Hey guys,

I was thinking about getting an OBD ii scanner. Not sure why one would be better than the other besides they can tell you the code on spot and maybe explain what it is without having to look it up. I dont want to spend a lot, but i do want a decent one. Was wondering what you guys have and how much you've paid for them. And any particular brand that i should go for..

 

I bought this one a while ago when it was on sale for $69.99 at the local HF store ($89.99 regular price now). It does an amazing amount of stuff for the price, including the internal code database you requested and clearing codes and MIL. It can store 15 sets of readings (including freeze frame data) and reads CAN data as well and came with a nice case and PC cable to allow flash updates. At least worth a look, as most of the units at this price are simple code readers only (they have one of those too, for $39).

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=94217

Here's the manual if you want to look over its full capabilities:

http://www.harborfreight.com/manuals...4999/94217.pdf

 

do you want to do anything besides pulling codes?
do you want to be able to reset the CEL with it?
do you want to be able to datalog with it?
do you want to be able to read the sensors outputs with it?

 

oh wow...didn't realize that they were all options. thought that they were standard to reset the CEL. but those sound like options that would be needed. I checked out the one on harbor freight. looks pretty good, but still shopping around....Anymore brands and point of views would be great.

 

After all of the headaches I've had this past month with trying to diagnose my codes I've decided to get a scantool myself pretty soon. For me, live data is a must after dealing with my o2 sensors, so I've begun looking at this reasonable model: http://www.autobarn.net/equus-3130-o...te=google_base

 

ouch...that seems on the high side for me....still gonna look...

 

So then what's your budget? Less than 180 USD?

 

This is a pretty common one used at most auto stores. Does what most people need for their cars.

http://www.actron.com/product_category.php?id=249

 

Hello Guys,

I use Carplugs.com Scan Tool for obd2 and CAN cars.

Great Stuff

 

i use this cheap one. i dont have any complaints about this scanner it has served me well for the past 4 years. its nothing special though it just tells you the code and thats about it. beats counting flashing lights imo.

 

good thread. i might pick one of these up this weekend also due to my schizo 02 sensors.

 

Spam much?

 

I just bought an Actron 9175, and it worked just fine. Glad it has the erase function, too.

 

I was looking at the Equus OBD II Scanners. Anyone have one of these? If so, "live" feature worth getting.

I noticed that the 3130 is less money than the 3120 because it does not come with the "toolkit". Is the toolkit worth the extra bucks?

 

Hi all I was looking at some computer software reader the other day. Are those any good?

 

I use one of these:

http://www.obddiagnostics.com/

Birken

 

The cheapest one I found is a little, flathead screwdriver.

 

I don't know about you guys, but $40 for a cheap scanner sure beats climbing into my car upside-down and getting someone to count flashes. while I fumble in the dark with a tiny screwdriver.

 

How 'bout one that does both OBD I & II? I have a pre-'96 Mixipad.
Anyone looked at CarMD?

 

Do you need to drive with a laptop to see the gas mileage or you can bring the unit home and then check your mpg ?

 

just curious...what scanners do you guys use...i know autozone has a $50 one...but im curious if there are any cheaper ones like say on ebay that you can use that is as 'effective' as any expensive one?

 

09/30/2011 - 06/17/2008 = 1,200 days

 

Autel MaxiScan MS300 off Amazon = $21 plus shipping.

http://forums.maxima.org/general-max...er-review.html

 

For those with an iPhone:

"Griffin launched a “car monitoring sensor” this week at CES that plugs into your OBD-II data jack and connects to your iPhone via Bluetooth. Their app records and displays the data via the iPhone’s pretty high-res touch screen. Total cost: about $90.

Cult of Mac (whose staff is braving CES so we, thankfully, don’t have to) reports that the app not only reports common OBD-II data but also integrates fuel consumption rate, acceleration, and more. It even calculates a “carbon score” to help you estimate how much you’re adding to various world ecological problems."