Automotive scan tool reviews

Automotive scan tool reviews. My name is Mark Gittelman and I am going to show you the scan tools I own. First let me briefly explain why it is now safe to buy an automotive scan tool.

It used to be that auto scan tools needed to be replaced or updated every couple of years. But the deployment of obd 2 in 1996 has changed the operation of the computer scanner for the better.

The federal government has standardized the onboard diagnostics system in all automotive vehicles. This has allowed the prices of scanners to fall drastically.

The last four diagnostic scanners I purchased still work today in 2008 and will continue to work in 2009 and beyond. The automotive scan tool reviews below will provide four choices for do it yourself car repair or even professional auto mechanics.

Automotive scan tool reviews obd2 code reader

Auto X-ray makes this first scan tool. This is your most basic automotive scan tool, but is a good choice for the DIY auto repair consumer. This scanner only reads and erases codes but will also reset the service engine soon light

It also saves time and money by performing diagnostic scans at any time or place when your "check engine" light comes on.

the code scout is easy to operate and includes a bilingual manual of generic trouble code descriptions in English and Spanish.

Automotive scan tool reviews #2 better auto scanner

The actron auto scan tool is $50 more in price compared to the code scout, but provides twice the power. My favorite feature is the on-screen definition of the codes that are stored in memory.

This means you do not have to stop and look up what the code means like with the code scout. This automotive diagnostic tool will also comply with the new 2008 protocols.

C.A.N. (Controller Area Network) Coverage - C.A.N. will be mandatory on all vehicles in 2008. The actron scanner displays freeze frame data (snapshot" of the operating conditions at the time of the fault).

You can review data off-vehicle via battery power plus read and erase Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) this turns off the check engine light.

The actron auto scan tool enables user to quickly and easily link to their vehicle with a large easy-to-read LCD screen and provides the Diagnostic Trouble Codes and their descriptions.

This unit retails for $179.00 but you save $85 with amazon. This is a good choice for the Diy auto repair mechanic and why it is the one of the best selling scan tools on amazon.

Best obd 2 scan tool for 1996 and up

The actron 9180 is $47 more than the 9175 and this is what you get for the extra money. The CP9180 is fully updateable via the Internet and the USB cable is included. This also allows you to transfer data from the scaner to your computer and print out this diagnostic information.

If you do have to take your vehicle to the repair shop this print out will save diagnostic charges and will let your shop know that you are educated on the check engine light subject. (Your shop may think twice about riping you off!)

This tool not only scans your vehicle but can read the data stream to aid in the diagnosis of any stored computer codes. The actron 9180 also allows you to freeze-frame data in blocks and play it back to isolate the fault.

This way you do not have to recreate the failure over and over again, you can now play it back frame by frame to scrutinize all the information. A very useful feature for when you have intermitent problems that turn on your check engine light.

Combine this with Internet connectivity and the ability to interface with a PC, and you have a powerful, professional diagnostic scanner. This is an advanced unit but the basic functions are as easy to use as the above scanner.

This is a tool you can grow into and learn from. The kit comes with a helpful CD to explain how to get the most from this auto scan tool and diagnose the check engine light properly.

Automotive scan tool reviews best obd1 & obd2 scan tool

I own the 3120 model and this has been updated to the 3140 so for the same price you now get a much better scanner.

This equus scan tool has a few advantages over the three above scan tools. The main advantage is that it scans obd 1 and obd 2 compliant vehicles. This will give you coverage from 1982-2008.

The equus scan tool links to all OBD II protocols including CAN (Controller Area Network). The tool captures and displays freeze frame data that will help you pinpoint and troubleshoot any problem.

The equus scan tool Includes: 3140 Tester, OBD2 DLC Cable, OBD1 Extension Cable, OBD1 GM Adaptor, OBD1 Ford Adaptor, OBD1 Toyota/Lexus Adaptor, OBD1 Chrysler/Jeep Adaptor, Windows PC Software, Instruction Video, Serial PC Cable and Storage Pouch. This is a very complete package that is good for beginners right up to experts.

Automotive scan tool reviews. I have purchased more than 10 automotive scan tools in the last 23 years. I currently own the four on this page. The equus 3140 scan tool is the best obd scan tool in my opinion because you can walk up to most vehicles from 1982-2008 and scan it, clear codes and perform diagnostics as well. Click the product link to check out the latest reviews from other users.

Auto scan tools update I do not own this scan tool because I do not own a PDA or a laptop. I have been asked many times about the best way to interface the cars computer with any laptop or pda. This is your answer to the left. The elm scan 5 is the latest release from the people that perfected this system.

You can read and erase codes and manipulate the data stream in real time. This is only for vehicles 1996 and up. It is as powerful as any of the scanners listed above. I think the scan tool is easier and quicker to use but if you own a laptop this might be right for you?

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