me the code itself. My other car is another story. I'll either find an Autozone (might be one near work) or order one of the cheapo handheld OBDII scan tools.
Mike, don't know anyone with a predator, but sounds like I don't need one since the car will tell me the code itself. My other car is another story. I'll either find an Autozone (might be one near work) or order one of the cheapo handheld OBDII scan tools.
