PC based scan tool vs hand held reader

[mwilson]

I'm setting here staring at the new Blue Point Microscan that I bought last week wondering if it is the right thing to have now. It may get returned to old Snappy next week.

My old Snap On one will not deal with the CanBus system and will cost more to update than to replace so I have to do something as the 2008 T&C is giving the wife a check engine light every now and then.

I have been studying the PC based systems, have found a few with Dodge expansion packs for a little extra money. They allow deeper plunges into the ABS, TIPM, etc. .

I am beginning to think a nice PC based system for a couple hundred more will benefit me in the long run.

I rarely take my vehicles to a shop but as things get increasingly complicated I need reliable electronic help.

I can't dump big money for a secondhand STAR but am willing to put several hundred towards a decent system that can be upgraded when needed.



If I post some of the choices and features will you guys give me your opinions??



I would also love some input from Cerb, Bob 4X4, Sag2 and any others that could compare the features of the PC based stuff to real world usage.



Thanks,

Mike

 

[mwilson]

OK, if I read this correctly I can do the Heater Door Actuator test with this software, also enable/disable DRL's, etc.



Basic Pro Hardware

Products



See what you think..... Chrysler Expansion Module

Chrysler CAN-Based Module System Test List



Looks like a $500. 00 outfit by buying the basic stuff plus the Chrysler upgrade.

If it does what is says, I think it is worth it. .



Mike.

 

[Mhannink]

i didnt read all of your posts just scanned it real quick, so i might put my foot in my mouth. a couple months back i bought the autoenginuity pc based scan tool. i have the expansion pack for all domestic vehicals (ford, chevy, dodge). i love it, it really does seem to be near dealer like in its abilities, and its based on the brand name so i can hook to gas or diesel, car, truck, or suv. if it is ford chevy or dodge or one of there other brands it will work. i have played with the best scanners that snap makes (it was about 4 years back) and this blows them away and it only cost me like 800 bucks. if i where you i would return the snap on one and get the pc based system. i absolutely love it and think it was money well spent.

 

[Mhannink]

just looked at one of your links. your looking at the system i have. i got mine from dieselperformanceproducts.com

 

[Bob4x4]

We rarely use the Starscan anymore it is not functional on the newer vehicles. Haven't checked the availability/subscription for our newer system but I am sure it would be TOO much to justify for just 1 car

DCCTools :: Knowledgebase / wiTECH

 

[mwilson]

I am ordering the Auto Ingenuity product,



Here is a cut and paste from the Chrysler expansion module capabilities...



Enhanced Chrysler CAN-Based Module System Test List



NOTE: The list is for general module support for given module. Actual system test support is based on manufacturer discretion.





Anti-Lock Brake System CAN (Var. 07) top

Bleed Brakes

Anti-Lock Brake System CAN (Var. 08) top

Bleed Brakes

Audio Amplifier CAN (Var. 01) top

AMP Input Test

AMP Output Channel Test

Reset ECU

Auto Highbeam Module CAN (Var. 01) top

Aim Test

Cabin Compartment Node CAN (Var. 02) top

Auto Door Lock

Auto Door Unlock

Change Measurement Units

Language Preference

Seatbelt Alert Monitor

Unlock Driver Door On 1st Press

Cabin Compartment Node CAN (Var. 03) top

Auto Door Lock

Auto Door Unlock

CCN Gauge Test

CCN Self Test

Change Measurement Units

Language Preference

Service Interval - Gas

Service Interval - Diesel

Unlock Driver Door On 1st Press

Cabin Compartment Node CAN (Var. 06) top

Self Test

Cabin Compartment Node CAN (Var. 09) top

Self Test

Climate Control - Manual CAN (Var. 03) top

Actuator Calibration Test

CoolDown Test

HVAC Self Test

Reset ECU

Climate Control - Manual CAN (Var. 05) top

Actuator Calibration Test

CoolDown Test

HVAC Self Test

Climate Control - Manual CAN (Var. 11) top

Actuator Calibration Test

CoolDown Test

HVAC Self Test

Driver Door Module CAN (Var. 03) top

Reset ECU

Driver Door Module CAN (Var. 05) top

Mirror Position Test

Reset ECU

Electronic Overhead Module CAN (Var. 01) top

EOM Self Test

Reset ECU

Electronic Shifter Module CAN (Var. 01) top

Reset ECU

Enhanced Powertrain CAN (Var. 01) top

EGR System Test

ETC Throttle Follower Test

Injector Kill System Test

NVLD Forced Monitor Test

Purge Vapors System Test

Reset ECU

Reset Memory

Set RPM Test - non - ETC Equipped

Enhanced Powertrain CAN (Var. 08) top

1st Gear Clutch Test

2nd Gear Clutch Test

3rd Gear Clutch Test

Clear Variable Line Pressure (VLP) Counters

EGR System Test

ESIM Forced Monitor Test

ETC Throttle Follower Test

Injector Kill System Test

Purge Vapors System Test

Quick Learn

Reset ECU

Reset Memory

Reverse Gear Clutch Test

Set Engine RPM System Test

Enhanced Powertrain CAN (Var. 22) top

1st Gear Clutch Test

2nd Gear Clutch Test

3rd Gear Clutch Test

Clear Learned Variable Line Pressure (VLP) Counters

EGR System Test

ESIM Forced Monitor Test

ETC Throttle Follower Test

Injector Kill Test

Purge Vapors System Test

Quick Learn

Reset Memory

Reverse Gear Clutch Test

Set Engine RPM

Final Drive Control Module CAN (Var. 01) top

Reset ECU

Front Control Module CAN (Var. 01) top

Program Tire Size

Hands Free Module CAN (Var. 01) top

HFM Self Test

Reset ECU

Heated Seat Module CAN (Var. 01) top

Reset ECU

Master Audio Unit - Radio CAN (Var. 01) top

Reset ECU

Master Audio Unit - Radio CAN (Var. 02) top

Reset ECU

Memory Seat Module CAN (Var. 01) top

Self Test

Standardization Routine

Parktronics Module CAN (Var. 01) top

Reset ECU

Sensor Functional Test

Sensor Wiring Test

Passenger Door Module CAN (Var. 03) top

Reset ECU

Passenger Door Module CAN (Var. 05) top

Mirror Position Test

Reset ECU

Satellite Radio CAN (Var. 01) top

Reset ECU

SDAR to Radio Tone Test

Steering Column Module CAN (Var. 01) top

Reset ECU

Steering Column Module CAN (Var. 02) top

Reset ECU

Sunroof Module CAN (Var. 01) top

Reset ECU

Totally Integrated Power Module CAN (Var. 05) top

Accessory Delay Time

Actuate Engine Battery Feed

Actuate Transmission Relay

Auto Door Lock

Auto Door Unlock

Auto Wipers

Change Counter Code

Disable Radio Clock Display

Enable DRL

Flash Hazard Lamps On Lock

Headlamps Delay Time

Illuminated Entry Time

Program Network Configuration

Program Tire Size

Restore Vehicle Configuration

Sound Horn On Lock

Tip Start Temporary Disable

Unlock All Doors First Press

Update Radio market Select and DVD Region Code

View Last VTA Trigger Cause

View VTA Enable Data

Totally Integrated Power Module CAN (Var. 06) top

Accessory Delay Time

Auto Wipers

Change Country Code

Disable Radio Clock Display

Enable DRL

Flash Hazards Lamps On Lock

Headlamps Delay Time

Horn Chirp Duration

Illuminatd Entry Time

Program Network Configuration

Program Tire Size

Sound Horn on Lock

Update Pressure Thresholds

Update Radio Market Selection and DVD Region Code

Totally Integrated Power Module CAN (Var. 08) top

Accessory Delay Time

Actuate Engine Battery Feed

Actuation Transmission Relay

Auto Door Lock

Auto Door Unlock

Change Country Code

Disable Radio Clock Display

Enable/Disable DRL

Flash Hazard Lamps On Lock

Headlamps Delay Time

Headlamps on with Wipers

Illuminated Entry Time

Program Tire Size

Sound Horn on Lock

Unlock All Doors Firt Press

Update Pressure Thresholds

Update Radio Market Select and DVD Region Code

View Last VTA Trigger Cause

View VTA Enable Data

Transmission Control Module CAN (Var. 02) top

1st Gear Clutch Test

2nd Gear Clutch Test

3rd Gear Clutch Test

Clear Variable Line Pressure (VLP) Counters

Reset ECU

Reset Learned Adaptives

Reverse Gear Clutch Test

Store Learned Adaptives

Wireless Control Module CAN (Var. 02) top

Program Left Front Tire Sensor ID

Program Left Rear Tire Sensor ID

Program Right Front Tire Sensor ID

Program Right Rear Tire Sensor ID

Program Spare Tire Sensor ID

TPM Trigger Module Test

Update Pressure Thresholds

Wireless Control Module CAN (Var. 03) top

Program Left Front Tire Sensor ID

Program Left Rear Tire Sensor ID

Program Right Front Tire Sensor ID

Program Right Rear Tire Sensor ID

Reset ECU

Update Pressure Thresholds

Wireless Control Module CAN (Var. 04) top

Antenna Loop Test

Program Left Front Tire Sensor ID

Program Left Front Tire Sensor ID

Program Left Rear Tire Sensor ID

Program Right Front Tire Sensor ID

Program Right Rear Tire Sensor ID

Reset ECU

Wireless Control Module CAN (Var. 05) top

Program Left Rear Tire Sensor ID

Program Right Front Tire Sensor ID

Program Right Rear Tire Sensor ID



I think it is gonna' rock!!!!



Mike.

 

[Bob4x4]

Many of those tests are for gasser's

 

[mwilson]

Yes, when I copied and pasted it a lot of it ran together.



It is better looking at it on the site.



I am really the most concerned with heater actuator calibration, etc.



I'll try for a better illustration... ... .

 

[mwilson]

Bob,

If you want to go here



Products



and scroll down to "Dodge Cummins 06 support example".



Hit that and then go up in the top left corner to "next".



There are quite a few screen shots there and I would welcome your opinion on the capabilities shown.



Thanks!!!



Mike.

 

[Bob4x4]

Looks to be pretty complete... ... ... ..... my poor old eyes... ... .....

 

[mwilson]

Yes, I was getting bleary eyed after about 20 screen shots... ... . :-laf



Bob, Thank you for looking, I know you work with this stuff a lot.



I am willing to buy this thing and give it a rip. I've got a dooryard full of Mopar plus my son Seth owns a '97 CTD and an '06 Durango so that is 6 vehicles I can cover right there.



It would appear that I can run some fairly intense diagnostics with that puppy and should be able to upgrade it annually.



My daughter and son-in-law own a Ford and a GMC, there is just no helping that situation right now... ... :{



Mike.