Scan Tools

[CAROLINA CUMMINS]

Hello,



I am looking at a few scan tools, and was wondering if anybody has had any experience/bought any of them



I found the Actron CP9145 for about 220. 00

There are a few Matco MD1000's and MD9001's on ebay that might could be had for a good price.

A Palm/PDA setup may be in my price range if it is used.



Anybody know if these are worth the money??



Thanks, Steven

 

[Huff N Puff]

The question you need to ask,is it just OBDII data This info will limit the trouble codes you will get,The amount of info is limited and slow to update. Its really an advantageous to get dealer level infomation,An old Snap On brick with updated software works really well.

 

[CAROLINA CUMMINS]

Thanks,



Anyone on here used the Actron CP9145, or the Matco MD1000/9001??



Steven

 

[DThelen]

I have a snap on mt2500 update to 2001. I'm not impressed the the injection pump information. It should show me what the time and fuel solenoid are cycling at. Don't know if the new solos does.



Dan

 

[LesStallings]

I realize that an ODBIII is what everyone wants, but what can you do with an ODBII???

 

[DieselTweaker]

if your really wanting to buy a scanner make sure you get one that will read CAN as well.

 

[WDixon27]

if you keep a eye out for a deal you can find a good deal on a snap on brick on ebay, i was going to get one from there but my snap on guy offered me a good deal on the one i wanted the color graphing brick (lots more money and may not be worth it for everybody, i like it better as i used a regular brick for a year or two before i got my own) a body can be had for $250-350 but it's useless without a cartridge and cables $4-500 and you'd be set for atleast most american cars through 99 or better depending on cartridge, look for a package with some goodies, search under mt 2500 or mt2500, those should bring up a couple hundred items

 

[rbattelle]

I use this:



www.obd-2.com



-Ryan

 

[BHanna]

rbatelle, I've seen that website before and was thinking about trying them out. How happy are you with their setup?

 

[LesStallings]

I use this:



www.obd-2.com



-Ryan

Ryan,



I'm not a trained auto mechanic by any means and most of my experience has been with the muscle cars and collectable cars, i. e. "old".



However I'm pretty computer literate and would like to use today's diagnostic tools that are reasonable for the limited knowledge person.



If you have the time, tell me just a little bit about what an ODBII could be useful for on our G3 diesels. Several thousand words or less

...

 

[rbattelle]

I like Alex Peper's stuff. But I must warn you all that his software is not very user friendly (in my opinion), and it doesn't look as "pretty" as products like Autoengenuity or Autotap.



Having said that, I use Peper's software because:



1. It's no-frills and it works precisely as advertised

2. He doesn't use deceptive sales tactics and misleading "facts"

3. He updates the software at least once per month, so it's always getting new features

4. It's very affordable

5. You can have direct communication with the developer (Alex)



It has nice plotting features, logging, data analysis, diagnostic tests, and so on. He offers connectors with a range of price and capabilities (I am currently using the top-of-the-line TRICAN model, having recently upgraded from the TRICOM model). You can even buy an unassembled connector and assemble it yourself as a kit (very cool). His stuff is very much for the hobbyist, whereas other products are just for your average Joe who just wants the software to tell him what to do. I'm a hobbyist; I like tweaking things myself.



What good is something like this on a diesel? I personally use it continuously on my truck to monitor %load, RPM, IAT, speed, ECT, and % throttle. I can also read and clear codes if they arise. Unfortunately, I have not been able to get more enhanced data such as injection pressure, timing, crank position signal, etc. This functionality may come around in the future. I don't know what enhanced parameters are available for 2nd gen trucks.



I've used the system on: 2002 Civic, 1997 Corolla, 2001 Sportage, and 2 2003 Cummins trucks. It has performed flawlessly on all of these.



Gassers have more available information, but that's mostly because they have a lot more complex ignition systems than diesels. On a gasser you can look at ignition timing, spark advance, and O2 sensors. Obviously these things mean nothing on a diesel.



My advice:

If you want OBD-II software that you just plug in and it spits out codes, reads some basic data, and looks pretty buy Autoengenuity or Autotap.



If you're a hobbyist who wants more functionality and customizability, get Peper's software.



I hope that helps a bit...



-Ryan

 

[LesStallings]

That's exactly the info I need...



THANKS!