I am thinking of purchasing a Scan Tool and have just started researching the myriad of different products available. Are there any out there that are inexpensive(<$300) that read engine, transmission and ABS codes? Would like to hear opinions on the best scanner for <$300. I currently own a 99 Kia Sephia (I anticipate the tool will be connected to this the most) an 05 Grand Caravan, and the 05 F-250.

 

Mine is Autoxray (AutoXray®) Cost less than $200. Can read OBDI & OBDII - will clear codes. ABS codes require a special scanner ($$$$)

 

I just bought autoenginuity's software(should be here tomorrow according to UPS) and it will ready everything that you mention depending on how much your willing to get with licenses and such. If your wanting to do all that you want to do and cover those vehicles you'll have to shell out some scratch as most of your cheaper scan tools will not get manufactor specific codes only your generic DTC type of codes.

I don't really think you'll find one in the <$300 dollar range that you are talking about. If your wanting all that you want to read, you'll have to invest a little bit into it. I know this isn't what your wanting to hear, but I'm willing to bet that's what your going to find is the case. Have to think of it as an investment and if you have to pull manufactor specific codes that otherwise you would have to go to the dealership to get, it'll pay for itself after a couple of times of that alone, as the dealership here charges $100 just to hook it up.

 

The Auto Enginuity is only a little more than $300. I see they sell a package with the following:


<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=575 align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top align=left><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top align=left>Total Ford ScanTool Bundle
#SP03 - Includes:
• USB ScanTool (ST05)
• Enhanced Ford Expansion


</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Order Online

</TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>$379.95


</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

You will need a laptop with 32 meg of available hard-drive. Break-even is within 4 trips to the dealership!

 

The OTC Nemisys is about the least expensive hand-held scanner that you can get that will do what you want. They're commonly available on flea-bay for around $6-700.

No laptop required for that one and you don't have to purchase different OEM modules for coverage of the rest of your fleet.

Steve

 

I bought mine at ITP Diesel. 342.00 plus shipping. I still haven't been able to play with it enough to figure it all out, information overload, and the tech people are polite and helpful.
AutoEnginuity PC Scan Tool (USB)

 

Here is a 2006 model for $465.00 plus $35.00 shipping.
eBay Motors: OTC 3797 Nemisys USA 2006 Domestic Tester Kit NEW (item 180330705348 end time Feb-23-09 17:22:09 PST)

Here is a 2008 model for $559.25 with free shipping.
eBay Motors: Nemisys 2008 Automotive Scan Tool Kit OTC-3797-M08 (item 380104142752 end time Mar-15-09 13:28:45 PDT)

 

Do they have the ability to turn items on and off like the Auto Enginuity. You can fire shift solenoids, and an abundance of items with the Auto Enginuity, but I haven't even scratched the surface of what it will do. But yes it will only do all the high tech stuff to the car line that you purchased the software for.

 

You may want to direct these questions to projectSHO89. I only posted the prices to facilitate purchasing, if someone were interested.

 

It's the same deal. You have to purchase other "bundles" in order to get down to the nitty gritty stuff. I think anything that offers that truly specialized stuff you have to pay a little extra beyond the base. I'm really looking forward to my copy of autoenginuity, although mine is for the pocket pc(I never leave the barn without it(barn manager with a pocket pc, that gets alot of looks believe me)), it's just taking forever for them to make their delivery today.

 

TEX 25025
You'll like it, it is overwhelming at first, my SD is a 2001, your's being a 2006 will have more stuff than mine, no more picking up Poo Poo for the 2006 SD, it will probably wipe it's pipe too.

 

Anybody have any experience with the Innova Equus 3130? I can get one for $142 bucks on Amazon and according to their website you can get an ABS upgrade for $100. Seems like it would be a great deal if they work well.

 

can any of those read misfires without having a engine light

 

Autoenginuity I believe can with the appropiate license.

 

have you bought it? working well?