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Tacked your go to scan tool (Page 1 of 2)
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Posted: 8/16/2022 9:12:05 AM EDT
Link Posted: 8/16/2022 9:32:06 AM EDT
[Last Edit: ske714] [#1]
Torque + ELM327
Link Posted: 8/16/2022 9:39:47 PM EDT
[#2]
Carly
Link Posted: 8/16/2022 9:43:11 PM EDT
[#3]
Toyota Techstream

ebay cable

cheap laptop
Link Posted: 8/16/2022 11:36:12 PM EDT
[#4]
Tag, I've been wanting to get one.
Link Posted: 8/19/2022 11:36:56 AM EDT
[#5]
Depends on what I am working on. Usually the manufacturer's software.
Link Posted: 8/23/2022 10:29:46 PM EDT
[Last Edit: thedave1164] [#6]
Link Posted: 8/27/2022 2:20:21 PM EDT
[Last Edit: GUNGUY148] [#7]
I have an Encore by OTC scan tool, does a good job, shows lots of data, has some programming abilities, etc.

I use an innova code reader that shows quite a bit of live data much more often though.

There's little need for most DIY guys to spend $3,000 or more on a scan tool.
Link Posted: 8/28/2022 1:42:41 AM EDT
[#8]
Link Posted: 8/30/2022 9:01:42 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Plasticseng] [#9]
I have a handheld Autel with some live data and graphing for a quick peek.

If I need to get a little (or a lot) more in-depth, I have Techstream for the Toyotas and the PC version of Forscan for the Fords.

My emergency pack has a basic 20 dollar Autel that will just read and erase codes.
Link Posted: 9/8/2022 7:54:53 PM EDT
[#10]
at the shop.

VAS 6150C ($$$$$ouch$$$$$)

VCDS ($)

I keep a bluepoint EECR5 in my truck. (1/2 $)
Link Posted: 9/12/2022 5:01:22 PM EDT
[#11]
Link Posted: 10/2/2022 3:47:56 PM EDT
[#12]
Tagging for something to talk to my '08 Crown Vic (Forscan?) and 2013 Silverado.
Link Posted: 10/2/2022 3:55:38 PM EDT
[#13]
AUTEL...
Link Posted: 1/3/2023 4:08:08 PM EDT
[#14]
Link Posted: 1/22/2023 9:15:43 PM EDT
[#15]
My friend's Autel MaxiSYS Ultra
Link Posted: 1/24/2023 1:20:15 AM EDT
[#16]
Forscan
OBDLink EX
Link Posted: 1/24/2023 1:50:39 PM EDT
[#17]
RossTech VCDS. If you have anything in the VAG family it's worth it's weight in gold and does standard OBD for everything else.
Link Posted: 3/31/2023 8:15:30 PM EDT
[#18]
Ultra-Gage
Also used as a real-time instrument pod - MPH, MPG, RPM, Torque, etc
Website
http://www.ultra-gauge.com/ultragauge/
Link Posted: 3/31/2023 9:11:34 PM EDT
[#19]
Innova 5610   great scanner, frequent deals
Link Posted: 5/13/2023 9:50:49 PM EDT
[#20]
Innova 3140 that I've had for a long time. My old 1995 Bronco (OBD 1) is the only reason I bought that particular model.
Link Posted: 6/11/2023 4:52:22 PM EDT
[#21]
 Autel MK808
Link Posted: 6/11/2023 5:08:22 PM EDT
[#22]
Is bi directional a worthy thing to look for?
Link Posted: 6/13/2023 10:51:05 PM EDT
[#23]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By motoguy:
Is bi directional a worthy thing to look for?
View Quote


I took want to know this.
I am great with "do these steps to fix/replace but suck at troubleshooting cars in general
Link Posted: 7/20/2023 3:25:56 PM EDT
[#24]
snap-on solus edge
Link Posted: 9/19/2023 2:02:51 PM EDT
[#25]
I’m a professional diagnostic tech. I have access to every factory tool out there except Maserati. I just got the Topdon blue tooth tool to play around with. I’m very impressed. I got the $99 dollar one to play around with keys but the $59 is a great bargain. I have no relationship with them just really digging the tool
Link Posted: 10/4/2023 11:07:39 PM EDT
[#26]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By motoguy:
Is bi directional a worthy thing to look for?
View Quote
Absolutely, if you want to use it for troubleshooting.

Just a very simple example: say you have a power window not working. Plug in the scan tool and operate it from the scan tool. If it works, you know you need to look towards the switch side of the circuit, if it doesn't work, look towards the regulator motor. Also plenty of systems you really need bidi to troubleshoot, like evap systems.
Link Posted: 10/10/2023 10:37:13 PM EDT
[#27]
Just the thread I needed.

Can anyone give me some suggestions for a scan tool that will do Quick Learn? Replacing the transmission in my wife's 2008 JK and I will need to do the Quick Learn reset. Would like to keep it around $500.00 if possible. Thanks.
Link Posted: 10/11/2023 7:06:32 PM EDT
[#28]
Link Posted: 10/21/2023 5:50:17 PM EDT
[#29]
Link Posted: 10/21/2023 7:25:33 PM EDT
[#30]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Striker:
@JustinU235

Reading up on the carly. How do you like it?
View Quote

Very much. If it is compatible with your car.

It helped me diagnose and correct a bad alternator in my 2007 BMW Z4 M coupe. Was able to read all the codes, perform troubleshooting, and clear them after. Let me monitor voltages and such to make sure I was going after the right thing.
Link Posted: 10/22/2023 6:07:55 PM EDT
[#31]
Link Posted: 10/22/2023 9:20:02 PM EDT
[#32]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Striker:
tks. Did it "unlock" any options you didn't have before?
View Quote

Now that I think about it, yes, but that vintage car didn't have much. One thing was "5 flashes" to pass, from 3.

If you're going to code a BMW, bimmercode is best suited for that.
Link Posted: 10/22/2023 9:44:54 PM EDT
[#33]
I've got a few.  
ANCEL AD310 - good cheap dedicated tool with its own cord.  No bluetooth connection or phone required.  Just plug it in and away you go.  It can read basic codes, reset, and show live data.  No advanced stuff

Some cheap bluetooth dongle.  Mine is made by Hikeren.  It works with the android apps.  There's an app called "Tor" (not torq) that works well enough.  Again, just a dumb scanner.  It shows live data, trouble codes, and can reset codes.

XTOOL A30M BT.  This one is another dongle.  You use it with their app and your phone or tablet.  Its pretty full featured with bidirectional stuff and talks to a bunch of the different systems like body modules, abs, tpms, transmission, ECU.  Its not perfect, but pretty good.  So far, they are still supporting the app.  I opened it today and they had updates for a bunch of different brands of cars.

They each have their pros and cons.  Thats why I have a selection of them.  Same reason I have more than 1 ratchet and more than one screwdriver.
Link Posted: 10/31/2023 2:43:41 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Zofoman] [#34]
I have Blue Driver and it works great....needed it for SRS on older Silverado & specifically diagnosed what I needed.  

I also have a cheap/chinese generic dongle that I've used with a few different android apps...which works as a basic code reader but does not work on all vehicles & not all codes...like SRS airbags & ABS brakes.


EDIT:  My reason for going with the Blue Driver is that they keep their database up to date without the user (you) having to always download update data which sometimes can be a challenge for those less "techy".  Hook up the BD dongle and open the app on your cellphone/tablet and get what you need.  Works for a plethora of vehicle makes & years.  You can go to their site and validate first before you buy...unlike others where you find out your vehicle isn't compatible until after you buy & try to connect.   Once in a while you can get a price drop thru Amazon...otherwise buy direct.    https://us.bluedriver.com/pages/bluedriver?wb=false&source=google&gclid=Cj0KCQjwy4KqBhD0ARIsAEbCt6hGbOH4-MtP6BVtXBO3omZecM72UKfwGr_cEM2-IFZJ8JuR3zbyY-kaAs80EALw_wcB
 
Link Posted: 11/26/2023 10:18:21 PM EDT
[Last Edit: craig24680] [#35]
Bumpage for cyber Monday deals and what's good and on sale

ETA looking for something that can read all codes including tranny, air bag codes

Being able to control stuff is a bonus but not needed

Tranny codes are the big thing for me ATM
Link Posted: 11/27/2023 10:17:25 AM EDT
[#36]
Link Posted: 12/2/2023 3:24:08 PM EDT
[#37]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By craig24680:
Bumpage for cyber Monday deals and what's good and on sale

ETA looking for something that can read all codes including tranny, air bag codes

Being able to control stuff is a bonus but not needed

Tranny codes are the big thing for me ATM
View Quote


Ended up with the BlueDriver for $80 on Black Friday

So far, very pleased

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00652G4TS

Saves previously ran scans to look at later
Link Posted: 12/2/2023 4:10:36 PM EDT
[#38]
Link Posted: 12/2/2023 4:22:47 PM EDT
[#39]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By RED_5:
I need one that can talk to my F150 and my bmw moto,
and do all-the-things w/o some stupid apparatus or subscription
View Quote


No Subscription for Blue Driver and it's advertised that way on their site.

Go here and put your vehicles year/trim/etc in and see if it'll work
I did with my 08 Tundra and confirmed it'd work especially for tranny codes (as previously mentioned)

https://us.bluedriver.com/pages/compatibility
Link Posted: 12/2/2023 4:52:32 PM EDT
[#40]
Link Posted: 12/2/2023 8:40:05 PM EDT
[#41]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By RED_5:
does/can BD work without an internet connection?  my current obd2 bluetooth thing needs to constantly phone-home
to work right.. and that doesn't work for me.
View Quote


Good question
I'll test tomorrow by turning off cell and WiFi
Link Posted: 12/2/2023 9:05:09 PM EDT
[Last Edit: HELOBRAVO] [#42]
Autophix.
I also use wireless MHD tuner.
It monitors quite a bit and will  graph a bunch of info from the ECU to look at.
Link Posted: 12/2/2023 9:09:59 PM EDT
[#43]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By JustinU235:
Carly
View Quote

@justinu235
I have an ‘08 5 Series that I was given.  Will Carly allow me to program AFS headlights out?
I replaced them with halogens.  
Not paying 1600$ for AFS but I don’t have high beams.
Link Posted: 12/2/2023 9:10:38 PM EDT
[Last Edit: FALARAK] [#44]
I'm not a pro.

I used to use Torque and cheap generic ELM327 with an android.

Switched to BAFX ELM327 and Torque to get transmission temps.

Then switched to VEEPEAK because it works with iPhone, and the "Car Scanner ELM OBD2" app.  It's just easier to use and I don't need to carry a second phone.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073XKQQQW

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/car-scanner-elm-obd2/id1259933623
Link Posted: 12/2/2023 9:11:21 PM EDT
[#45]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By HELOBRAVO:

@justinu235
I have an '08 5 Series that I was given.  Will Carly allow me to program AFS headlights out?
I replaced them with halogens.  
Not paying 1600$ for AFS but I don't have high beams.
View Quote

Good question but I'm not sure. I would chat with them to be sure.
Link Posted: 12/3/2023 4:43:34 PM EDT
[#46]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By RED_5:
does/can BD work without an internet connection?  my current obd2 bluetooth thing needs to constantly phone-home
to work right.. and that doesn't work for me.
View Quote


@RED_5

Confirmed it will read codes with cell and WiFi turned off on my phone.
Tried 2 different vehicles, one with CEL and one without

Now you can't see potential fixes or how common the code is without the webz

But to read codes it will work with no internet
Link Posted: 12/4/2023 1:56:24 AM EDT
[#47]
Link Posted: 12/4/2023 12:51:42 PM EDT
[#48]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By RED_5:
@craig24680

cool. thanks for checking!
View Quote


NP!
Link Posted: 12/8/2023 8:55:02 AM EDT
[#49]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By craig24680:


No Subscription for Blue Driver and it's advertised that way on their site.

Go here and put your vehicles year/trim/etc in and see if it'll work
I did with my 08 Tundra and confirmed it'd work especially for tranny codes (as previously mentioned)

https://us.bluedriver.com/pages/compatibility
View Quote


Might not have looked hard enough
I don't think this will read ATF temps and that's a big one for me
Might have to return :(
Have email into CS
Link Posted: 12/16/2023 10:48:58 AM EDT
[#50]
A member here recommended the  Launch X431 CRP919E, for about $500

that is the best money I have ever spent on diag equipment.
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Tacked your go to scan tool (Page 1 of 2)
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