OBDII scanners

I was thinking about buying a scanner but I need some help on which ones are any good. So far I was looking at the Actron cp9145/cp9150, the kal equip 9640 or the autoxray 6000. Do any of you guys own one of these. Which one do you think is best. What is the difference between these. If there is any other brands please let me know. Thanks for any help

Do you own a laptop?

I dont own a laptop. Do you have that OBDII software for laptops? If you do is it any good. Ive seen it but really havent looked into it. If its better than the scanners I mentioned maybe I will try to get a laptop. Thanks

I was looking at the software for laptops and I noticed they are only for OBDII. I am looking for something that can also check OBDI. If anybody has any recommendations plese let me know Thanks

There is OBDI software tools as well.

What are some good ones for connecting to a laptop? I've read about the autotap but the $200 for generic software and an extra $100 for GM seemed a little steep.

What are some good ones for connecting to a laptop? I've read about the autotap but the $200 for generic software and an extra $100 for GM seemed a little steep.

I haven't actually purchased one, but there seems to be some decent hardware available on EBay for $79.00. I bought a CarChip for $100 and wish I'd bought the item at the link below... the CarChip doesn't let me hook up and monitor anyting in real time.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4525141468&category=43989&sspagename=WDVW

I took a look at the link you posted and that product seems a little too complicated for me. I think I am just going to get a regular scan tool that does not need any laptop or extra parts but the only problem is I cant decide. Thanks for all the ideas

I took a look at the link you posted and that product seems a little too complicated for me. I think I am just going to get a regular scan tool that does not need any laptop or extra parts but the only problem is I cant decide. Thanks for all the ideas
go with the basic actron. its all you really need, but it doesnt diagnose abs specific codes or obd i. you can het a separate obd i tool at autozone for like 20 bucks tops

Does anyone know of a reliable FreeWare site that has OBDII software to read GM ODBII dynamically that can be installed on a lap top ?

google.com

Also, do you have the right cable?

I have the misfortune of owning a 95 Blazer S10 with what I call OBD1.5. This is the bastard OBD system that lies somewhere between OBDI and OBDII during the transistional phase. I have tried several OBDI and OBDII scanners and nothing seems to work with it. Can anyone recommend a scan tool that will work with my 95 Blazer? Thanks.

I have the misfortune of owning a 95 Blazer S10 with what I call OBD1.5. This is the bastard OBD system that lies somewhere between OBDI and OBDII during the transistional phase. I have tried several OBDI and OBDII scanners and nothing seems to work with it. Can anyone recommend a scan tool that will work with my 95 Blazer? Thanks.

Autoxray will work. You have to make sure you get the mfg. specific cable with the reader, and it will work. I have a '95 with many are calling OBD 1.5 and it works.

The plug in your dash is a GM-1 style plug. I am not sure where you can get a scanner to do just GM-1. I do know that you can get a unit that will plug into that and will flash the Check Engine light to tell you the code though.

The plug in your dash is a GM-1 style plug. I am not sure where you can get a scanner to do just GM-1. I do know that you can get a unit that will plug into that and will flash the Check Engine light to tell you the code though.

What is the name/manfacturer of the unit that will flash the SES light?

1995 with the computer in the engine compartment is a OBDII, just a primitive version of it.

AutoXray is good and easy to use, be sure to get the man. specific cables for any OBDI vehicles you want to scan.

If he has the computer in the engine compartment, he can use the standard OBDII cable.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=361369


If you have the ECM under the hood you can get a computer update that will allow you to use any OBDII scanner.

Okay guys, anyone know any reason that you can't make your own cable:

http://www.scantool.net/images/diagrams/obd_cable_drawing.png (info from http://www.scantool.net this will work with their software too)

Then Download the AutoTap software for free at:

http://autotap.com/WindowsSoftware2.html

And have an OBDII scanner for free (other than the price of parts)? There is a warning about connecting it directly to your laptop, because the battery voltage may damage the laptop's port, but if you leave the 9 - 16 wire disconnected it won't have the high voltage. The 9-16 battery power wire is just for displaying the battery voltage...isn't it? All the other wires should only be 5 volts...right? Will this work? Is anyone dumb enough to try it? I'd do it, but I don't want to be the first.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=361369


If you have the ECM under the hood you can get a computer update that will allow you to use any OBDII scanner.

You don't need the update for it.

If you have the 16 pin DLC connector, you can get the codes from a any OBDII scanner.

What is the name/manfacturer of the unit that will flash the SES light?
I am not sure but they sell them at most major auto parts stores.

I got my scanner from obd-2.com a few years back. If you don't have a laptop they will send a connector with extra lengths of cable on it.

I bought one that would work with Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge vehicles, since we aren't really brand specific here. I first used it on a 95 Mustang, which I suppose would be considered the OBD 1.5, it wasn't fully functional on that car.

Since then I've used it on my Blazer, a Tracker, Dodge Ram Pick Up, a Monte Carlo, and even a Hyundai. I like the program because it has a lot of real-time data on it as well, and not just why the Check Engine light is on. Sometimes the real-time data can help narrow down a hard to find problem.

Well, sorry to ressurect this thread, but I think we're gonna start building those cables (as outlined in the diagram) if they work, we're gonna send them out packaged with autotap and some other stuff.

Just make sure you contact the patent office and check just to cover your bum if someone doesn't like what you are doing.

I really would like to know if it will work. The site said not to do it, that this cable should be used for connecting an interface, But it didn't say it wouldn't work it just said it might damage the computer's port.

:( It won't work. I've read before that you only need an interface to protect the computer from the battery power, but appearently they don't speak the same language either......http://www.elmelectronics.com/DSheets/ELM320DS.pdf

I'll check a little more into that, not hard wiring an IC inline...