Code scanners

[never_retreat]

Anyone here have a code scanner. I saw one a while ago that was laptop based, looked neat. I can't remember who made it.
Obviously this would have to be affordable. Would love a snap on but I can't afford that. Real time data also not just one of those code reader boxes. Would be good if it would do any vehicle also, OBD2 compatible?

[Tuco]

ScanGauge is a neat tool with real time data

http://www.scangauge.com/?gclid=CKng26n2-5kCFQEhDQodngxMFQ

I have a Actron model - obd2, that I use when a check engine light comes on - Looks like they discontinued it or changed the case similar to model #9175

http://www.actron.com/product_category.php?id=249

less than 100 bucks (5 yrs ago)

[Hawkmoon]

I have one I bought from AutoZone for $79, and one I bought from Harbor Freight Tools for $39 (on sale). They both work. No laptop connection offered. They just read the code, and allow you to clear it.

The Auto Zone scanner came first, and it's fine for the 2000 Jeep Cherokee my wife drives. No "consumer grade" scan tool reads my '88 Cherokee. I picked up the newer scan tool from Harbor Freight because it offers the newer CAN protocol as well as OBD2, and as a car hobbyist  I didn't want to not be able to scan a car for a friend if asked to do so.

[K Frame]

I tried to get a code scanner at the auto parts store today (free loaner). Both places I stopped? Scanner had been stolen.

[MillCreek]

When I posted on this very subject last year, the forum consensus was the Actron 9180. 

[roo_ster]

Mechanic I spoke with the other day said, "At work, we have a closet full of $1000 scanners, but most times, I use the $20 scanner I bought off the net for home use."

[mfree]

I use a Scanguage II. It's not a dedicated code reader, but it does serve the purpose... mine's attached to the dash and remains plugged in all the time, because it gives me 4 things:

1 - digital RPM (much more precise than the factory tach)
2 - computed real-time MPG
3 - water temp, though I may switch that back to fuel calculated GPH now that winter's over. I was using the water temp to avoid driving off before the oil was warm enough to flow well... which is at a point under the low limit on the factory guage
4 - intake air temp, which doesn't do a lot for me but gives me a way to have a guesstimate of the outside air temps, and lets me know at a glance why the truck's down on power (starts dropping HP around 110-120F)

It does a lot more than that too... up to even taking the current value of gasoline (you have to enter that) and calculating cost per mile on the fly.

It does reset codes on command too. I've used it to reset a power limit fail code I had once when a garage almost let my battery die on the lift.

[Ben]

forum consensus was the Actron 9180

I'm pretty sure that's the model number I have too. Cost around a hundred bucks. Does a good job, though sometimes (and I assume it's the same for most units), I have had to do a little Internet surfing to get the exact meaning of the code for my particular vehicle.

In the two personal vehicles and several work vehicles where codes have gone off, all instances have been freakin' smog stuff. Grrr.

[never_retreat]

I use a Scanguage II. It's not a dedicated code reader, but it does serve the purpose... mine's attached to the dash and remains plugged in all the time, because it gives me 4 things:

1 - digital RPM (much more precise than the factory tach)
2 - computed real-time MPG
3 - water temp, though I may switch that back to fuel calculated GPH now that winter's over. I was using the water temp to avoid driving off before the oil was warm enough to flow well... which is at a point under the low limit on the factory guage
4 - intake air temp, which doesn't do a lot for me but gives me a way to have a guesstimate of the outside air temps, and lets me know at a glance why the truck's down on power (starts dropping HP around 110-120F)

It does a lot more than that too... up to even taking the current value of gasoline (you have to enter that) and calculating cost per mile on the fly.

It does reset codes on command too. I've used it to reset a power limit fail code I had once when a garage almost let my battery die on the lift.

Ok the scan gage was peeking my interest a bit. As far as things that it will display, I need more data that tach and temp. I'm buying it for my powerstroke and need things like boost pressure, hpop pressure, and injector type stuff. Does it do that?

[never_retreat]

Anyone try this one?

 ElmScan 5

http://www.scantool.net/elmscan-5-usb.html

[mfree]

http://www.scangauge.com

Out of the box, it gives you:

Fuel Economy
Fuel Rate
Battery Voltage
Coolant Temperature
Intake Air Temperature
Engine Speed (RPM)
Vehicle speed (MPH)
Manifold Pressure (not available on some vehicles)
Engine Load
Throttle Position
Ignition Timing
Open/Closed Loop

But if you're the technical type you can use Xgauge commands and add vehicle specific monitors.

http://www.scangauge.com/support/pdfs/XGAUGE.pdf

See bottom of page 2,

Torque into torque coverter (ft lbs)
Barometric Pressure (inches of Mercury)
Cylinder Head Temperature (deg F)
Transmission Fluid Temperature (deg F)
Converter Speed Ratio
Fuel Pump Pulse Width (Bank 1)
Fuel Pump Pulse Width (Bank 2)
EGR Duty Cycle
Fuel Pump Duty Cycle
Fuel Level
Torque Converter Line Pressure
Transmission Output Shaft Speed
Transmission Gear ratio (GR Ratio of RPM in to out)
Fuel Pressure (if no FPR)

I added the instant HP reading to mine, but I don't use it... not useful for what I do, which was super-miling, back when gas was almost $4. The scangauge was indispensible for that, and I managed to average 30mpg on my commutes to work at least 4 days; that whips the snot out of my usual 25mpg.

[cassandra and sara's daddy]

the actron unit is on sale for 49.95 till the 22nd at advance auto