the cheapy scan tools any good?

I was wanting to know have any of you bought a cheapy scan tool from an auto parts store? Are they worth buying? Do they really work? And does anyone know what could set off the trac off light besides the trac control not be working. what could be wrong. its on a 2000 Cavalier.

no they dont work

All they do is read out the code the engine threw. You then take that info to a shop and get it fixed. they also can remove codes to turn off the cel.

ok ill just pay the extra and get a good one. thank you.

What is a brand name for a good one?

How much does it go for?

auto-x-ray work well,,,,,live data stream is what you want to see also

The trac off light could be alot of things. is your car driving fine? shifting hard? on each side of the car there are sensors one of them maybe bad. it is near the caliper. the vss sensor going bad. i had the problem trac light came on and i replaced rotors cause they were cracked and two days later the light cleared so somethings to look at.

The trac off light could be alot of things. is your car driving fine? shifting hard? on each side of the car there are sensors one of them maybe bad. it is near the caliper. the vss sensor going bad. i had the problem trac light came on and i replaced rotors cause they were cracked and two days later the light cleared so somethings to look at.
Well I just bought the car, and the brake pads are shot on it. Metal on metal. The rotor on the pass side is gonna have to be replaced. Are you trying to say it could be that.

very well could be and i would start there give it a few days after you replace rotors and pads and see what happens. if light stays on it maybe a sensor but i am willing to bet it is just that

very well could be and i would start there give it a few days after you replace rotors and pads and see what happens. if light stays on it maybe a sensor but i am willing to bet it is just that
Ok thanks alot. I replaced the pads and rotors today get back in a couple days and let you know whats going on, but it has to go to the dealer anyway and have the key reprogrammed. I changed the ignition lock cylinder and the theft system and service light is on. Would know anything about that.

Those cheap scan tools are reallly called code readers and that is all they do.The very good scan tools cost up to $6,000.00.The factory scan tools do a better job reading the ABS and Airbag codes.

Thanks jayson716 replaced the pads and the light went off.

No Problem glad i was able to be a help.