Engine Diagnostic Tool
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 729
Likes: 29
From: Knoxville, TN
Engine Diagnostic Tool
Not sure if this is the right forum for this question or not. I tried to search for a discussion regarding engine diagnostic scanners and found nothing.
What is everyone using? What does your scanner do for you? Do you use your phone for apps?
What is everyone using? What does your scanner do for you? Do you use your phone for apps?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 15,344
Likes: 4,009
From: Texas
Besides what Tinkertech mentioned, you also need to answer what you want to do with it and is it just for the Corvette or for other cars.
Just having something to look at and clear the occasional code is far different than if you want something that has any real capabilities.
Just having something to look at and clear the occasional code is far different than if you want something that has any real capabilities.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,066
Likes: 9,834
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Most modern cars can run thousands of miles and many years without an engine issue requiring a code scanner. Most failures are nonpowertrain related thus requiring much more than an engine diagnostic scanner. This is what I use:
It requires the use of a PC to run the software but it provides most of the capability of the MDI2 tool used by GM Service techs. It provides scan and command capabilities so you can command systems which helps when diagnosing a problem. At least 45% of the codes that can exist on a car can't be seen by an OBD2-capable scanner. If something inside the passenger compartment stopped working I would first check the codes with this tool as there are codes for most systems on the car.
Bill
It requires the use of a PC to run the software but it provides most of the capability of the MDI2 tool used by GM Service techs. It provides scan and command capabilities so you can command systems which helps when diagnosing a problem. At least 45% of the codes that can exist on a car can't be seen by an OBD2-capable scanner. If something inside the passenger compartment stopped working I would first check the codes with this tool as there are codes for most systems on the car.
Bill
Pro
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 566
Likes: 277
From: Amarillo TX
I use a Foxwell NT530. Originally purchased it when I had a Porsche (with Porsche-compatible software). When I sold the Porsche and took on the C7, I emailed Foxwell Customer Support and (for a very modest fee), they sent me the appropriate software for the C7 which I downloaded from my laptop. Its not the same stuff the dealer uses, but it scans the systems and gives me a pretty good idea of the issue (should the car have one).
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