Scan tool

[1fatcat]

I am looking to purchase a scan tool and am wondering if any of you guys have suggestions on what to get? I've been leaning toward the laptop software vs hand held hardware, but I am open to all suggestions. I need something that covers as many makes as possible, european and asian is prefered (as well as US makes). ABS and air bag compatiblity is definately prefered. As complete as possible, I would like to be able to plug into anything and be able to read everything.

[00Beast]

I really like the Snap-On Solus scanner we have at work, but it's like $3k. Works on all modern and imports that have anykind of diagnostics. It reads everything up to 2007.

[1fatcat]

I would be all over the solus, but snappy just f****** rapes you on the updates.

[willwren]

Actron 9145? I think it'll do all but the enhanced. Does it report KR on the Series 2?

[bonnevillain]

9145 won't do foreign cars. I just have a cheapie from walmart for our other cars, and it works great. Worked on Hyundai, Honda, Chevy, and Pontiac for sure. covers a fairly wide range. No ABS/Airbag of course, but that capability will cost you a LOT. better off going to a dealer for that probably unless it's a common occurence.

[00Beast]

He's a mechanic. He wants a good scan tool that will scan his customer's cars, from what I can tell.

[Archon]

This is what I have, and like.
http://www.autoenginuity.com/

It gets more expensive as you add enhanced capabilities for individual manufacturers.
http://www.autoenginuity.com/order.html

[danthurs]

That is nice software, until you look a bit closer. This was version 7, I'm sure v8 is a bit better


To get that software and the enhanced features it's about $400. Way better off getting HPT scanner for $350


Then you can upgrade if you wish to add tunning. In the end, HPT is a much better choice. I've had both scanners.

[1fatcat]

Don't you have to buy credits from HPT? Like, it basically keeps costing you money everytime you plug into a new car?

[danthurs]

Not for scanning. If you want to tune, that's 2 credits per car at $49.99 a credit. The software comes with 8 free credits. HPT will scan 97+ I was able to scan 96 with limited PIDs You can add custom PIDs in HPT. Way way better software.

Also, unless autoengineity changed the software. You need to keep buying upgrades to keep the enhanced version. You also can't sell the enhanced version.

[1fatcat]

There is a bolt missing from your S/C pulley.

[danthurs]

Not any more.

[1fatcat]

So then, does HPT have enhanced included and do they charge for updates? I think everyone charges for updates?

[danthurs]

The scanning software comes fully loaded out of the box. Take it from someone that has had 3 different software packages, HPT is the best. Autoenginuity is nice, I thought it was great until the nickel and dime you. In the end it costs way more. I had myscantool, very nice, cheep, but no enhanced features available. HPT has a ton of features, is upgradable to tune, has a very accurate scan and does 20 perimeters at the same time. That covers anything you want to scan.

[1fatcat]

What are the two screen shots you posted? I like the sounds of HPT. Anyone have any thoughts on http://www.scantool.net/scanxl-pro.html?

[Jrs3800]

You may just like the HPT scanner better... I have used the HPT scanner and do like it..

[Boss455]

The 9145 will not read KR on series 2. I tried. It will read KR on series 1 94-95 Bonnies though. The 9145 is a glorified code reader for OBD2. It scans for basics like LTFT and coolant temps and IATs and such but NO KR or tranny temps.