Engine scanners, what to buy

[buck35]

What's a good all around scanner for the home do it yourself guy? Say, 1 to 300 bucks range. I don't know shit about these, but currently have a check engine light on one of my rigs.

 

[Dan Lorenze]

I think I paid $14 for mine. It's just a cheapie (obviously) but it works great, reads codes and has the ability to erase them.

 

[monkeyswrench]

Heard good reports about the Horrible Freight scanners. I have an OTC, but it's overkill for most. Really the only issue I've seen with any scanner would be if you had a European car you need to scan. They tend to be more picky, or have an attitude. Or...run it to Auto Zone and have them scan it

 

[Guest06]

Matco MD60 is great i have the MD80 it has a ton more but mostly useless for most street driven autos

 

[buck35]

Heard good reports about the Horrible Freight scanners. I have an OTC, but it's overkill for most. Really the only issue I've seen with any scanner would be if you had a European car you need to scan. They tend to be more picky, or have an attitude. Or...run it to Auto Zone and have them scan it

I've been down the O'Reilly's/ AutoZone road before. Just as soon buy my own and be done with it and have it at the ready if need be.

 

[lbhsbz]

A scanner will alone will not get you too far. You need service information with code set criteria and system information for it to be very useful.

The more you spend the more information you can get out of the scanner, but it is of limited usefulness unless you know what you're looking at, which is tough without service information.

I'd get a fairly basic unit...code reader with freeze frame and live data.

 

[Buggydave]

I picked up an Innova scanner last year on Offer Up for like $100. The one I got listed on Amazon for like $300+. Guy said he bought it from a friend. Who knows but there were a few on there, different prices and even some of the ones with good reviews from HF pretty cheap. It does everything you would ever want, including ABS which a lot wont do.

 

[Rayson1971]

I got mine at harbor freight. Worked great. Get the one with abs in it too.

 

[77charger]

I got a basic one a few years ago when I got a check engine light then it was like 80 bucks but has paid off. Detected 2 bad 02 sensors on my truck since then and my wife's xterra got 0301 cylinder misfire on number 1. Was a dead cylinder and felt it but code narrowed it down and with some basic skills I determined either a coil pack or injector threw a new coil pack ohm tested injector it was fine and now runs great again. Dealer wanted 1k to fix it. 2 hours of my time 90 in parts done.

 

[monkeyswrench]

What scanner is the cheapest that gives streaming info? That's really the only reason I like the OTC one I have. I can see the feeds of every sensor online. Doing the LS swap stuff it helps me make sure everything is doing what it supposed to. As far as pulling codes, even a cheapie can do that. Usually you can just Google the make, model and code and get the most common issues.

 

[Mototrig]

For Android users Torque Pro is a very powerful tool for a mere $20. $5 for the app and about $15 for the ELM bluetooth dongle. For that you read live data on a completely customizable dashboard and CEL code reader/clear option. I've been using it for 5 years now.
Here's a few screenshots, the one with the gauges is the live dashboard, not connected to my vehicle of course. But you get the idea

 

[SBMech]

None of the information you can gather from a scan tool is useful if you do not know what you are looking at.

There are many 300$ tools on the market, that can provide more information than you can use.

Most aftermarket tools suck, but for basic troubleshooting are acceptable. Google can steer you wrong easily, lots of "blue car syndrome" repairs there.

There is never a substitute for doing the "basics", an engine needs compression, spark, and fuel delivered at the right times, simple in concept, rather complicated now with sequential injection and various intake and cam adjusting devices.

Lots of really good techs here on RDP, just post up symptoms and codes, we can help you work it out.

 

[ElAzul]

I picked up a Zurich (Harbor Freight) today and was pretty impressed. Nice color screen, live data, freeze frame and 90 days to return it if I don't like it. Tried cycling EVAP, ABS etc. for kicks and it worked like a charm

 

[rrrr]

I have a couple of $50 cheapies. With the codes and the internet I can pretty much get an idea what's going on, so if I'm taking it to a shop I'm not at their mercy.

 

[Ultra912]

My Audi’s require a Vag-com that is for Volkswagen Porsche Audi only
It plugs in to the car then to a laptop and the software that comes with it is downloaded and we can accomplish any and all
For example, you must be able to electronically disengage emergency brake to replace rear brakes pads
You can also do performance tuning but I don’t ever mess with that, too confusing

 

[wsuwrhr]

I have an Ethos+.

Works good for my junk.

 

[j21black]

Question - Are you looking for a marine app or vehicle app?

 

[buck35]

Vehicle, I have one for the boat already.

 

[wsuwrhr]

 

[buck35]

View attachment 719248

I have some snapon stuff,might be cheaper to buy a new rig...j/k

 

[wsuwrhr]

I have some snapon stuff,might be cheaper to buy a new rig...j/k

I have always considered "cheap" relative.

 

[jeteater1]

I have a Bosch u scan 1050 . Works great.
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Bosch Diagnostics

Mobile Scan Diagnostics

Vehicle Diagnostics made easy with your smartphone

Mobile Scan™ provides do-it-yourselfers with access to their vehicle Diagnostics using their smartphone. Works with all 1996 and newer cars and light trucks built for sale in the U.S.(Domestic, Asian and European) Get the answers to the cause of the check engine light. Simply plug the adapter into your vehicle and, using your Android or Apple smartphone, read the definitions for the DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) that caused the check engine light to illuminate.

FREE APP INCLUDED

Save repair time and money. Perform a QuickCheck™ to diagnose and reset your check engine light, view emissions status, read code definitions and more.



HOW IT WORKS

1. Download the free Bosch Mobile Scan™ app from Google Play or Apple App store
2. Plug Mobile Scan™ into vehicle port usually found underneath steering column
3. Instantly connect your smartphone to your vehicle

Mobile Scan™ APP FEATURES

• QuickCheck™ Summary of vehicle emissions, DTCs and code definitions
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• MyGarage™ Manage vehicles for easy access QUICKCHECK™ FEATURES
• Read DTCs and code definitions for Engine, ABS and Airbag warning lights
• Erase DTCs and turn off the Check Engine, ABS and Airbag lights
• I/M Monitors (Emissions Status)

POWERTRAIN ENHANCED DATA

• Get access to Powertrain DTCs and definitions related to the check engine light for most 1996 and newer GM, Ford, Chrysler, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan and Toyota vehicles via the manufacturer specific diagnostic command.
• Manufacturer specific code definitions for GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, Audi, BMW, Daewoo, Isuzu, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes Benz, Mitsubishi, Porsche, Saab, Subaru, Suzuki, Volkswagen, and Volvo.
• Freeze Frame data - Details the conditions of the vehicle at the time the DTC was set.
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ABS DTCs AND DEFINITIONS

Read and Erase ABS brake DTCs and definitions related to the ABS warning light for most 1996 and newer GM, Ford, Chrysler, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan and Toyota vehicles.

AIRBAG/SRS DTCs AND DEFINITIONS

Read and Erase Airbag DTCs and definitions related to the airbag warning light for most 1996 and newer GM, Ford, Chrysler, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan and Toyota vehicles.



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[rivermobster]

I have one just like this, except mine is about 10 years old!

It works on Every make car. It's probably all you will ever need.

Once you have the code, Google it with the make model and year of your car. You'll be surprised at what you will find...

OTC Tools 3208 OBD II & ABS Scan Tool with Enhanced Engine and Transmission Codes https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0176W045U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_hXIpCbD2FQE0W

 

[buck35]

So after much advise and confusion i bought an innova 3160 and put the light out and we will see what pops back up.

 

[lbhsbz]

So after much advise and confusion i bought an innova 3160 and put the light out and we will see what pops back up.

What was the code?

 

[buck35]

I wrote it down , I'll have to run out to the shop and check.
Back in 5.

 

[buck35]

Po 171 ,leak after maf.
We cleared the code and drove it a bit and nothing showed up. We shall see if it it comes back and go from there.

 

[SBMech]

Po 171 ,leak after maf.
We cleared the code and drove it a bit and nothing showed up. We shall see if it it comes back and go from there.

That is not a "leak after MAF" code, it is a lean code for bank 1.

Vaccum leaks at the intake, purge valve, evap system etc all can set that code, as well as a faulty MAF.

 

[buck35]

That is not a "leak after MAF" code, it is a lean code for bank 1.

Vaccum leaks at the intake, purge valve, evap system etc all can set that code, as well as a faulty MAF.

So what should my next step be? Maybe spray suspect items and listen for change.

Edit, it's a 2000 sd with a v10

 

[lbhsbz]

So what should my next step be? Maybe spray suspect items and listen for change.

Edit, it's a 2000 sd with a v10

Check the little vacuum hose elbow under the throttle body

 

[buck35]

Will do , and thank you. and a thumbs up!

 

[SBMech]

So what should my next step be? Maybe spray suspect items and listen for change.

Edit, it's a 2000 sd with a v10

You won't be able to hear any change unless it's a massive leak (that you could actually hear sucking lol), hook your scan tool up and go live data, watch short term fuel trims while spraying carb cleaner at suspect spots, when you get close you will see a spike in the STFT for that bank. There are a few known suspects like the elbow at the throttle body and the 90* elbow in the back of the intake.

 

[buck35]

Thanks . and when I can grab the neighbor again we will do that as he's a tad more into computerized stuff than me....

 

[Maestro]

I have a matco md80 for quick access
A modis scanner for more in-depth access and ability to use the oscilloscope. My twin has the veras pro.

As for the code listed, smoke out the system with a leak detector and ohm the maf. The code will return after 4 good drives, or the drive cycle is met and failed.

 

[Wheeler]

So after much advise and confusion i bought an innova 3160 and put the light out and we will see what pops back up.

Well what's the verdict on the scanner?

 

[buck35]

Well what's the verdict on the scanner?

I haven't driven the truck a bunch, but the light did come back on a couple of days ago,so when there is some time I/ we will dig a bit deeper and see what's going on .

Edit, as mentioned earlier i am about as computer savvy as a rock , when the neighbor has a while to spare I'll grab him and get some more info off the scanner. Ive read the booklet about five times now and starting to get the gist of what it may be able to see.