Scan Tool

[DefeatTheCar]

I am considering purchasing my first scan tool (yeah I’m a rookie’s rookie), but I am not sure which one to buy and was hoping to get some recommendations. Thanks in advance!
banana:

Topic

[dave]

I’d recommend the snap on verus.

[Kosta]

Before you buy a scan-tool you need to think about what your plans are with it. Are you just gonna pull codes? Do you want it to display freeze frame data? Would you like to see emissions readiness monitors? Do you wanna be able to erase codes? Do you wanna be able to take out-put state control of actuators? Do you just wanna retrieve engine codes or would you like to be able to get transmission codes, ABS, SRS codes? Do you want a code reader for OBD I or OBD II? Do you wanna be able to pull codes for Duramax, Powerstroke, Cummins diesels? Do you wanna see live graphs of sensors? Do you want one that you can update regularly.

Sry for all the questions I just don’t wanna see you spend a ton of money and not get what you want from a scan-tool. Speaking from a technicians stand point.

[dreamer2355]

+1 on the above post as well as asking yourself if you want a bi-directional scan tool or at least one that can read live PID data.

[Charles]

If you have a laptop you can just buy an interface module and software. You get what you pay for (usually) but can start out for about 50 to 100 Dollars US. Go to the software sites that also sell scan tool interfaces or to EBAY for a basic scanner on the cheap. Of course I went cheap and the one I purchased pulls codes, resets CEL’s and displays realtime data. Dosen’t do freeze frame.

[DefeatTheCar]

Thanks to everyone for the replies very helpful. I may try the laptop route seems to be a good basic starter and I use my laptop all the time for repairs anyhow. Got to play those repair vids for reference while working lol.

[DefeatTheCar]

That verus is an awesomely powerful scan tool and would love to have one but can’t justify spending that much as I don’t do the work professionally. I do need to pull codes and freeze frame data would be handy, mostly OBDII codes, ABS could be handy as would be live graphs and I have no need for anything dealing with diesels as I pretty much just work on my own cars and friends and family and no one I know has a diesel, yet anyhow I suppose. Thanks again!

[Author]

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