Scan Tool Recommendations?
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 392
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From: Las Vegas, NV
Scan Tool Recommendations?
I would like to invest in a scan tool that can read the trouble codes for my '99 Explorer. Does anyone have any recommendations as to a make and model?
I don't mind spending a little money. I consider it an investment to keep my Explorer in good running condition. It would be nice if I could use it with other cars, but my Explorer is my only car with a computer right now. The ability to upgrade software would help keep up with new cars coming out.
If you have an opinion about a tool you have used, good or bad, please consider posting it!
I don't mind spending a little money. I consider it an investment to keep my Explorer in good running condition. It would be nice if I could use it with other cars, but my Explorer is my only car with a computer right now. The ability to upgrade software would help keep up with new cars coming out.
If you have an opinion about a tool you have used, good or bad, please consider posting it!
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2004
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SnapOn MT-2500 It's old but snap on keeps updating it and if you get the troubleshooter(s) it will help you diagnose faults. It can also access the ABS and Transmission as well as the GEM which helps you diagnose all the faults which can occur. They usually come up on ebay for 400-600 with an appropriate cartridge setup
New User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 10
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Never used this tool, but in my research for a tuning module/chip, I find that many of the tuning modules, i.e. superchip's, granatelli's, etc, will not only help you tune your vehicle, but also identify the check engine codes. If your going to spend the 400-600 mentioned above, might as well have some fun with it too.
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2004
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To set up the MT-2500 you need at least one cartridge known as the primary cartridge but since you have a 1999 you are in luck because the 1999 cartrigdes are generally readliy available. A recommended optional cartridgde is the troubleshooter. You then need the appropriate connector set and personality keys.
Generally when a scanner comes up for sale on ebay the seller will tell you about the cartridges the unit includes.
The ABS and the tranny carts are somewhat rare but available they are of course available new from the nice folks in the white panel trucks.
A basic kit would consist of
MT2500
1999 Domestic Primary
1999 or Later Troubleshooter (these also contain TSB data)
Domestic OBDII adapter kit
More advanced options would be the ABS & Tranny and/or Diesel cartridge
Asian and Euro adapters and data are also available.
This is the ultimate tool for the home wrench and not a bad set up for a pro.
The mod chip add ons are really nice but they are directed towards improving the performance of the engine not fixing it when it's giving you a hard time. I see them as a complement not a replacement.
Generally when a scanner comes up for sale on ebay the seller will tell you about the cartridges the unit includes.
The ABS and the tranny carts are somewhat rare but available they are of course available new from the nice folks in the white panel trucks.
A basic kit would consist of
MT2500
1999 Domestic Primary
1999 or Later Troubleshooter (these also contain TSB data)
Domestic OBDII adapter kit
More advanced options would be the ABS & Tranny and/or Diesel cartridge
Asian and Euro adapters and data are also available.
This is the ultimate tool for the home wrench and not a bad set up for a pro.
The mod chip add ons are really nice but they are directed towards improving the performance of the engine not fixing it when it's giving you a hard time. I see them as a complement not a replacement.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
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From: Las Vegas, NV
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2004
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You are welcome!
The reason so many of these are available now is that SnapOn has released a new tool called the Vantage. it is 4X the price of a 2500 but it can reprogram PCM's and other modules. A lot of shops are selling their 2500's to buy the Vantage but from what I have seen the 2500 is not going away anytime soon.
No I do not work for or sell snap on. I bought my unit from a local gararge who was upgrading and the thing has saved me several times its price in labor and trips to the dealer since I now know what the code is and more important WHAT IT MEANS.
Snap On buys the DTC data from the manufacturers and makes it available to the technician most scan tools just retrieve the OBDII codes and can do a basic decode of the data stream i.e. coolant temp, fuel trim, O2 sensor output values.
The reason so many of these are available now is that SnapOn has released a new tool called the Vantage. it is 4X the price of a 2500 but it can reprogram PCM's and other modules. A lot of shops are selling their 2500's to buy the Vantage but from what I have seen the 2500 is not going away anytime soon.
No I do not work for or sell snap on. I bought my unit from a local gararge who was upgrading and the thing has saved me several times its price in labor and trips to the dealer since I now know what the code is and more important WHAT IT MEANS.
Snap On buys the DTC data from the manufacturers and makes it available to the technician most scan tools just retrieve the OBDII codes and can do a basic decode of the data stream i.e. coolant temp, fuel trim, O2 sensor output values.
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 392
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From: Las Vegas, NV
I have not been able to find a SnapOn 2500 for less than $600 and most of the modules will not work with my Explorer so I am looking at other possibilities.
I found this scan tool which I can connect to my laptop:
http://www.autotap.com/autotap_windows_products.html
Has anybody used this software and does it work good?
I found this scan tool which I can connect to my laptop:
http://www.autotap.com/autotap_windows_products.html
Has anybody used this software and does it work good?
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 94
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From: Roscommon,Michigan
Go to Harbor Freight,online,and look at their OBDII code reader for $39.95. It'll cost you $50.00 total with shipping. It reads anything from 1996 and up. It works great! It reads out the number on an LCD screen. You don't have to count flashes or anything like that. It's small but really does the trick!
