TOPIC: Scan Tools

Hi all. I am going to buy a scan tool soon, It's obvious to me it's a vital tool for diagnosing things and also tracking how an engine and computer respond to Grooving. I've never had or used one before, but do have at least a basic idea of modern sensors and controlled devices on fuel injected engines. Should I only look for one that is for OBDII? Is one really needed for pre-'96 vehicles? What works well and doesn't cost too much? Any input is appreciated here, Thank you! TracyG:)

Ok today I took the plunge and bought a fancy Scantool, an Actron CP9190 Elite Scanner Pro. I bought at Summit Racing in Sparks NV. Not cheap, it was 340 bucks with a $20 discount coupon I had from Summit. It does '96-up OBDII and Gm Ford and Chrysler OBDI vehicles. I could have spent a lot less but in looking at what Summit offers this looked like a really complete setup to cover most of what is around I think. Now I have to learn to use the critter...! If anyone thinks a different/cheaper scanner would suffice, well this one is still unused, I could return it and get something else...TracyG

Hiya,

I recommend getting a bluetooth obd scanner on ebay and the TORQUE program for an Android. That way, you can drive the car, and check the smartphone for live data. It has nice meters and the simple version of the program is free. The bluetooth scanner is about 40 bucks on Ebay. Here's a chinese site selling it even cheaper.


As I have a fzj105r toyota Land Cruiser, I gonna go for an Autel scanner as they can handle the MOBD protocol. I think 99.9% of the population are happy with a vgate scanner and torque... iPhone users have a similar app.

I bought the autel max scan MS 509 and I am woundering if anyboudy can help me. dose any one know where to find the driver so I can print the info to my computer I am running windows XP and the scanner works grate but I gess I should have payed more money for it.You are sapost to be able to up grade over the internet but the compiney will not help. can any body help me.

Use Google. Ask our beneficent master for "Drivers Autel Maxiscan MS 509 Win XP" and you'll see a few links.

Like this one:

Hi Ron Orrist hear thanks for the link but for some reason it still will not work.Do you know of any body that has this scanner that can downlode and print it would realy help to compare the befor and after data.For some reason the computer will not see the scanner and the company is no help at all.Thay have all kinds of thes out for sale say you can upgrade from the internit but dont saport it.Any helpe I could get would be very helpful.

thanks orrist

I have found that sometimes, there is damage to the OBD port for diagnostics. Some will not be read, no matter what scanner is used.

Talk about FRUSTRATING! They show an error code, but you can't READ IT!

ARGH!

I just checked the link and it worked for me fine. For you to get to the down; to get the software you want, take another look at the post. First, I tell you how to find the answers and then provide the answer.

I instructed: "Use Google. Ask our beneficent master for "Drivers Autel Maxiscan MS 509 Win XP" and you'll see a few links."
Finding your own answers is a WHOLE lot faster, my friend and will make you strong. Strong enough to help others.

For me, I do not expect to be able to see much longer which is going to make typing awfully tough! So, I want you all to be able to serve yourself as I have done. When you can, I will have done my job as my creator has given.

Now, get out there and find what you need. If it's too frustrating, choose a different tool and get your money back-or resell it in E-bay...