code scanners
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: nepa
code scanners
My coder scanner went south ,it was old but worked good. I need to buy a new one and would like to know if anyone could tell me what I can get for about $150. to $200. It must be able to scan american and foriegn made cars and also be able to be updated as new cars come out. thanks
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9,111
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From: Lexington Mo
Mac Tools
I bought a nice code reader from my Mac Tool rep for about $200, comes with a cd rom to download to you're computer, but also gives you the code number, and tells you what the code is for.
Bob
Bob
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Racine county, WI
You can get a pocket scanner from Actron that will scan all cars 96 and newer for $79. If you want one that will tell you a decription of the problem and not just a code check out the CP9175 for $149. Both models are upgradable and can clear codes too. The CP9175 can also read pre-96 cars with available adapters.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,768
Likes: 1,082
From: St Louis
Make certain you get one that includes CAN protocol. It will be needed for all 04 and newer Fords and will be mandatory for all 07 and later vehicles sold in the US. The Actron scanners currently available do NOT meet this requirement and there is no available information as to whether they are upgradeable for this feature.
Steve
Steve
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,283
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From: Racine county, WI
I know for a fact that Actron will indeed scan 04 and newer Fords.
Last edited by IB Tim; Jan 27, 2007 at 07:21 AM.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: DC
Why is a code scanner preferable to a setup that connects to a laptop? Is there a big cost difference?
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Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,768
Likes: 1,082
From: St Louis
Originally Posted by OSin86
I know for a fact that Actron will indeed scan 04 and newer Fords.
The rest cannot. It all depends on which model you're specifically referring to and what its firmware revision is.
Actron seems to be brain-dead on this issue. None of their retail packaging says anything and their website gives only a few hints but no solid details.
Joe,
Portability and ease of use. A laptop in a shop environment requires special care or it will become an extinct species.
Steve
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: DC
Thanks Steve, that makes sense. I was thainking that for a shadetree mechanic, a laptop setup might be able to provide more functions (live data etc...) for a similar cost, since your not buying a additional "box".
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,004
Likes: 1
From: North of Boston MA
I order the $80 scanner from Dfuser the other day. I'll give a review of it once I have it and have tested it out. It is CAN capable according to the website. Free shipping too.
Just too bad it won't work with my '97 F250. I've got a gremlin in the emissions I can't find......
Just too bad it won't work with my '97 F250. I've got a gremlin in the emissions I can't find......
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,004
Likes: 1
From: North of Boston MA
Originally Posted by Nitramjr
I order the $80 scanner from Dfuser the other day....
But, at least I bought from an FTE Sponsor.....live and learn.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=94168
The scanner itself is pretty basic but it will do what you need it to if all you want to do is read codes. It couldn't be any easier to use.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 139
Likes: 1
From: Warrenton, VA
Confused
Guys,
I've been thinking about buying a scanner for several years and have decided to get one.
The problem is that until now, the most sophisitcated tool I own was a torque wrench. I started researching scanners on the net and it is confusing trying to figure out what a DIY'er needs vs what a shop needs. Plus there is a HUGE price range for what seems to be similar things.
AFAIK, the things I really need the scanner to do are:
1. Read the codes to me
2. Clear the stored codes
3. Make the Check Engine light go out (if this is not part of 2 above)
Is there something else a scanner needs to do?
Also, since I have a 93, 99 and 06 (with CAN bus), can I get one scanner that will read all 3?
I've been thinking about buying a scanner for several years and have decided to get one.
The problem is that until now, the most sophisitcated tool I own was a torque wrench. I started researching scanners on the net and it is confusing trying to figure out what a DIY'er needs vs what a shop needs. Plus there is a HUGE price range for what seems to be similar things.
AFAIK, the things I really need the scanner to do are:
1. Read the codes to me
2. Clear the stored codes
3. Make the Check Engine light go out (if this is not part of 2 above)
Is there something else a scanner needs to do?
Also, since I have a 93, 99 and 06 (with CAN bus), can I get one scanner that will read all 3?
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 0
From: Racine county, WI
Originally Posted by rpatrick
Guys,
I've been thinking about buying a scanner for several years and have decided to get one.
The problem is that until now, the most sophisitcated tool I own was a torque wrench. I started researching scanners on the net and it is confusing trying to figure out what a DIY'er needs vs what a shop needs. Plus there is a HUGE price range for what seems to be similar things.
AFAIK, the things I really need the scanner to do are:
1. Read the codes to me
2. Clear the stored codes
3. Make the Check Engine light go out (if this is not part of 2 above)
Is there something else a scanner needs to do?
Also, since I have a 93, 99 and 06 (with CAN bus), can I get one scanner that will read all 3?
I've been thinking about buying a scanner for several years and have decided to get one.
The problem is that until now, the most sophisitcated tool I own was a torque wrench. I started researching scanners on the net and it is confusing trying to figure out what a DIY'er needs vs what a shop needs. Plus there is a HUGE price range for what seems to be similar things.
AFAIK, the things I really need the scanner to do are:
1. Read the codes to me
2. Clear the stored codes
3. Make the Check Engine light go out (if this is not part of 2 above)
Is there something else a scanner needs to do?
Also, since I have a 93, 99 and 06 (with CAN bus), can I get one scanner that will read all 3?