Scan tool recommendations
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 249
Likes: 21
Scan tool recommendations
Any recommendations on a good scan tool? I see on Amazon they have some for under $100.
Also this one looks good.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 20
From: Fort Smith, Arkansas
I would be wary of any tool that misspelled "setup" and "system" on the tool image.
Depending on what you want to do with it, I would try Forscan for free and Torque Pro for $5. Connect Forscan to a Windows computer and Torque to an Android device with a USB to OBD2 cable or a Bluetooth OBD2 dongle.
Depending on what you want to do with it, I would try Forscan for free and Torque Pro for $5. Connect Forscan to a Windows computer and Torque to an Android device with a USB to OBD2 cable or a Bluetooth OBD2 dongle.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Timely topic as I'm in the midst of moving to something a bit more dealer-level diagnostic tool than my current Actron CP9580. That tool has been spectacular for my use but I've flirted with buying the AutoEnginuty kit and will be implementing the FORScan software in the near future.
The Actron version can be had for less than $200 new, the "outdated" model CP9690 (kit) and CP9695 (scanner only) Of course FORScan and Torque are free or cheap enough to use as a first time venture into owning some sort of diagnostic scanning tool.
I'm with Sam I Am though----buying something from an obvious "off shore" seller could be 100 times more frustrating that P0171 Lean Bank 1!
If you read through the questions already asked by others you'll see this might not be the best entry-level scanning tool to consider.
Best of luck in the hunt!
The Actron version can be had for less than $200 new, the "outdated" model CP9690 (kit) and CP9695 (scanner only) Of course FORScan and Torque are free or cheap enough to use as a first time venture into owning some sort of diagnostic scanning tool.
I'm with Sam I Am though----buying something from an obvious "off shore" seller could be 100 times more frustrating that P0171 Lean Bank 1!
If you read through the questions already asked by others you'll see this might not be the best entry-level scanning tool to consider. Best of luck in the hunt!
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 3,087
Likes: 24
From: Central Florida
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,107
Likes: 3
From: California Desert
I haven't tried it yet, but I think it will work with multiple vehicles, it just can't flash the ECU on more than one.
Trending Topics
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,394
Likes: 104
From: Southern KS
I've used my Truck's 5 Star tuner to check / reset codes on many vehicles. It's a decent scanner.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,104
Likes: 384
From: Southern California
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Thanks BeechKid for the advice!
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,107
Likes: 3
From: California Desert
I have the C-Reader 8001 model from that brand. It works quite well and is what I used to finally diagnose a bad PCM on my F-250 before I had purchased the tuner.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
While we're on this topic anyone here using FORScan? I'm about to begin using that, bought what's supposed to be the ultimate ELM327 interface along with a Dell Lattitude laptop newly loaded with Win10.
Just interested if its as great as I've read so far.
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 249
Likes: 21
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,104
Likes: 384
From: Southern California
IMHO, the bluedriver but only for the reason that if you don't have access (including online which is available through a variety of sources including Helms for as little as $10 for 1 vehicle) to the oem service manual...the description says it will also reference "Free vehicle-specific Repair Reports drawn from a database of over 6.6 million fixes verified by certified auto mechanics"...… otherwise I would go with the other unit.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
Ford under 15.00 I would use the Torque Pro app and a ELM327, for 70.00 get a bluetooth adapter and uses forscan which is almost identical to ford IDS. All the readers above are way over priced.