i posted this in the 6.0 forum a couple of days ago but didn't get too many answers (sorry for double posts).

hey all, my dad and i were talking this morning and like most guy talks it always ends up in the driveway staring at cars and trucks and our hands some how always gets dirty. i was telling him how my 6.0 comes off of warranty in 8000km's and is going to be really fun to work on diagnosing codes without a scanner. he mentioned that he wouldn't mind getting an obd scanner for his truck (98 f150 4.6) and my mom's car (97 sunfire). he also mentioned about using laptops as a scanner with a program that will scan and diagnose the trouble codes. so i guess my question to you guys is does anyone have any experience with these devices and are there any products and programs you would recommend. i know the best thing for me would just be to buy a Xcal tuner but we would like something to work for all the vehicles (and plus i don't want to tune my bone stock motor). i already have the laptop...just need some advice on the scanner part (not looking to buy a snap on or anything...but something that will give us some detailed info...like if an injector is having a cold start issue). bismic suggested the scan gauge II, and it sounds pretty cool how it does more than just scan for codes, but will it give me live parameters for faulty sensors? do i really need live diagnostics for obdII (my last truck was a 90 f150 and the obd I was pretty crude when it came to fault codes). thanks in advance.

 

Because your crossing platforms and motors, your going to need a pretty sophisticated scanner. Even though OBD2 is supposed to be universal, the manufactures still have some proprietary codes.

I've used an older variety of this AutoTap Diagnostic Hardware and Software

I believe this revision covers diesels, so you'll want the ATS and GMFORD package.

 

I agree about Autotap. But I do believe there are others out there now that do the cross-platform thing pretty well.

But I do like Autotap.

 

autoenginuity seems to be another good one

 

I have an OBD II reader (250 dollars) and it will read all of the codes for my 2002 Impala, but it will not read all of my fault codes for my 2001 F-250 7.3 Superduty. I have a SuperChip in the 7.3 and the installer will read the faut codes for my truck. Make sure the OBD II reader is compatable with your vechle.

Brother Les

 

Right, light duty diesels aren't normally covered with a generic scanner. Its a feature diesel owners have to research.