Venture Surplus ad

OBDII Scanner

The #1 community for Gun Owners in Texas

Member Benefits:

  • Fewer Ads!
  • Discuss all aspects of firearm ownership
  • Discuss anti-gun legislation
  • Buy, sell, and trade in the classified section
  • Chat with Local gun shops, ranges, trainers & other businesses
  • Discover free outdoor shooting areas
  • View up to date on firearm-related events
  • Share photos & video with other members
  • ...and so much more!
  • Grumps21

    TGT Addict
    TGT Supporter
    Rating - 100%
    1   0   0
    Apr 28, 2021
    4,032
    96
    Houston
    You don’t need to spend anywhere near $200. I’ve had this one for ten years or longer. Don’t recall what I paid, but it was less than $100. Probably $60-70 back then so maybe $80-90 todays dollars. It’s done everything I needed it to do. Actron Pocket Scanner Plus
     

    Attachments

    • 98AFA754-BE7F-44D1-AAC2-1C809046D3DE.jpeg
      98AFA754-BE7F-44D1-AAC2-1C809046D3DE.jpeg
      268.4 KB · Views: 58

    AZ Refugee

    TGT Addict
    Lifetime Member
    Rating - 100%
    1   0   0
    Sep 23, 2014
    14,991
    96
    I have an Innova that is 10 plus years old and a Craftsman which is a little better version of the Innova that I already had. I have had it for 8 years. Both work fine for my needs for scanning and clearing codes. Neither will do ABS codes or some of the transmission diagnostics but I do not typically need that anyway. It really depends on what you are looking to accomplish. Most of the handhelds are going to be about the same and simply read what the on board diagnostic puts out. The tablet sized Autel type units have features that allow you run diagnostics and tests, and reprogram things that the handhelds do not but are usually a lot more than $200.00
     

    TxStetson

    Opinionated and Irritable
    TGT Supporter
    Lifetime Member
    Rating - 100%
    4   0   0
    May 9, 2013
    10,056
    96
    The Big Country
    An OBD-II scanner is only as good as your vehicle’s ECM. If you’re not happy with the free service from Orielly’s or Autozone then you probably won’t be happy buying your own scanner. Unless of course you spend lots more than $200 and get one that reads live data and parameters.
     

    Greenzilla80

    Member
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Aug 3, 2022
    110
    26
    Hutto
    You can spend $1,000 and it still isn't always conclusive. You have to have a general understanding of automotive theory and know how to do electrical diagnosing to get to a true conclusion. The scan tool just gives you a starting point. Without the other knowledge it's all just guesswork or hoping you can find the answer online.
     

    cycleguy2300

    TGT Addict
    Rating - 100%
    9   0   0
    Mar 19, 2010
    6,769
    96
    Austin, Texas
    I have an Innova that is 10 plus years old and a Craftsman which is a little better version of the Innova that I already had. I have had it for 8 years. Both work fine for my needs for scanning and clearing codes. Neither will do ABS codes or some of the transmission diagnostics but I do not typically need that anyway. It really depends on what you are looking to accomplish. Most of the handhelds are going to be about the same and simply read what the on board diagnostic puts out. The tablet sized Autel type units have features that allow you run diagnostics and tests, and reprogram things that the handhelds do not but are usually a lot more than $200.00
    I have a $10 Bluetooth one for day to day using the app Torque Pro, then a $150 one for ABS and some other systems on my Land Rover.

    Torque Pro allows you to view and reset normal obdII codes, data log and set up pages with custom graph, digital or dial gauges. For things like air intake temp, fuel trims, O2 sensor I've readouts, coolant temp etc.

    Надіслано з дому вашої мами за допомогою Tapatalk
     

    Brains

    One of the idiots
    Rating - 100%
    3   0   0
    Apr 9, 2013
    6,904
    96
    Spring
    Yes, the joy of onboard diagnostics. There's the set of gov't mandated PIDs that any $10 dongle and open source software will read reliably. Beyond that, it starts to get very fuzzy. If a tool developer wants access to non-engine controllers, manufacturer defined PIDs, onboard diagnostic routines, two-way communication (e.g. "open EVAP purge solenoid"), options programming, module reflash, etc. there are two choices: reverse engineer, or pay license fees. Neither are cheap. Even then, they are still not going to get all the buttons, levers and dials the manufacturers have access to. But generally enough for most mechanics - but these are the tools in the 4 digit range.

    It really boils down to what you need the tool to do, and the <$50 tool will likely do much of the same stuff as the <$200 tool. Torque Pro and a run of the mill ELM327 dongle is great for most people, as it will read quite a few extended/manufacturer codes as they're found out and they add more to it all the time. While it isn't going to be perfect, it's going to work ... mostly. I also have a handheld Amazon module I got for like 18 bucks. Can't update it with new year make/models, but it gives me powertrain codes with definitions, reads the standard PID values, a few extended values, and reads the state of the OBD readiness monitors. That's what I grab when someone asks if I can help because their check engine light is on, to at least get them headed in the right direction.
     

    striker55

    TGT Addict
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Jan 6, 2021
    4,524
    96
    Katy
    I've got one of those $10 ELM327 bluetooth ones that @Brains mentions above. Works great. I've been able to see what was throwing the code, ordered and installed the part (evap canister) and saved myself a ton of cash.
    I have one also, used it the other day to check my battery. Wanted to see if it was charging while driving.
     

    studenygreg

    TGT Addict
    Lifetime Member
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Oct 7, 2015
    3,635
    96
    I've got one of those $10 ELM327 bluetooth ones that @Brains mentions above. Works great. I've been able to see what was throwing the code, ordered and installed the part (evap canister) and saved myself a ton of cash.
    This is what I have as well. Works well enough for my needs.

    Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk
     

    dsgrey

    Well-Known
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Oct 25, 2015
    1,873
    96
    Denton County
    I just use a cheap scanner. A specific code might have a slightly different root cause depending on vehicle. I just obtain the code and google the code, vehicle model and year. Folks hate working on "newer" vehicles but I think it's great. Once a model is 3 years old, you can find the 3 possible reasons for that specific code and how to isolate based on other's experiences.

    I've done this for years. Once had a neighbor with an Altima that was the most problematic vehicle I've ever seen and would throw codes about twice per year. Never had an issue diagnosing her codes.
     

    GasGuzzler

    Active Member
    Rating - 100%
    3   0   0
    May 19, 2018
    737
    76
    Cooke County, TX
    I use a GM MDI-2 but that doesn't help you. The "good" Snap-On unit is WAAAAYYYY more than $2500. Try $10K without any ads. I don't need something like that because I only do GM and their stuff is just fine.

    We have a couple little generic ones used to quickly get codes but that doesn't make them a SCANNER. You want a code reader or a scanner?
    I agree with the others that a Blutooth adapter and a phone app is the best choice for most.
     

    Colonel

    Well-Known
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Mar 1, 2011
    1,994
    96
    Houston, 3rd Rock
    I use a GM MDI-2 but that doesn't help you. The "good" Snap-On unit is WAAAAYYYY more than $2500. Try $10K without any ads. I don't need something like that because I only do GM and their stuff is just fine.

    We have a couple little generic ones used to quickly get codes but that doesn't make them a SCANNER. You want a code reader or a scanner?
    I agree with the others that a Blutooth adapter and a phone app is the best choice for most.

    I need to be able to read and reset codes. I’m thinking about trying the Bluedriver.
     

    Otto_Mation

    Well-Known
    TGT Supporter
    Rating - 100%
    2   0   0
    Jul 23, 2020
    1,477
    96
    Montgomery, TX
    I've got one of those $10 ELM327 bluetooth ones that @Brains mentions above. Works great. I've been able to see what was throwing the code, ordered and installed the part (evap canister) and saved myself a ton of cash.
    I use this adapter with the paid version of Carista. It lets me make some useful modifications to my truck in addition to retrieving and clearing codes.
     
    Last edited:

    Greenzilla80

    Member
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Aug 3, 2022
    110
    26
    Hutto
    I need to be able to read and reset codes. I’m thinking about trying the Bluedriver.
    I don't think I've ever seen a scan tool that can't reset codes. Kinda like buying a car with no a/c.

    Just cause the code has been cleared doesn't mean the problem causing it is gone and it won't pop up again.
     

    ZX9RCAM

    Over the Rainbow bridge...
    TGT Supporter
    Lifetime Member
    Rating - 100%
    2   0   0
    May 14, 2008
    59,737
    96
    The Woodlands, Tx.
    I don't think I've ever seen a scan tool that can't reset codes. Kinda like buying a car with no a/c.

    Just cause the code has been cleared doesn't mean the problem causing it is gone and it won't pop up again.

    You've never seen a car with no a/c?
    Or did I misunderstand you.
     
    Every Day Man
    Tyrant

    Support

    Latest posts

    Forum statistics

    Threads
    116,119
    Messages
    2,953,346
    Members
    34,941
    Latest member
    Irowland1994
    Top Bottom