Scanner/Code Reader
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,582
Likes: 1,661
From: Pearland / Houston Tx
I like mine from Amazon. Basic reader that is cheap and works well.
http://www.amazon.com/Autel-MaxiScan...ywords=obd+can
http://www.amazon.com/Autel-MaxiScan...ywords=obd+can
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,037
Likes: 9,801
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Depends on what kind of maintenance you want to do. Engine and powertrain codes can be read with a cheap scanner, you can get a little more sophisticated and get some bells and whistles that let you look at the data and print it out but you are still stuck with a limited scanner that is limited to the Powertrain. From there you can get scanners that will do Powertrain and ABS and ones that can do Powertrain, ABS and Air Bag codes. The most expensive scan tools ($400+, AutoEnginuity base with GM Extension) will give you access to all of body and chassis codes plus perform some of the command functions the Tech 2 performs. If the car is stock you probably will not see a lot of powertrain codes. In owning C5 and C6 Vettes since 1997 I have only seen 3 or 4 powertrain codes show up across 3 cars over those 15+ years. Same goes for the other vehicles I have owned. Have seen a lot of ABS, and Body Codes though.
Bill
Bill
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 11,973
Likes: 463
From: Tonawanda New York
I like mine from Amazon. Basic reader that is cheap and works well.
http://www.amazon.com/Autel-MaxiScan...ywords=obd+can
http://www.amazon.com/Autel-MaxiScan...ywords=obd+can
Looks like a nice stocking stuffer for my sons!
Thread Starter
SUBVETTE
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,841
Likes: 93
From: San Diego CA
Depends on what kind of maintenance you want to do. Engine and powertrain codes can be read with a cheap scanner, you can get a little more sophisticated and get some bells and whistles that let you look at the data and print it out but you are still stuck with a limited scanner that is limited to the Powertrain. From there you can get scanners that will do Powertrain and ABS and ones that can do Powertrain, ABS and Air Bag codes. The most expensive scan tools ($400+, AutoEnginuity base with GM Extension) will give you access to all of body and chassis codes plus perform some of the command functions the Tech 2 performs. If the car is stock you probably will not see a lot of powertrain codes. In owning C5 and C6 Vettes since 1997 I have only seen 3 or 4 powertrain codes show up across 3 cars over those 15+ years. Same goes for the other vehicles I have owned. Have seen a lot of ABS, and Body Codes though.
Bill
Bill
Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 564
Likes: 1
From: Saint George Utah
With the C5 you can read the codes on the DIC by holding down the Options button while pushing the Fuel button three times. Can't you do this with the C6 also? If you can why would you need a scanner?
