OBD II Scanner

[RCW]

It's gotten to the point I think need an OBD scanner for home.

Wife's car (2018 Chevy Equinox) threw a malfunction indicator light (MIL), more commonly known as a check engine light. Turned out to be frozen turbo intercooler. Other common problems seen over the internet seemed to be brake/ABS related......

Kid's car (2007 Buick Lacrosse) threw a MIL after yours truly f#cked up gas cap after filling it. It occasionally has an ABS light, but it's intermittent.

My now-traded 2013 Silverado had a MIL after a year -EVAP code - I figured the shitty gas cap, but also a surprise vent solenoid on the tank after one year. They've been common for trucks in the north. Replaced a few over the years. I have 2017 Silverado now - I hope GM relocated the vent solenoid.

Short story long, I want something to tell me problem area, and hopefully diagnose beyond code, i.e. "O2 sensor, or right front ABS", and I certainly want a scanner that can clear codes.

I'm decent at fixing many of these issues, but need some diagnostic help.

I've looked at a bunch tonight. They run $25-800. One I liked was USA company Launch CRP123 at $160.

https://scanneranswers.com/launch-crp123-obd2-scanner-review/

What kind of scanner do you have or recommend?

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[D2Cat]

This is what i use. Scan Gauge II. I actually bought it so I could display 4 functions at any time. Like eng. temp, voltage, RPM, etc. I leave it plugged into my truck and use it every day. http://www.campingworld.com/shoppin...MImfPN39Hl2AIVT57ACh0pEABREAQYBCABEgKLdPD_BwE

 

[SRG]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G5EA74I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use that one.
Displays all kinds of parameters, in real time, as you're driving.
Read current and pending codes. Erase codes.
Displays description of code along with code #.
I got it on a lightning deal before christmas for $22 or so. I'd still buy it again at $35, it's a handy little reader/scanner.

 

[Newlyme]

I use the Torque Pro App, ($9.99), on my phone with the Elm327 OBDII scanner you can get at Walmart for $11. Works fine for me. I can read all kinds of information in real time, (ex: exhaust temps at the DPF), along with reading and resetting CEL codes. When a code is found the app will take you to the internet for an explanation for troubleshooting.

They also have a Torque Pro Lite version for free that you can try before you buy. I tried that first and it wasn't long before I spent the $9.99.

They have a video on YouTube.

 

[Newlyme]

Its funny it got me thinking. Using this app in the winter during a regen my exhaust temp was 1,400 degrees +\-. Going down a hill coasting with my foot off the gas pedal the fuel injectors shut off. The temperature of the air going through the exhaust system dropped below the temperature of the cooling system of 195 degrees. When I got to the bottom of the hill and hit the gas back up to 1,400 degrees.

 

[1970cs]

Well you won't have to worry about the gas cap issue on the Silverado!
My kid has on OBD2 scanner, I am not sure, but i think it's a Harbor Freight unit?

Pat

 

[Daren Todd]

RCW, I feel your pain The bloody gas cap sensors on the dodge and Jeeps are frustrating as hell. Seems like they are extremely sensitive compared to the GM and Ford sensors. My wife's jeep is really sensitive. It shows up gas cap on the display, then after a bit it trips the check engine light. Then takes forever to get the gascap notice or check engine light to clear. Got to a point that I replaced the fuel cap. That lasted about a month, then it starts popping up intermittently again

Had to teach my wife how to install that fuel cap. If installed normally till it clicks, it's too loose and will pop the code. You have to squeeze the sides of the darn thing, then turn it to get it tight enough. Which my wife has issues with do to hand strengh. I have issues as well do to big hands and not enough room. A plug and play delete for that sensor would be awesome

 

[RCW]

Well you won't have to worry about the gas cap issue on the Silverado!
My kid has on OBD2 scanner, I am not sure, but i think it's a Harbor Freight unit?

Pat

Yeah, not sure what I think about that little trap door thing and no gas cap.

I did look at the HF scanner also. It’s on the short list.....

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[RCW]

RCW, I feel your pain [emoji3] [emoji57]

Daren - we’ve had a few EVAP codes because of gas caps over the years; usually because my kids forgot to put it on.
I caused that one all by myself!![emoji12]



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[RCW]

I've decided that I don't want one of those Bluetooth/cell phone scanners. Too bad, because the reviews and price are really great for a couple of them.

I have a hard enough time linking my phone to the truck; can't imagine I'd have better luck with a scanner......

I'm too old and technologically illiterate to make some of that work....

 

[Tooljunkie]

I cant really offer any advice, as i purchased a very expensive unit from snap-on
I get updates as soon as they come available as wel as online fast fixes.
Many are using the bluetooth units,aparrently they work well.
My son has one, but i have yet to try it.

 

[enviramental]

Hi _ I just bought a blue driver bluetooth unit just before Christamas to use on my Honda Ridgeline. It works great, and is pretty simple to use. It checks out all the systems including the all wheel drive and abs systems. It even gives you a list of the top fixes for your problem. Lots easier to do research of you have an idea.
Of course when you bring the vehicle to a mechanic for work they will still hook up their scanner, but at least you can give them a little bit of history and maybe able to take care of the easier stuff once pointed in the right direction.

 

[armylifer]

I have one that I bought from Harbor Freight several years ago. It reads and displays the codes but you have to look the codes up in the manual or the CD that came with it. It clears the codes and gets you back on the road quickly. One time I was driving up Snoqualmie Pass and my truck went into limp mode. There was no place to pull off the road right there so I had to keep driving. I happened to have the scanner in the glove box and was able to read the code and clear it while rolling at about a 30 MPH limp.

The total time that it took to read the code and clear it, was about one minute. So, for a scanner that does just the basic code reading and clearing, you cannot beat the Harbor Freight one for the price. I paid just $39.00 for it about 10 years ago.

 

[mattwithcats]

I have an Actron 9125. Just codes, no diagnostics.
Cost me just under $25..
https://actron.com/content/obd-ii-pocketscan

I got an Ultragauge a few years ago, works great. You can set the display to show 4, 6, or 8 sensor readings. It also can reset most codes.
About the only thing it can't do is display oil pressure, no sensor in most cars, just a dumb switch.
http://ultra-gauge.com/ultragauge/ultragauge_wired.htm