My dad and I are looking around for a scan tool to replace our dated GM Tech2. Our shop is only used for friends and family, it is not a business. Since I only have experience with our Tech2 (and GM tools), I was hoping for some feedback from others. Our main needs are reading/clearing codes, viewing engine/transmission/brakes/body data, and Output Control would also be nice. Right now we are interested in domestic diagnostics only, but as new as possible (up to 2012 would be nice). We don't really have a budget yet and we don't know what a good price range is, but we could justify up to $1500 if it does what we need. What does everyone use or recommend? Thanks! :Handshake
Look at a snap-on modus(sp?) used one when I worked at merchants, it would read codes, data. I don't have a clue as to how much it costs though. We have the snap-on verus at the shop I'm at now, that thing is awesome, it has tons of features especially for gm vehicles. I think it can even flash pcm's for some cars.
Thanks for the feedback, guys. Dennis, thanks for the Equus link, that looks like a nice product. Might have to look into that one. Price seems pretty good too.
I have one of the Equus ones, too. The model you can get for just around $100. Works flawlessly, and clears codes. Only problem is you only get a lettter-number code, and have to go to Google or other resource to convert the code into an actual problem. But I can do it on the road with my cell phone, and diagnose problems in minutes. I use it on my family and friends' cars. Saves them all a lot of money. It is nice that they can take their car to the shop and say "fix the mass air sensor" and not have the shop tell them it was an $800 job, requiring 25 expensive parts.
2 raves for the Equus, good to hear. Scott, do you remember which model you have? Do you know how updates work? If you own it for a few years, do they add vehicles to it via the internet?
I do remember mine telling me there is a web link for updates and such although I have not tried it yet.
So it looks like for Equus, I have to decide between the ability to read a limited number of ABS/SRS codes (the 3160b) or the ability to read OBDI stuff (3140b). I have done more work on ABS stuff than OBDI stuff. I actually haven't touched OBDI in years... The 3160b can be had for $200 on Amazon. [ame="http://www.amazon.com/3160B-Professional-CanOBDII-Diagnostic-Enhanced/dp/B001QIUGVI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344776236&sr=8-1&keywords=Equus+3160b"]Amazon.com: INNOVA 3160B ABS/SRS+ Professional CanOBDII Diagnostic Code Scanner with Enhanced Live Data: Automotive[/ame] Not bad at all!
mine is the innova obd 1 an 2 . Got it from off ebay with free shipping for under 200.00. Like you said, family an friends mainly. Unless someone is stranded along the road.
Just updating my thread... We decided to go with the OTC Genisys EVO #3875. It will enable me to perform output controls, full input data display along with online updates. It also includes Make specific troubleshooting procedures and code definitions. It is similar to the Tech2 I used while I was a GM tech. Once I play with it, I will let you guys know how it performs. http://www.otctools.com/products/2012_genisys_evo_oem
Will it recode GM radios? Why did makers ever make it such a b - - - h just to put a junkyard radio in a vehicle!!!
If you have an Android phone, you can use an app called Torque (in the Play store) and a bluetooth OBDII dongle that you can buy from Amazon. Totals around $25 for both. It's fun to play with. You can setup a realtime gauge cluster.
