OBD-II Scan Tool... Which one for me?

[KaGee]

My 2001 Ford Escape had the Check Engine light come on last week. Took it to Auto Zone and they pulled out code P-0401, which refers to the EGR system. He cleared the code and now it's back, so I need to clean and check the EGR valve.

It's time to break down and buy my own scanner as both cars need it and both are now 5 years old. I don't want to keep running over to Auto Zone. Which one will fit my needs and give the most bang for the buck?

 

[mscher]

Re: OBD-II Scan Tool... Which one for me?

You basically have 3 choices,

1. One that flashes lights in sequence that equals the code, which you have to look up. Cheap, but - Yuk.

2. A unit that will flash the code only and you have to look up what it means, for about $50.

3. A unit that will give you the code and tell you what it means right on the display, for around $99 and up.

Autozone uses and sells the Actron 9135 for $99, but since they were out they gave me the newer $149 9175 for a hundred bucks.

Does the job and has a CD with more codes, which is supposed to be upgradable when newer cars and codes are added.

Seems to do the trick.

Just make sure that it has a clear function to shut off the "check engine" light.

http://actron.com/

My 2001 Ford Escape had the Check Engine light come on last week. Took it to Auto Zone and they pulled out code P-0401, which refers to the EGR system. He cleared the code and now it's back, so I need to clean and check the EGR valve.

It's time to break down and buy my own scanner as both cars need it and both are now 5 years old. I don't want to keep running over to Auto Zone. Which one will fit my needs and give the most bang for the buck?

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: OBD-II Scan Tool... Which one for me?

There's another choice. Software and usb cable for a laptop(if you have one). Gives a lot more info than handheld scanners.

 

[KaGee]

Re: OBD-II Scan Tool... Which one for me?

Hmmmmm, I have a laptop. Any idea on the cost?

 

[PuddleJumper]

Re: OBD-II Scan Tool... Which one for me?

I have Auto Tap. Hooks to my laptop. I can customize screen to guages and graphs of almost any different function. I think I pd approx $175 last year. Software upgrades free. Try autotap.com
website

 

[NBE]

Re: OBD-II Scan Tool... Which one for me?

A lot of vehicles will give you the codes if you turn the key on and off three times. The codes on mine (2003 Dodge truck) appear in the odometer window and all I have to do is go on the internet and find out what they mean.

I don't know if your vehicle does that but just wanted to pass it on that a lot of vehicles do.

Keep in mind that even when you fix the problem that is causing the fault, you still have to clear the codes. If you don't clear them they will still be there the next time a reading is taken. The ability to clear the codes may in itself be worth buying the scanner or laptop software.

Thanks!

 

[LubeDude]

Re: OBD-II Scan Tool... Which one for me?

Funny that this thread should come up now, I`m looking for one for the wifes PT Cruiser. I have about decided on this one as it just stays plugged in all the time. I just don`t know where to put it.

http://www.pureenergysystems.com/store/ScanGauge/

 

[Xcusme]

Re: OBD-II Scan Tool... Which one for me?

LD, there's a pic on the link you posted, about 3/4 down the page, that shows the connector. It has to be within 6 ft. of the driver, usually under the drivers dash (perhaps near the hood release)....

 

[Xcusme]

Re: OBD-II Scan Tool... Which one for me?

For those who have no fear of soldering irons and the like...

Try having a look here:
http://www.elmelectronics.com/

 

[vipzach]

Re: OBD-II Scan Tool... Which one for me?

That auto tap is pretty darn neat!!

 

[LubeDude]

Re: OBD-II Scan Tool... Which one for me?

LD, there's a pic on the link you posted, about 3/4 down the page, that shows the connector. It has to be within 6 ft. of the driver, usually under the drivers dash (perhaps near the hood release)....

No, I know where to plug it in,. I just don`t know where to mount the unit that wouldn`t look funky. This one stays pugged in all the time.

 

[Xcusme]

Re: OBD-II Scan Tool... Which one for me?

LD, there's a pic on the link you posted, about 3/4 down the page, that shows the connector. It has to be within 6 ft. of the driver, usually under the drivers dash (perhaps near the hood release)....

No, I know where to plug it in,. I just don`t know where to mount the unit that wouldn`t look funky. This one stays pugged in all the time.

Duuh, I was side tracked thinking of the other end....
As for mounting, that would depend on the vehicle. From the limited view of the pic on their web site, it looks like there's an RJ45 type connector on the cable end. If need be, cut off the RJ connector, drill a 1/4 hole and push the cable thru the panel. Just crimp on a new connector and you're good to go.

 

[SlowlySinking]

Re: OBD-II Scan Tool... Which one for me?

I use the ACTRON CP-9145, it can read the codes, turn the check engine light off, and it reads the pending codes that tell you if the vehicle will pass the emissions inspection. It's already saved me more than I paid.
I also charge folks $20 to read the codes, and there's no lack of customers who are tired of paying the dealer about $100 for the same thing. It's like a cash machine. Ken

 

[KaGee]

Re: OBD-II Scan Tool... Which one for me?

Decisions, decisions. Hmmmmmm. :/

 

[AK_Chappy]

Re: OBD-II Scan Tool... Which one for me?

I have Auto Tap. Hooks to my laptop. I can customize screen to guages and graphs of almost any different function. I think I pd approx $175 last year. Software upgrades free. Try autotap.com
website

I really like that!!
I bookmarked it and after my AK Trip, I am gonna get that.

AK Chappy

 

[BRG25]

Re: OBD-II Scan Tool... Which one for me?

I bought the AutoXray Code Scout 1500 for $100 on e-bay. Works well.

 

[dolluper]

Re: OBD-II Scan Tool... Which one for me?

KaGee Go with autotap I have been using their product for years,it is much superior to just a reader.It allows you to drive and watch functions of the sensors ,great for finding the exact problem 200 Canadian each car type,Ford ,GM ,Diamaler and so on with your lap top

 

[javsam]

Re: OBD-II Scan Tool... Which one for me?

kagee, if your ford escape has an egr sensor ,it may be the problem,my ford taurus had the same egr fault,and the egr valve was vacuum controlled by an egr sensor that compared exhaust pressure to vacuum manifold pressure, when the miles on a vehicle start to get up there the egr sensor gets plugged up by carbon from the exhaust. no cleaning it,had to buy new sensor.
d

 

[Chunder06]

Re: OBD-II Scan Tool... Which one for me?

Will these things work on the new high tech outboards, eg E-Tec/Optimax