Do I need to carry a scan tool?

[sojoe]

I have a Smarty jr. to read codes.
BUT should I pack a SCAN TOOL?
What do you recommend so far as a scan tool?
Just hate to get bent over while on the road
Thanks

 

[Wiredawg]

I never carried a scan tool with my truck...the Smarty Jr did fine by itself reading and clearing CEL codes.

Cheers, Ron

 

[Jim W]

No! But I do when I am far away from home such as when we are traveling with are 5er. I have also used the scan tool when I was on the road and was able to resolve the issue by myself. I have a MEGA Cab and they store real easy behind the seats and out of site. I also carry my Smarty S67 with me when we are traveling.
My scan tool is a Innova model but they do not make this model any more. I bought the unit in 2009, for my truck when I installed my Smarty. I know this will also work on the newer model trucks/cars, as my son and son in-law have used it.

 

[Prairie Dog]

No, your truck can display most codes on the odo.

 

[Belchos]

Today I went to local dealer to have them verify 0483 code. They didn’t pick it up; just a couple re TPS. Tried to sell me an APPS total unit for $695. I knew about those codes and will take care of that myself. So, is odometer better? Or at least as good? ??

 

[Wayne M.]

Today I went to local dealer to have them verify 0483 code. They didn’t pick it up; just a couple re TPS. Tried to sell me an APPS total unit for $695. I knew about those codes and will take care of that myself. So, is odometer better? Or at least as good? ??

The odo will throw codes, but I like the ability to see and clear them with a scanner. I’ve never used a smarty, so I can’t speak about that. But being in the trade, the more capable the scanner, the happier I am when chasing a code.
Also, on the older trucks, simple scanners won’t read ABS codes.

 

[Ozymandias]

A code alone seldom tells the whole story.

 

[CharlesHoward]

I have a cheapy Scan Guage from Wal-Mart and it helped diagnose/confirm my frequent Transmission issues (mostly the expected Governor Pressure Sensor and associated Solenoid) - most recently last month, however it "saved" me once when I went to start the Truck and the engine bucked and shaked versus starting when we were trying to leave a Campground on a weekend (3 years ago).
"Applied" the Scan tool twice and finally the Truck ran normally. Engine "conniption" has not occurred again....
That "save" was priceless vs a Tow and visit to a shop....

 

[ScottLewis]

I first bought a code reader for my '98 because my mods caused frequent CELs. I bought a newer one for my '06 and use it occasionally for it but far more often for neighbors and friends who have a CEL and don't know why. Very often for them it's a failure to tighten the gas cap.

 

[BDaugherty]

I like to have a scan tool handy. Your smarty should be good enough. I have an older snap on solus at my shop, but carry a cheap hand held actron from the parts store just for convenience. My 03 likes to pop up a few random codes in cold weather, but nothing worth fooling with.