Code scanner

What would you recommend for a code scanner for home use? Primary vehicle would be my 05 GMC truck.

Bud

 

how much money do you want to spend?I have a snap on solus pro and 2 other aftermarket scan tools.....also have a 4 channel pico labscope.....depending on what you want to do.on newer vehicles a labscope is a plus and snap on makes a verus with labscope and scan tool but pricey even used.You can pick up a used snap on solus pro on ebay......I love mine.....it does bi directional controls and has the troubleshooter feature.....you can also graph things.....not has fast as a labscope.you dont have to get lastest software update...autoenginuity is one of mine and it hooks to a laptop and you can do bi directional controls and graph sensors.....check out their website....have any other questions send me private message with email and I will email you back or post here and i will answer....been doing diagnostics for 25 years.

 

Hi Joe and thanks for the reply. Were I 40 years younger a top line scanner would be great, but all I need is something to point me in the right direction. Warning lights can have a variety of action levels from stop immediately to check your gas cap. I don't mind ultimately supporting my local garage, good friend, I just want to know what to expect before I head in. And of course, avoid getting charged for something stupid.

There are a number of bottom line scanners, are they worth the $30 to $60?

Bud

 

First off Im not up with the new stuff as someone working on them every day. My Montana began showing a service stability system light.In trying to track this down I find there are two computers,one for the engine and one for the body. No one seems to have a reader that will scan the body computer. A friend has a snap on that he claims is a 10K dollar unit that he couldnt help me with.

 

I purchased one to replace one someone "borrowed". Ran about $100, which I consider mid range for DIY. The scanners mentioned by Autojoe are nice, but are better relegated to a shop. Face it, spend $10k for a reader to use occasionally? Not. You can afford to be ripped off by a dealer at that rate.
Mine does an excellent job of reading codes. It is not just a code reader, but an analyzer which you can have attached with the engine running and driving down the road (with someone else reading it, of course). Detects faults in transmission, etc. I'll get the name and model and post it here this evening. It may be worth a look-see. Oh, the "borrowed" unit showed up in the shop last week, so go figure.

 

spend $10k for a reader?there are readers and then there are scan tools.....I bought mine on ebay for 1300 does up to 2011 vehicles.....but you have to have knowledge and understanding of components and their systems and how they work not just codes.so code readers are good for most people.a get a kick off watching commercials for car md reader.....just plug in and tells you what is wrong with vehicle and you know same thing that garage knows.......now days a code can be caused by 20 different things.a code by itself does not tell you that specific component/sensor is bad.......then you have the intermittents.I like my scan tool also because it has the troubleshooter feature for common causes of the code and fixes and has bi directional controls for outputs testing.if you are going to fix cars yourself then you need knowledge and proper testing equipment.....otherwise a code reader is good for just a heads up.....there is local parts stores that will give you code number and print out of list of things that can cuase the code.they do this for free but are limited to generic codes and not manufacturer specific codes.....will these code readers do manufacturer specific codes?

 

Joe, sometimes DIY'ers just need to clear codes on their own, or find common errors in their vehicle to pinpoint where repairs need to be made. I understand things are more complicated than they were on my '55 Chevy, but DIY'ers need to meet at some happy medium. Buying even a $1300 instrument would be overkill for most. And the technology needed to operate them would be too extensive.

Bud, The one I bought is a Autel MaxiScan M5509. It does what I need as a novice modern day mechanic, and I get to keep the other money in my pocket until the day something happens that is beyond my ability to fix. I'll take straight air/fuel/spark cars anyday.

 

IMO just take it to the auto parts store. Most here in NJ, especially auto zones, scans for free....

How often do you really throw a code???

My 1996 chevy pick up threw its first code on me after 17 yrs. And its because I changed the trans fluid and broke a shift solenoid... LOL

Most common is gas cap not on tight or faulty....