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tractorboy
User
Sep 12, 2005, 5:09 AM
Post #1 of 7
(4639 views)
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Hello I was wondering if you would mind answering a couple of questions
1. what scan tool do you use ?
2. do you like it ?
3. is there a scan tool you would rather have instead ?
4 same questions as above, except for an automotive type dvom ( digital volt ohm meter)
thank you
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 12, 2005, 9:07 AM
Post #2 of 7
(4634 views)
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Re: ^^^^SCAN TOOL^^^
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I have two that are dirt cheap from wally world. You have to count blinks and match them up to the book that comes with it. Those are only good to about 1995 cars. I take the others to my friends in the trade with a great Snap-On unit the spits out plain English. Impressive! I have no idea what they paid for it but it is excellent. I'm sure you can find a better price than Snap-On tools and may be just as good. Just FYI - I've had good luck with MATCO tools and even SEARS for more common stuff.
Check out this site and see what they might have.
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tractorboy
User
Sep 12, 2005, 9:31 AM
Post #3 of 7
(4632 views)
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Re: ^^^^SCAN TOOL^^^
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sounds like OBDI. Unfortunately The car is OBDII VPW gateway,,,,there is a lot that can be done with a good automotive DVOM ( digital volt ohm meter ) still looking, there are so many manufacturers. Having an inexpensive scan tool would not hurt, probably going to do a notebook based scanner like this
http://scantool.net/
already have their adapter, just need to pick up a cheap pent 3 notebook.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Apr 23, 2009, 12:15 PM
Post #4 of 7
(3757 views)
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Re: ^^^^SCAN TOOL^^^
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This really depends on what you are using the scan tool for and what functions you will be needing. You need to remember that there is a big difference between a professional scan tool and the OBD2 code readers that you see in the discount stores. You can buy a code reader for under $100 but a fully equipped scan tool can cost you over $10K. I have 2 snap on scanners and they are very user friendly for the novice but lack a lot from what the factory tools are capable of. The "Mastertech" is a good bidirectional tool but fully equipped can easily top $8K
OTC makes some reasonably priced units but the menu system makes them a little slow. The newest generation of scan tools is wireless now for OBD3.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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DanD
Veteran
/ Moderator
Apr 23, 2009, 1:55 PM
Post #5 of 7
(3754 views)
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Re: ^^^^SCAN TOOL^^^
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I still have an older OTC 4000 Enhanced and it was a great tool in its time; I keep it around as a backup, to pull codes, if the other scanner is being used.
I now use a Mastertech and it’s a fairly good generic scanner and has a number of good functions; but it’s still not as good as a manufacture’s specific scanner. Even though Mastertech is the Tech II’s (GM scan tool) little brother; it still sucks a hind tit for access to some data, programming and some by-directional functions that could speed up diagnosis.
I haven’t had a chance to play with the latest software upgrade yet; but it’s supposed to open up a few more doors, in body and chassis for all North American manufactures? I sure hope it does; I bought the Mastertech 4 years ago for $8500.00 and this is the third software upgrade at $2300.00 a crack. All you physically see with the upgrade is the paper invoice from your supplier; the rest is a download off the internet; man the public calls us (techs) rip-offs? LOL
I will love it, if and or when manufactures go lab-top; buy the software you need and throw the handheld scanner in the trash.
So I guess the best answer to your question, of which scanner; one for each manufacturer. Practical no; needed at times yes; but a lot of times (excluding programming) a good wiring diagram and a DVOM and you can find the problem; if your willing to spend the time.
As for a DVOM; my Fluke 88 is almost indestructible and can still do all that’s needed from a DVOM. I can’t count the times its slid off a fender and bounced on the floor; pick it up, wipe it off and your good to go. That’s unless the apprentice decides he’s going to turn the ignition switch on; while checking for parasitic draw and wipes out the ammeter’s bust fuse. LOL
But then again the meter itself is still ok; just replace the fuse.
Isn’t automotive electronics fun?
I would like to see the GEEK SQUAD computer guy that fixes PC’s; try and bolt 16” wheels, two hundred horsepower engine and a network of five, ten or fifteen computers to what they’re working on and be so smug. OH YEA; there isn’t a PC that can directly communicate to an automotive network; not without an adapter to slooowwww communications down!
If someone would have told me in the seventies; when I started in the trade; that I would be working on computers; I would have laughed them out of the shop.
I guess the laugh is on me; what’s ohms law again? LOL
Dan.
Canadian "EH"
(This post was edited by DanD on Apr 23, 2009, 2:07 PM)
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way2old
Veteran
/ Moderator
Apr 23, 2009, 3:03 PM
Post #6 of 7
(3742 views)
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Re: ^^^^SCAN TOOL^^^
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I have a Genesis, Nemesis, New Generation Star Tester, Rotunda PDS and IDS, Snap-On Solus Pro, Gm Tech II and a few plain code readers. We mainly have Fords so I use the IDS and PDS more than anything else. The Nemesis is my favorite generic because of the size and ease of operator use. So as stated above, it really depends on what you are planning to do with the tool. I also think our parts room hea the OTHER OTC Monitir 4000 that is still in existence. Hi Dan. Welcome Hammer. Good to see ya.
Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds
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