OBD scanners/readers
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: The Great White North!
OBD scanners/readers
Has anyone purchased any scanners that read the abs functions in the X's.
I have read some threads about some, but they don't list if anyone has gone ahead and purchased. More interested in the abs brake bleeding functions and they don't list stuff like that in the reviews of the ones I looked at.
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I have read some threads about some, but they don't list if anyone has gone ahead and purchased. More interested in the abs brake bleeding functions and they don't list stuff like that in the reviews of the ones I looked at.
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More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 704
Likes: 40
Most consumer grade scan tools do not provide bi-directional control of the brake bleeding function by design. I questioned one of the companies about this and it turned out they feel it is a liability issue, so they don't provide it. I'm not aware of an inexpensive tool that does this and no one reports it so you will probably have to call each vendor and ask specifically. I have several scan tools and the only two which provide bi-directional control of the ABS pump are a Snap-On MT-2500 and a specialized OTC tool that I purchased specifically for this purpose. I think the brake bleeding function is in the enhanced cartridge on the Snap-On.
On the other hand, all the brake bleeding function seems to do is run the ABS pump. I think that could probably be overridden without a scan tool. You will probably have codes to clean up after you're done though.
As far as ABS codes, most manufacturers provide that access through their enhanced program. I have Dyno-Scan and ABS is available through their enhanced package but I don't think it includes control of the ABS pump for brake bleeding.
Lou Manglass
On the other hand, all the brake bleeding function seems to do is run the ABS pump. I think that could probably be overridden without a scan tool. You will probably have codes to clean up after you're done though.
As far as ABS codes, most manufacturers provide that access through their enhanced program. I have Dyno-Scan and ABS is available through their enhanced package but I don't think it includes control of the ABS pump for brake bleeding.
Lou Manglass
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 704
Likes: 40
Thanks Guys!
I spoke with AutoEnginuity (same company?) and they told me their tool did not have access to ABS bleed function but that was a while ago. I see that they also market a "professional" level package now, so that information might have changed. Call & ask before you buy.
I have 5 different scan tools (3 professional level tools) and every one of them does something that none of the others do. I'm shopping for a 6th to fill another OT hole in my coverage. Point is, make sure the tool covers what you want before you buy because NO tool seems to do it all. I think the Snap-On "Modis" is probably the closest you can get to "one size fits all" but the price of admission is pretty steep.
Lou Manglass
I spoke with AutoEnginuity (same company?) and they told me their tool did not have access to ABS bleed function but that was a while ago. I see that they also market a "professional" level package now, so that information might have changed. Call & ask before you buy.
I have 5 different scan tools (3 professional level tools) and every one of them does something that none of the others do. I'm shopping for a 6th to fill another OT hole in my coverage. Point is, make sure the tool covers what you want before you buy because NO tool seems to do it all. I think the Snap-On "Modis" is probably the closest you can get to "one size fits all" but the price of admission is pretty steep.
Lou Manglass
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 704
Likes: 40
P.S. If anyone's looking for a basic scan tool small enough to fit in the glove box I ran across something called "CodeKey" at Costco a couple weeks ago. I have not actually used it yet but I did hook it up and test it on a couple different vehicles. It works on all OBD II including later Can-Bus equipment.
It's limitations seem to be: genrates Generic powertrain codes only (w/description), it seems to only offer KOEO (key one, engine off) codes but they are usually the hard codes that set the check engine light anyway, no readiness test.
If you are looking for a basic, inexpensive scan tool that can diagnose and turn off your check engine light on all your OBD II vehicles this will fill the bill. The best part....it's only $35.
Lou Manglass
It's limitations seem to be: genrates Generic powertrain codes only (w/description), it seems to only offer KOEO (key one, engine off) codes but they are usually the hard codes that set the check engine light anyway, no readiness test.
If you are looking for a basic, inexpensive scan tool that can diagnose and turn off your check engine light on all your OBD II vehicles this will fill the bill. The best part....it's only $35.
Lou Manglass
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