OBD II Scan Tool

[Dennis O.]

Re: OBD II Scan Tool

I really don't know much about this, but one thing I picked up from some friends who were going into this in detail, is that the cheaper ones don't have the capability of reading the codes for ABS brakes. It seems these guys (in Minnesota with late model plow trucks) were having more brake than engine problems and nobody's unit would read the codes they needed.

[Terry M.]

Re: OBD II Scan Tool

I really don't know much about this, but one thing I picked up from some friends who were going into this in detail, is that the cheaper ones don't have the capability of reading the codes for ABS brakes. It seems these guys (in Minnesota with late model plow trucks) were having more brake than engine problems and nobody's unit would read the codes they needed.

In most cases only the higher priced scanners will read brake and suspension codes. By higher price I am talking about thousands of dollars.

[Bob U.]

Re: OBD II Scan Tool

I bought an Actron 9175 several years ago on Amazon. It has worked great on several different vehicles. It even worked on neighbor's BMW and an Accura. It even clears error messages caused by some family members not getting gas cap on tight without a trip to a dealer. More expensive versions allow you to see individual sensor values in real time. As far as I am concerned it was well worth the money.

[Dennis O.]

Re: OBD II Scan Tool

In most cases only the higher priced scanners will read brake and suspension codes. By higher price I am talking about thousands of dollars.

This was about 6 months ago, but I seem to remember that when I looked for them on the internet (I was the only "computer-literate" one in the group), the ones with ABS capability were priced around $300. I would consider spending the extra $200 over the base amount for the ABS stuff, but certainly not a couple of thousand.

[Joel A.]

Re: OBD II Scan Tool

Here at home I have a MT 2500 Snap On that works really well for OBD I & OBD II. It does do ABS and other modules. I also have a OTC Monitor 4000E that I have not updated in years, but it is not as good as the Snap On. I use a Snap On Modis, and a Solus Pro at the shop. The Modis also has graphing capabilities, and a built in multimeter, as well as ignition scoping. Both Snap On machines have troubleshooting tips/info, as well as TSB references. A bit pricey, but well worth it, if you need that sort of machine.

[Joe L.]

Re: OBD II Scan Tool

All------


Much thanks for all the excellent input and suggestions. They will all be very helpful in my decision.

[Frank K.]

Re: OBD II Scan Tool

I am looking at a mt2500 for my 93 vette. What do i need to bring up engine codes etc? I am looking at used units on e-bay Thanks Frank

[David D.]

Re: OBD II Scan Tool

Frank, It all depends, do you just want to read codes or data also. All you need is the basic MT2500 scanner & connecting cable to a GM-1 (12 pin) adapter, a 95-96 Primary cartridge, 12V battery power cable. There is a scanner on ebay ending at around 4pm today, that has most of what you would need. Hope this helps. Dave

[Mark G.]

Re: OBD II Scan Tool

I use a GM tech 2.

[Frank K.]

Re: OBD II Scan Tool

Need to read data have a expensive actron will not interface with my car (93) Reads all other cars! Use to read the 93 but not now

[Jack H.]

Re: OBD II Scan Tool

Remember, the '93 Corvette is NOT OBD2 compliant. If memory serves the transition from OBD1 (mfgr proprietary codes and plugs) didn't come along for Corvette until 1995. Correct me there if I'm wrong here, guys.

But, there ARE el cheapo adaptor cables that convert the early OBD port on GM cars to the form/format used by OBD2. Then, you can connect your late model, made in Taiwan (hey, they DO work!) scan tool and have a go at it. In MANY cases the codes are the same as those standardized by OBD2. BUT... Hey, there's always one of those 'buts' eh?

One major difference between the pin-out assignment for OBD1, the early GM form, and OBD2 is the early ports do NOT provide 12 VDC to power the scan tool!!!!!! So, sometimes you'll see reports that this/that worked and others say it didn't work for them.... Also, you'll see that the 'big boy' scanners like those from Snap On had their own power (either a battery you installed in the scan tool or a discrete wire to run to the cars' cig lighter).

I did a bit of research thinking maybe it was as easy as 'jury rigging' an OBD1 to OBD2 adaptor cable to run the OBD2 side of the connectors' B+ lead over to a cig lighter plug. I backed off when I read some Google reports that said others tried this approach and depending on the scan tool they were running and the target car they were working with, they managed to FRY the car's wiring!!!!

Whoops...that's NOT good... There can be a difference between logical ground (the return line you use in your diagnostic tool to run the display/keyboard, Etc.) and the ground used for power reference. Bottom line, I dropped the initiative.

But, I do know when you shop the aftermarket 'cheapie' OBD2 tools, 'some' of them claim to read OBD1 codes from a select group of cars AND you'll find a few of these scanners have their own battery to make the scan tool independent of the target vehicle's power...

[Joe L.]

Re: OBD II Scan Tool

If memory serves the transition from OBD1 (mfgr proprietary codes and plugs) didn't come along for Corvette until 1995. Correct me there if I'm wrong here, guys.

Jack------


Almost right. It was 1996 for OBD II in Corvettes.

[Steven B.]

Re: OBD II Scan Tool

Here's a reply that I made to an earlier thread, for what it's worth:

"I had an earlier Innova 3140 OBD2/OBD1 scan tool with OBD2 live data that I liked. In 2015 I purchased an Innova 3160 Scan tool because I had a need to be able to pull codes for ABS. It will also scan SRS in 1996 and newer vehicles. Although the 3160 does not say it will scan anything older than 1996 vehicles, the information from Innova suggests that it will scan GM and some other older vehicles with OBD1 systems. I know the 3140 will do both and it is still available for $168.68 through Amazon.com."

I still feel the same now as I did then. Both of these tools are worth the money, which I don't feel is breaking the bank.

Steve

[Joe L.]

Re: OBD II Scan Tool

Here's a reply that I made to an earlier thread, for what it's worth:

"I had an earlier Innova 3140 OBD2/OBD1 scan tool with OBD2 live data that I liked. In 2015 I purchased an Innova 3160 Scan tool because I had a need to be able to pull codes for ABS. It will also scan SRS in 1996 and newer vehicles. Although the 3160 does not say it will scan anything older than 1996 vehicles, the information from Innova suggests that it will scan GM and some other older vehicles with OBD1 systems. I know the 3140 will do both and it is still available for $168.68 through Amazon.com."

I still feel the same now as I did then. Both of these tools are worth the money, which I don't feel is breaking the bank.

Steve

Steve-----


I have an Innova 3140 and I like it.