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Automotive scan tool reviews

Automotive scan tool reviews from a car mechanic. My name is Mark 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 going forward. This has allowed the prices of scanners to fall drastically.

The last four diagnostic scanners I purchased still work today in 2010 and will continue to work in 2011 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. Perfect for the glove box or when your heading to the emission testing station.

the code scout is easy to operate and includes a bilingual manual of generic trouble code descriptions in English and Spanish. It will tell you the code number and then you look it up in the supplied manual for the complete definition.

Automotive scan tool reviews #2 better auto scanner

The Actron auto scan tool is more in price compared to the code scout, but provides more features and 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 newest 2011 protocols. C.A.N. (Controller Area Network) protocol.

Industry leaders say C.A.N. will be mandatory on all vehicles in the near future. The actron 9550 scanner displays freeze frame data (snapshot of the operating conditions at the time of the fault). You can view the status of your cars inspection and maintenance monitors. Plus read and erase Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) this turns off the check engine light.

The actron auto scan tool enables user to quickly link to their vehicle with a large easy-to-read LCD screen and provides the Diagnostic Trouble Codes and their descriptions. This is a good choice for the Diy auto repair mechanic and why it is one of the better selling scan tools on amazon.

Best obd 2 scan tool for 1996 and up

The Actron 9580 is a little more than the 9550 and this is what you get for the extra money. The CP9580 is fully upgradeable via the Internet and I believe the USB cable is included. This allows you to transfer data from the scanner to your computer and print out diagnostic information.

If you do have to take your vehicle to the repair shop this print out can save diagnostic charges and will let your shop know that you are educated on the check engine light subject.

This tool not only scans your vehicle but can read the data stream to aid in the diagnosis of most stored computer codes. The actron 9580 scanner 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 intermittent 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 a more 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, this has been updated to the Equus 3140. For the same price I paid you now get a better scanner. This equus automobile scan tool has a few advantages over the three above scanners.

The main advantage is that it scans obd 1 and obd 2 compliant vehicles. This will give you coverage from 1982-2010. 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 many problems. Information can be reviewed of the vehicle to help find intermittent failures as well.

The equus scan tool Includes: 3140 Tester, OBD2 DLC Cable, OBD1 Extension Cable, OBD1 GM Adapter, OBD1 Ford Adapter, OBD1 Toyota/Lexus Adapter, OBD1 Chrysler/Jeep Adapter, 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 26 years. I own three out of the four listed above. The equus 3140 scan tool in my opinion is one of the best obd scan tools because you can walk up to many (not all) vehicles from 1982-2010 and scan it.

You can clear codes and perform diagnostics as well. Keep in mind that on some older 80's vehicles diagnostic functions are limited depending on the automobile. Click the product link for more information on this and see 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 my opinion on the best way to interface with the cars computer using a laptop or pda. This is my answer to the left.

The elm scan 5 compact USB scanner is the latest release from the people that in my opinion perfected this type of system. Plus with a price point of less than 45 bucks makes it a good value.

You can read and erase codes and manipulate the data stream in real time. This is for vehicles 1996 and up. It is as powerful as any of the scanners listed above if not more so.

I think the hand held scan tool is easier and quicker to use (just my personal opinion) but if you already own a laptop this might be right for you? And you can display more data at one time on the much larger computer screen.

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The perfect companion to any automobile scanner is a diagnostic chart for the code you set. See my pick for the best auto repair manual available.

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