ABS Scan tool that reads 97 Chevy Blazer??

[Blazerguy1983]

Anyone able to recommend a ABS code reader that will work with a 1997 Chevy Blazer 4.3L? I have a newer scan tool “Harbor Freight” and an older MacTool code reader that is supposed to read ABS too but, they will not communicate with my 97 Blazer. The only tool that can is my buddies expensive Snap-On reader. I hate to bother him all the time to read it. I cannot afford to spend a lot. thanks.

Topic

[Cameron]

Check with the Innova Scan Tool people to consider your options.. They have reasonably priced scan tools in their range that will read ABS codes on 1996 and later US model vehicles. The 3040c model is one of them.
http://innova.com/Content/Support/Downloads/20150127_3040c_ABS_Charts.pdf?r=0.13174463009670562

Their tech support number : 800-544 – 4124

Innova 3040e New Diagnostic Scan Tool Review

[Blazerguy1983]

Thank you Cam0888. I bought this Innova 3040c Code reader today at Auto Zone. Unfortunately it did not communicate with my 1997 Chevy Blazer ABS Computer. I e-mailed the company before I purchased it and they said it would work, but it doesn’t. I got the same results as I have with every Scan tool besides a Snap-On professional version. The Snap-On one my buddies uses reads my ABS computer and reports codes and live data without issue. I just feel bad bugging him all the time to read codes and would be nice to have a way to pull ABS codes on this vehicle myself. The good new is the manager at Auto Zone said I can return the Innova code reader for a refund. It is so strange to me that only a high end diagnostics scanner will read this ABS computer.

[zero]

Try giving the software an update. Unfortunately that price point is about the entry level for ABS functions. I’ve seen a couple of the programs that work with Bluetooth readers that you can upgrade to include ABS. But in my personal investigations into it generally, I found most of the software upgrades were at least marketed as vehicle specific and seemed a bit steep. Again, my opinion. Your mileage may differ.

[Blazerguy1983]

Innova wanted $99 to update the ABS Firmware on my brand new Scan tool. That’s more that what I paid for the tool. Innova claimed it should have worked right out of the box even after reaching out to them about it. I wish I knew someone that was selling an older Snap On scanner that would read the ABS on this. I can’t afford a new one. I would be wiling to even buy something a little more expensive that’s generic if I knew it would work.

[zero]

I could see them wanting to charge you if it had been over a year since you first bought it and updated it. But a brand new tool? Gimme a break. Return it. Unless you can go in and update it for free, as their website claims. PROOF

[Blazerguy1983]

I reached out to BlueDriver who makes the Bluetooth OBD2 code reader that Eric and ChrisFix do a review on but, they said it wouldn’t work. Bluedriver tells me due to the early stages of OBD2 in 1997 that manufactures where doing their own things with ABS computer software. Since then, there are more mandated standards for vehicle computer systems making the 2000’s and newer easier to pull codes from. This still doesn’t explain what Snap-On does to make their tools read it and why other companies don’t support it.

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