Diagnostic scanning tools
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 86
Likes: 44
From: Omaha NE
Diagnostic scanning tools
I have a 2008 base A6 with 35000 miles.
Thinking about getting a scanner to help diagnose DIC messages that I get occasionally. Like Service Traction Control, Reduced performance, etc. Looking on eBay there are so many different options and prices are from $35 to $3,500. I would like to be able to know, for example, if I have a loose plug wire, and which cylinder.
How much do I need to spend here? Can the ODB II from Autozone do that? I have seen references to the GM Tech 2 scanner. Are the ones from Taiwan worth the money? They are $350 as opposed to several thousand, which I assume must be USA made or something? for a 2008 do I need the CANDI function?
Any advice will be appreciated.
thank you.
Thinking about getting a scanner to help diagnose DIC messages that I get occasionally. Like Service Traction Control, Reduced performance, etc. Looking on eBay there are so many different options and prices are from $35 to $3,500. I would like to be able to know, for example, if I have a loose plug wire, and which cylinder.
How much do I need to spend here? Can the ODB II from Autozone do that? I have seen references to the GM Tech 2 scanner. Are the ones from Taiwan worth the money? They are $350 as opposed to several thousand, which I assume must be USA made or something? for a 2008 do I need the CANDI function?
Any advice will be appreciated.
thank you.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 2,507
Likes: 1,166
From: Northern Wisconsin
Good question. You have to select a tool based on what you need it to do. But, how do you know what problem might crop up in the future? It would be nice to have bi-directional control and the ability to do a crank relearn after replacing the crankshaft position sensor, among other things, but a scanner that will do that costs more than I want to spend for something that I may never use. I have settled on my Torque Pro app for my phone with a bluetooth adapter for now. It reads and deletes engine trouble codes. It will display the code for a certain cylinder misfire, but won't tell you that it is caused by the ignition wire. I don't think any scanner can tell you that. Not saying that a high function scanner isn't worth it. It totally is, if you use it enough to justify the cost. I look at them from time to time and may pull the trigger some day.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 595
Likes: 241
From: Maine
2022 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
You won't be able to pull ABS/Transmission/TC codes with the cheap scanners. They generally only do engine related codes but they work great for that. If you get one of the other codes it might be best to take it to the dealer for a quick scan when those pop up, I imagine that would save money overall.
I use one of the $10-15 Amazon code readers with my phone for engine codes as needed on all my vehicles without issue.
I use one of the $10-15 Amazon code readers with my phone for engine codes as needed on all my vehicles without issue.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 197
Likes: 99
From: Eastern NC
This is all you need and use with your laptop. It is actually better than and does everything same as a Tech 2. You can also get them on Amazon.
https://www.vxdiagshop.com/wholesale...r-gm-opel.html
https://www.vxdiagshop.com/wholesale...r-gm-opel.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 2,507
Likes: 1,166
From: Northern Wisconsin
This is all you need and use with your laptop. It is actually better than and does everything same as a Tech 2. You can also get them on Amazon.
https://www.vxdiagshop.com/wholesale...r-gm-opel.html
https://www.vxdiagshop.com/wholesale...r-gm-opel.html
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 2,507
Likes: 1,166
From: Northern Wisconsin