OBD II Scanner
If you buy the Communist Chinese Tool Store scanner I'd like to hear your opinion of it. Might be handy to have one around if I ever get a CEL or code set. $39 is not a large investment if it works.
Scanner features for all four OBD II Canbus protocols:
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The Three Flavors of OBD II
While the parameters, or readings, required by OBD II regulations are uniform, the auto manufacturers had some latitude in the communications protocol they used to transmit those readings to scanners. Naturally, each felt they had the one true way, so we have three different OBD II communications protocols in use.
What Communications Protocol does my vehicle use?
As a rule of thumb, GM cars and light trucks use SAE J1850 VPW (Variable Pulse Width Modulation). Chrysler products and all European and most Asian imports use ISO 9141 circuitry. Fords use SAE J1850 PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) communication patterns.
There are some variations among captive imports such as the Cadillac Catera, a German Opel derivative, which uses the European ISO 9141 protocol.
On 1996 and later vehicles, you can tell which protocol is used by examining the OBD II connector:
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J1850 VPW--The connector should have metallic contacts in pins 2, 4, 5, and 16, but not 10.
ISO 9141-2--The connector should have metallic contacts in pins 4, 5, 7, 15, and 16.
J1850 PWM--The connector should have metallic contacts in pins 2, 4, 5, 10, and 16.
SAE J1850 PWM
SAE J1850 VPW
ISO 9141-2
ISO 14230 (KWP2000)
"CANBUS"
WHAT IS CAN?
Controller Area Network (or CAN) is the newest automotive communication protocol. CAN Protocol is around 50 times the speed of the older protocols.
CAN was used in some cars starting in 2003, and is said to be the only protocol that will be used after 2007
Works with all 1996 and newer cars & trucks that are OBD II compliant
Basic/Advanced Features :
Live Data Stream
DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) meanings are displayed in text mode
Reads Freeze Frame Data
Large Backlit LCD Display
Large Database of Diagnostic Trouble Code(s)
Clears / Turns off Check Engine Light
Reads VIN number: great for verification of used cars!
Tests I/M Status: Misfire Monitor, Fuel System, O2 System, EGR System, MIL Status
Reads and clears generic and manufacture specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC)
Supports multiple trouble code requests: generic codes, pending codes and manufacturer's specific codes
Highly reliable and accurate
Easy to read backlit LCD display
Easy to use with one plug-in
Safely communicates with the on-board computer
Stand-alone unit with no need for an additional laptop computer to operate
Firmware updateable via Internet!
Switch between Metric and English Units!
FULLY COMPATIBLE WITH CAN PROTOCOL
Ive got both name brand "OBD II " Canbus scanner and el cheapo and they both say made in china i cannot afford "snap on " tools on a craftsman budget.
There is not one domestically manufactured semiconductor in the USA so all components are globally sourced from overseas. We consumers have little choice.
Times are tough and we all have bills to pay, just different color plastic housing for different packaging or vendors.
I have friends at my local Auto Zone etc. who will check codes for me and its just a courtesy deal for them also.
Walmart will let you use it ,rent it and return for full refund if you have the reciept.
E Bay has lots of them just pick a model that fits your application at affordable prices mailed to your door and no sales tax.
I like the ones that are flash updateable through the computer usually a deluxe feature and there is a extra fee for the flashes.
Austin Diesel
Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
