OBD2 diagnostic scan tool

Subject: OBD2 diagnostic scan tool Mon Mar 30, 2015 10:06 pm

I purchased a cheap OBD2 scan tool from Harbor Freight and it works great. It reads the codes and tells what the basic problem may be. My question is about the more expensive OBD2 readers. What do the better ones do that the cheap ones do not? I am talking same brand here. I don't mean the Harbor Freight one as opposed to a Sears brand. I mean if you bought Sears only or Harbor Freight only, what does the more expensive do that the cheaper one does not? With my cheap one I can erase the code and turn the SES light off. Does the more expensive ones give more information or what? Thanks for the help.

Subject: Re: OBD2 diagnostic scan tool Mon Mar 30, 2015 10:31 pm

In addition to reading DTC (codes), the more expensive scanners can read advanced parameters (knock, boost, trans temp, shift times, TCC operation, etc.) needed for tuning the PCM, which is done with a tuning software package. These scanners can also log data while you're driving, then download for export to spreadsheet for analysis.

Very expensive pro scanners (Tech II) can read even more parameters (TC/ABS) and communicate with the vehicle's PCM to perform diagnostic tasks, and control ABS pump. These are usually a few thousand $ to buy.

Unless you are looking to scan for tuning purposes, or go into the tech business, I'd think your basic mid-level scanner would be decent for resetting codes and looking at general parameters.

If you want to monitor vehicle parameters while driving, the Aeroforce Interceptor is a great addition. They monitor a lot of the advanced parameters, record, and give you on-the-fly coade reset. Aeroforce gauges are $250 new.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AeroForce-Interceptor-PT501-OBDII-Gauge-96-07-GM-Vehicles-Green-Display-2-1-16-/191088297371

For more info on scan tools: https://rivperformance.editboard.com/t2100-faq-good-scanner-tuner-software-to-use

_________________
'05 GTO 6.0L • 6-spd • 95k miles • 0-60: 4.8s • 16.9 avg MPG • Nelson Ledges Lap: 1:26

'95 Celica GT 2.2L • 5-spd • 165k miles • 0-60: yes

'98 SC Riviera • 281k miles • 298 HP/370 TQ • 0-60: 5.79s • ET: 13.97 @ 99.28 • 4087 lb • 20.1 avg MPG • Nelson Ledges Lap: 1:30
3.4" pulley • AL104 plugs • 180º t-stat • FWI w/K&N • 1.9:1 rockers • OR pushrods • LS6 valve springs • SLP headers • ZZP fuel rails
KYB GR2 struts • MaxAir shocks • Addco sway bars • UMI bushings • GM STB • Enkei 18" EV5s w/ Dunlop DZ101s • F-body calipers
EBC bluestuff/Hawk HP plus • SS lines • Brembo slotted discs • DHP tuned • Aeroforce • Hidden Hitch
^^^ SOLD ^^^ frown

'70 Ninety-Eight Holiday Coupe 455cid • 116k miles
^^^ SOLD ^^^ frown

Subject: Re: OBD2 diagnostic scan tool Mon Mar 30, 2015 10:37 pm

torque + OBDII bluetooth + droid = best entry scan tool.

Subject: Re: OBD2 diagnostic scan tool Mon Mar 30, 2015 11:39 pm

Unless you don't have or want Droid. surprised

_________________
'05 GTO 6.0L • 6-spd • 95k miles • 0-60: 4.8s • 16.9 avg MPG • Nelson Ledges Lap: 1:26

'95 Celica GT 2.2L • 5-spd • 165k miles • 0-60: yes

'98 SC Riviera • 281k miles • 298 HP/370 TQ • 0-60: 5.79s • ET: 13.97 @ 99.28 • 4087 lb • 20.1 avg MPG • Nelson Ledges Lap: 1:30
3.4" pulley • AL104 plugs • 180º t-stat • FWI w/K&N • 1.9:1 rockers • OR pushrods • LS6 valve springs • SLP headers • ZZP fuel rails
KYB GR2 struts • MaxAir shocks • Addco sway bars • UMI bushings • GM STB • Enkei 18" EV5s w/ Dunlop DZ101s • F-body calipers
EBC bluestuff/Hawk HP plus • SS lines • Brembo slotted discs • DHP tuned • Aeroforce • Hidden Hitch
^^^ SOLD ^^^ frown

'70 Ninety-Eight Holiday Coupe 455cid • 116k miles
^^^ SOLD ^^^ frown

Subject: Re: OBD2 diagnostic scan tool Tue Mar 31, 2015 12:15 pm

For an entry level scanner, i would get a cheap droid tablet with bluetooth and cheap OBDII connector.

Unless you already have a droid phone, although the tablet would allow for more PIDs on the screen.

Subject: Re: OBD2 diagnostic scan tool Tue Mar 31, 2015 6:41 pm

Great answers. Thanks so much.