If I wanted to buy a scan tool...

[Bob Dillon]

What would be a good one? I don't want the super-duper, double-throw-down gold-plated one, but I'd like to be able to record and print out data like the posts some here make, and view various sensors in real time.

I finally figured out how to use my buddy's Snap-on scanner, and even though it's old, it's *dang* handy. Christmas is coming, and the Little General can probably be induced to pop for one.

So what's a good, solid model for not all the money in the world?

[harofreak00]

Any idea on budget?

I paid $800 for my Tech2, and it can do anything you want. I understand its a lot, but its probably cheaper than that Snap-on unit.

[Bob Dillon]

Any idea on budget?

I paid $800 for my Tech2, and it can do anything you want. I understand its a lot, but its probably cheaper than that Snap-on unit.

I was thinking 2-300, 400 tops.

[terrancew3]

I've heard this was a fairly descent scan tool. Maybe you can find it somewhere else for less, but its in your price range. http://www.autozone.com/autozone/access ... 37646_0_0_

[harofreak00]

I've heard this was a fairly descent scan tool. Maybe you can find it somewhere else for less, but its in your price range. http://www.autozone.com/autozone/access ... 37646_0_0_

I had the 3160 before I got my Tech2. It was a good scan tool, especially doing the ABS codes and live view.

[gmman]

Amazon has the 3160 for $199 plus shipping.

[gmman]

question for harofreak00, does tech 2 read OBD 1 and 2 or just 2. since i have a 95 PA and a 96 SE, do i need both a tech 1 and 2. does an OBD 1 certified vehicle (my 95 PA) allow ABS and SRS data to be read with a tech 1 and/or tech 2.

thanks for any info you can provide on the subject.

PS i see that the 3160 does not read OBD 1 data (i think). you have to buy the 3140 for OBD 1 data (i think). but but the 3160 may be all that Bob Dillon needs.

[repinS]

Since you are OBD2... if you or someone you know have an Android smartphone and $5... https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta ... rque&hl=en

Combined with this guy as a Bluetooth doohickey. Read/clear codes, AND you can view sensors real time and record data. You'll ring in well under $50. I've got one but paired it with a $5 Nokia app. Similar ones exist for iPhone and BlackBerry also. There are also other avenues where you can interface via USB to a laptop, but I haven't had first hand experience with those.

[Bob Dillon]

That is interesting. I do have an Android that is Bluetooth capable.

Hmmmm.

[SSEBonne4evr]

I bought an interface cable for my laptop, $18.
Can't tell you how many times I have used it on friends and family cars.
Uses scantool.net and you could read codes, analyze live sensor data and print.
does not do ABS codes though.

Here is some info on it when I used it on my 2010 Camaro.
http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=124928

[94SilverSSEi]

Any idea on budget?

I paid $800 for my Tech2, and it can do anything you want. I understand its a lot, but its probably cheaper than that Snap-on unit.

Is there anyway to find out that it is a true tech 2 and not a chinese knock off? I have seen quite a few out there.

[harofreak00]

No true way to tell unless you open them up and look at the motherboard.

I bought mine from a GM dealer that was going out of business, so I knew it was legit.

I don't have any experience with the fakes, but from my research if you are using them for older cars (pre-CANdi), they probably will still work fine. The problems arise with the newer vehicles.

[justhalc]

Once I get my car back on the road and some money in my pocket, I'm going with the Torque app. I've heard nothing but positive reviews.