Advice on Purchasing Code Scanner

[JFP in PA]

Yes. The areas where it won't work (protected codes) are all "saftey" related, such as ABS, PSM, PASM, airbags, etc. The Actron (as well as just about everyone else's OBD II scanners) also cannot activate the "drive modules" like the Durametric system can.

[Box on 19's]

I bought this one and works great.. on my Lexus, wifes Escalade, and the Porsche.. easy to use and not too expensive..



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CRAFTSMAN-87702-OBD2-DIAGNOSTIC-TOOL-BRAND-NEW-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem5643d68f02QQitemZ37050 5322242QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools

[j.fro]

I've got an Actron that I purchased back in 2005. It works great on my 00 986, but it doesn't work on my wife's 07 BMW X3.
I've seen OBD II apps for my iPhone, and I am intrigued.

I've also got the Durametric, and I am a bit disappointed (got it with my Softronic reflash). Yeah, it does all of the OBD II stuff, and I can reset an airbag light, but I was hoping for more. It allows you to test many systems by activating them with the engine off, but it does not permit permanent deactivation of anything. I need to disable the spoiler mechanism (I've got the Aerokit II, so all of the factory moveable spoiler is gone), remove the door airbags, and get rid of the secondary air injection. All of that is beyond the Durametric programing.

[jmatta]

I purchased an Actron...does the job for me, though it is very basic. I use it more on the daily drivers than I do the Box, as it has never thrown a code.

[clickman]

You can't get more basic or more portable (or cheaper) than the one I bought:

http://www.launchx431.ca/c-reader-iv.php

I paid $40

[Johnny Danger]

There's a slew of no name brand scanners going for cheap on ebay. I wonder if any of them are acceptable for what I need it for ?


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/OBD-II-SCANNER-OBD2-2-SCAN-TOOL-CODE-READER-OBDII-ENHAN-/380335464236?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item588dc29f2c#ht_8585wt_1167

[2TrunkSteve]

I've had this a few years and it works for most issues. Neighbors and friends have borrowed it a few times too and they all give it a thumbs up. It's versatile and easy to use.