Hey all:

 

I'm considering buying a pc based scan tool to play with. I really only need a code reader and probably could borrow that from a friend, but I'm wondering what you guys have used out there and like or dont like.

 

Thanks,

 

Daniel

 

ps- I wish I had done obdII for my ej swap:)

I own the equivilent of the following purchased at HF, got it on sale for $64 a couple of years ago, normally sells for around $89. I see HF is now carrying several Cen-Tech models. Mine appears to be well made and has served me well.

 

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94217

 

http://search.harborfreight.com/cpisearch/web/search.do?keyword=obd11&Submit=Go

Scan Gauge II

http://www.scangauge.com/

I have the scanguage II on my Impreza. I got it as a birthday present (requested by me) and I find it very useful for specific applications.....i.e. instant readout of CEL codes. It does lots of other things and it's usually set up to read rpm, water temp, speed and MPG. Easy to use and works well with Subaru (read page 21 or 22 for an important tip for making it work properly). Suggested vendor is Rallitek in Portland, OR.

 

That having been said I use the BR-3 OBDII reader from http://obddiagnostics.com/ for diagnostic work. It hooks up to most any cheap laptop and is easy to use. If I remember correctly, you can download the software for free and play with it to see if you like it. It's also much less expensive than the scanguage II.

 

I like both and use them both as needed.

Hey all:

 

Thanks very much. Good info. Now time to play.

 

Daniel:banana:

I have a harbor freight scan tool for the older obd2 subies.

 

I use a tactrix cable and a laptop for the newer ones.

I personally like snapon's brick type obd2 scanner nothing like reall time information

I use a Actron model CP9135. For 100 bucks it does everything including telling you what the code means and it reads the monitors so you know if you are ready for inspection after clearing those codes.

I went this route also: BR-3 OBDII reader from http://obddiagnostics.com/. But a bit of a pain to use for me, my laptop battery is dead, so I have to hook laptop up to my cig lighter. And the onboard realtime diagnostics don't seem to work right. OTOH, it does tell me what code is being thrown, and it does allow me to clear it. If I were to go out and do it all again, I would get one of those small Harbor Freight code reader/clearers just for ease of use and handling.

I personally like snapon's brick type obd2 scanner nothing like reall time information

 

This is true, and they are so "old" now that one can ouc one up for about $400-1000. But if you want the latest greatest the SnapOn Modis by far the bets out there now. But with a price tag of $7800 it is pretty much for shops to own and have...good thing I am a suby tec and don't have to fork that much out personally...well at leat for that any way.

I purchased the Equus 3130 scan tool and like it a lot. It will work on any OBD2 system. You should be able find them on Ebay at a good discounted price over full retail. I haven't used the included software yet as I have not needed to so far.

 

http://www.iequus.com/product_info.php?product_id=3130&category_id=1_10_7