Scotty Dive
Veteran Member
Looking for suggestions for getting the codes off my Silverado. I need the air bag capable scanner. My head was spinning trying to find one. Anyone have one they recommend?
Auto scan tool suggestions
- Thread starter Scotty Dive
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dodge man
Super Star Member
I've looked at them for a smart phone but I think those are some what limited. I'd also like to have one.
skipmarcy
Veteran Member
Most people don't want to pay the price for a scanner that will actually help diagnose a vehicle, not just "pull codes". I've had & used Snap-On scanners since they came out in 1988 and other than OEM brand-specific equipment it is the next best one going. I just retired this past year from twisting wrenches and needed another scanner for the very late model stuff for my own use - my own scanner was only good to 2004 models since the shop I worked at kept up to date equipment for us to use. I got a good deal on a Snap-On Solus Pro on ebay for $900 that's good up to 2015 models. You might find something a little cheaper, mine has the European software & adapters that you might not need/want, but the basic Snap-On comes with all domestic and asian software. If your vehicles are older, the Snap-On MT2500 scanners are considerably less expensive and plentiful online.
dickfoster
Elite Member
I always just look up the codes online if I need them so I get a scanners that I can use for other stuff. I find the ScangaugeII good because it isn't expensive, it's standalone and I keep it plugged in all the time and use it for it's gauge functions too. I tend to shy away for all the needless bluetooth and cell phone nonsense. >> ScanGauge II
hawkeye08
Elite Member
Really depends on what you want,
self contained (plug into diag port and read codes) or run on smartphone or tablet or computer?
run tests?
It seems that there are many that will pull codes (then you can look them up on internet) but if you want more information, then things get a little more expensive. I have a couple, one that has connection to laptop from vehicle port (got it when I needed to replace intake gaskets on '98 Yukon and needed camshaft offset to set distributor) and then later one that connects to smartphone with bluetooth. I used it to pull codes and reset, want to do more but have not spent the time yet.
self contained (plug into diag port and read codes) or run on smartphone or tablet or computer?
run tests?
It seems that there are many that will pull codes (then you can look them up on internet) but if you want more information, then things get a little more expensive. I have a couple, one that has connection to laptop from vehicle port (got it when I needed to replace intake gaskets on '98 Yukon and needed camshaft offset to set distributor) and then later one that connects to smartphone with bluetooth. I used it to pull codes and reset, want to do more but have not spent the time yet.
George2615
Super Member
The standard scan tools available at HF and auto parts stores usually don't do airbags or ABS.
I have an Autel Maxicheck Pro that does most of the diagnostics that I run across. It costs a little over $200. at various places.
Amazon.com: autel maxicheck pro
I'm currently shopping for a TPMS trigger tool for when I rotate tires or have to replace a TPMS sensor.
I have an Autel Maxicheck Pro that does most of the diagnostics that I run across. It costs a little over $200. at various places.
Amazon.com: autel maxicheck pro
I'm currently shopping for a TPMS trigger tool for when I rotate tires or have to replace a TPMS sensor.
Barnbuilder
Gold Member
- Joined
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- 397
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- Waxhaw, NC
- Tractor
- Bobcat A300, Kubota F3680, JCB 212S sold
Forscan app
Or torque pro app?
Or torque pro app?
aeblank
Veteran Member
Ateq vt30 for tpms. It does trigger and read....
Copperhead
Veteran Member
I have had good results with the BlueDriver scan tool that is app based. It is airbag capable. App download free, plug in OBD module is $100.
Lemur Monitors - BlueDriver - OBD2 Bluetooth Scan Tool for Apple and Android Smartphones and Tablets
Lemur Monitors - BlueDriver - OBD2 Bluetooth Scan Tool for Apple and Android Smartphones and Tablets
aczlan
Good Morning
- Joined
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- 17,540
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- Kubota L3830GST, B7500HST, BX2660. Formerly: Case 480F LL, David Brown 880UE
Forscan is Ford only for mfg codes is it not? The PC version works great for my Ford.
Aaron Z
ModMech
Platinum Member
There are a number of smart phone applications that will retrieve DTCs for "all makes" that are OBD-II compliant.
I purchase "PC" based OEM software as a highly motivated DIY, but not the OEM software device. Reading DTCs for me, is generally a waste of time, I can often tell from the engine's operation where the problem is and that is essentially all a DTC will tell you as well. I then diagnose based on how an internal combustion engine works, taking into account the type of fuel and ignition systems.
The single most important thing to remember is, gas or diesel, they all operate on "Suck, Squeeze, Bang, Blow". the ONLY differences are how each of those are controlled or initiated.
I purchase "PC" based OEM software as a highly motivated DIY, but not the OEM software device. Reading DTCs for me, is generally a waste of time, I can often tell from the engine's operation where the problem is and that is essentially all a DTC will tell you as well. I then diagnose based on how an internal combustion engine works, taking into account the type of fuel and ignition systems.
The single most important thing to remember is, gas or diesel, they all operate on "Suck, Squeeze, Bang, Blow". the ONLY differences are how each of those are controlled or initiated.
powerscol
Veteran Member
Any thought on this one Innova 3160e Code Reader or the cheaper 3100series. Amazon.com: Innova 316 e Code Reader / Scan Tool with ABS, SRS, and Live Data for OBD2 Vehicles: Automotive
I am getting tired of dealers gouging me to read codes (engine check light comes on) I have a 2001 and 2016 Eascape a 2011 Yaris and an 2004 F350 Superduity to check.
I am getting tired of dealers gouging me to read codes (engine check light comes on) I have a 2001 and 2016 Eascape a 2011 Yaris and an 2004 F350 Superduity to check.
George2615
Super Member
Have your local auto parts store read the codes when the CE light comes on. They do it for free.
Gem99ultra
Elite Member
I bought the Actron CP9680 for my '97 Silverado as well as some other vehicles that I own. I wanted one that would not only read the codes but give a list of probably failures, keep history, and be portable so I could take reading while driving. I didn't need every bell and whistle ever sold, but I did want a good, easy to use, reliable meter to keep and use for a long time.
drizler
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Jul 27, 2007
- Messages
- 741
Same here with the Acton. I get the codes and then look on the net. Fullsizechevy forums will usually have someone who knows how to best address whichever sets of codes show and what they usually mean. It's more voodoo interpretation than science like the old days but works. What's wrong with the airbags? The usual complaint with those is when it got wrecked or somebody removed the steering gear or steering wheel and turned the unrestrained shaft too far breaking the clock spring. Gotta lock the steering wheel centered with the key / steering wheel locked when you repair idler / pitman arms , tie rods .......
Diamondpilot
Super Star Member
- Joined
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- Daleville, IN
- Tractor
- Jinma 254/284 Ford 861 Powermaster at work
I got one 5 years ago off Amazon. It's a stand alone unit for $60. It has a website you can then go to and look up yr, make, model then enter the code to get the common failures.
Great example is my buddies wife had a Lincoln that sometimes would die at a stop light. Pulled the code and it said on the Web site to check the brake booster. Sure enough we found a loose vacuum hose at it which was the culprit.
Whatever you buy get one with live data. Mine can pull water temp, RPM, oil pressure, mapping of sensors, ect.
Great example is my buddies wife had a Lincoln that sometimes would die at a stop light. Pulled the code and it said on the Web site to check the brake booster. Sure enough we found a loose vacuum hose at it which was the culprit.
Whatever you buy get one with live data. Mine can pull water temp, RPM, oil pressure, mapping of sensors, ect.
aczlan
Good Morning
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- Kubota L3830GST, B7500HST, BX2660. Formerly: Case 480F LL, David Brown 880UE
For your Fords, if you have a Windows laptop with Bluetooth, you can get Forscan for free (FORScan Home) add an adapter for $25 (Amazon.com: Forscan Elm 327 bluetooth with Switch OBD2 Can Bus Scanner Wireless Diagnostic Tool: Automotive ) or $80 (Amazon.com: ScanTool 4261 1 OBDLink MX Bluetooth: Professional OBD-II Scan Tool for Android & Windows: Automotive) and you can do pretty much everything up to and including programming new keys.
If you dont have Bluetooth on a laptop, there is a plug in adapter for $30 (Amazon.com: ScanTool 4258 1 OBDLink SX USB: Professional OBD-II Scan Tool for Windows: n/a: Automotive).
If you prefer to use an Android phone, their app is $5 ( https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.astech.forscanlite ) and should work with any of the three adapters linked to above.
They also have a iPhone/iPad app ( http://itunes.com/apps/FORScanLite ), but I am not sure of the price as the Apple Store wants me to log in to see a price and I don't have an account.
On the Yaris, for generic code reading with an Android device, I have used a scanner like the $25 one above and the Torque app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.prowl.torquefree
Aaron Z
Copperhead
Veteran Member
That is what I like about the BlueDriver app. Not just a code reader. It also will do real time graphing and such of engine operation from single and multiple data sources and will export that information to other devices. Such as cylinder timing advance in real time graph mode. Also seeing graphing of O2 sensor operation on the fly as you operate. Both short term and long term fuel trims, and other aspects. And you can send the data via email or other devices. Not bad for a free app and $100 OBD module.
Review on it.....
Mini Tool Reviews: #5 BlueDriver- Great Low Cost Bluetooth Scan Tool - YouTube
aczlan
Good Morning
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2008
- Messages
- 17,540
- Tractor
- Kubota L3830GST, B7500HST, BX2660. Formerly: Case 480F LL, David Brown 880UE
One note, the app will read and clear codes (such as ABS codes), but it will not let you do things like module testing or key programming that the computer program does.
Aaron Z
powerscol
Veteran Member
Thanks Aaron Z
Unfortunately I dont have a laptop or smart phone - lets just say I am smart phone challenged :shocked::confused3:
. I have a basic cell phone that is off most of the time. Thus I am looking for a hand held scanner. George2615 - thanks for the tip. Ill haft to check here to see if they are customer friendly. Napa did not offer when I was in.
