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Post by Rocinante on Oct 2, 2008 21:24:05 GMT -6
I've seen a few posts by members who are using scan tools to diagnose their engine performance. Can anyone suggest some of the better scan tools out there? I've just started looking into them, and I think some of the key features would be the ability to upgrade the software easily, live and storable engine readings, and the ability to display the results graphically on your computer. Also, it should be able to report on all of the sensors in the vehicle (02, throttle position, etc.). Again, I'm no expert!
Thoughts?
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Post by Aurora40 on Oct 3, 2008 15:36:23 GMT -6
laptop software is superior, but will generally only work on one or a couple of cars. Handheld ones have poor recording capability, though are more convenient, and for the same cost as you'd spend on laptop stuff, you could get one that works on a wide range of vehicles, including pre-OBD-II.
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XJSman89
Administrator 
Posts: 6,309
Staff Member
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Post by XJSman89 on Oct 6, 2008 0:21:25 GMT -6
^^I agree. We use laptop software for the Jayhawk Motorsports car up at KU and it works like a charm. It records pretty much everything. We get our software directly from the company for free though (because they sponsor us.) I have no idea how much something like that would cost, but definitely the route to go if you want a program that gets everything.
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Post by BlackButy on Dec 11, 2008 16:59:59 GMT -6
I am looking into a used Snap-On Mt2500 that my old high school is selling for very cheap. I have used this thing on my car when I was in school and it was amazing for a hand held scanner. Not on the level of a Genisis but very good and it also reads OBD1, which is great for me. I can have it for about $150, so I will let all know how it works for me when I begin using it again.
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Post by giannid on Dec 11, 2008 21:13:29 GMT -6
I'm surprised that no one here has mentioned the scangauge 2. It can read a bunch of different parameters (real time) besides being a code reader. It's small enough that can be mounted with double-sided tape almost anywhere in a dash.
I think I paid 169 bucks for mine, but sold it months ago after I traded my old ride (1999 Explorer) that did not have an info center like the Aurora.
You can get a good deal on ebay if you look for it ...
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Post by Speed Neon on Dec 12, 2008 23:11:55 GMT -6
the gensis2, than the red brick mt2500 snap-on, than a laptop. got all three.
but honestly the red brick scanner is the staple of the automotive industry. its the most rugged scanner ever built. drop it kick it spill liquid on it. bulletproof.
the gensis is fragile, as is a laptop.
i use the gensis for abs srs and advanced factory functions. like abs hydraulic module bleed sequences,etc.
the laptop is mainly a scope, good for catching electrical glitches and such.
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Post by BlackButy on Dec 13, 2008 10:54:06 GMT -6
I agree on the red brick speed! I just hope Im getting a good deal at $150, lol.  The Gensis2 is nice, my buddy has one, but they are pretty expensive yet as they have only been out a few years, the MT2500 has been out quite a while. |
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Post by Speed Neon on Dec 14, 2008 21:28:18 GMT -6
I agree on the red brick speed! I just hope Im getting a good deal at $150, lol. The Gensis2 is nice, my buddy has one, but they are pretty expensive yet as they have only been out a few years, the MT2500 has been out quite a while. for 150 buxs ur getting a steal, they can be upgraded to do 90% of what the gensis does. the gensis is like a small computer, it has a hard drive and everything. |
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