Scan Tool

I have been pondering over what scan tool to buy for quite some time.
I found out about this tool on another forum, and ordered one for myself.
Cost is just under $130 (US)....shipping included.
It is not fancy, but I like the features.
It is good on 1996 and newer vehicles, and earlier TRUE OBDII vehicles.

What I like about this tool is that it will read the OBDII codes, gives the numeric, but no description, so you will have to look that up.

It also monitors the following data and displays up to 4 different values at one time in "gauge" mode.
Miles Per Gallon
Gallons Per hour
Battery Voltage
Coolant Temperature (as read by the PCM)....
Intake Air Temperature
Throttle Position Sensor value
Fuel Pressure (not on windstar.....not monitored by PCM)
Manifold Absolute Pressure (not on windstar....not monitored by PCM)
Engine Load
RPM
Ignition Timing (shows how much advance)
Displays if PCM is in OPEN or CLOSED loop (using Oxygen sensor values or not)

Will also display trip data
Max Speed
Max Coolant Temp
Max RPM
Average Speed
Average Fuel Economy
etc

Nice thing.....when a code is detected (CEL), it takes a "freeze frame" of the gauge data, so you can see more of what was going on at the time the CEL came on.

Just don't put yourself into the ditch...or worse.....staring at your new toy while driving down the road.

A link to the website
http://www.scanguage.com/

wiswind -

Thanks for the review. I, like you, looked at quite a number of scan tools - but have delayed actually buying one (only one OBDII vehicle in my garage). Thanks for your review of this scanner - I'll have to take a closer look!

Hmmmm - there's a used one on eBay right now; I'll have to see what it sells for...

Hey wiswind

This is just what I've been looking for. I was going to spend 70.00 on one that only read the codes, but this is a lot more for the money.
Is there more than a 30 day guarantee with it?

You would have to check their website as to warranty.
Time will tell if this is a good tool, but seems to be good at this point.
I really like having the additional information that this item provides.


Just a note about " CAN " codes that some code readers claim to read.
CAN is the new standard, which will replace OBDII
It will be required all vehicles starting in 2008

Thanks, Wiswind - good review. If I had more OBDII vehicles, I'd jump on it.

What does "CAN" stand for?

CAN won't replace OBDII, its a new signal protocol for OBDII. It stands for Controlled Area Network. The future replacement for OBDII is suppossedly OBDIII, which is going to have some major hurdles before it is implemented if it ever is.

How do I determine whether my 99 Windstar LX is OBDII?

There is a sticker under the hood that lists spark plug gap.... OBD11 is wriiten on this as well.

Even easier however is that any car sold in North America since 1996 has to be OBD11 compliant. If you van was made for the US or Canadian (perhaps Mexico too) market then it will be OBD11 compliant.


I have heard that one of the things that is being toyed with for OBD111 is that there would be sensors on the sides of hiways and when the CEL comes on the information will be broadcasted to these sensors as well and then "Big Brother" will send a notice in the mail that you need to service your car.......

like lewisnc100 CAN is used in the newer OBDII systems, it networks just about all modules through two wires(which carry mirror signals incase one wire fails) and allows them to share signals that are needed by two or more modules such as the vehicle speed sensor which would be needed by the PCM and instrument cluster

I use AutoTap, which will yield any number of operational parameters selected by the user, and record a log file. The downside is that the portability of the package is dependent upon the battery capacity of the laptop, and I've found that mine is good for only about 45 minutes before it goes to sleep.

Still, $130 for a portable scanner that actually displays more than just DTCs is not a bad price.

got one from ebay just hook it up to your laptop and see all 4 oxygen sensors runing in realtime and all the CE light
it's only $53
just download the free software
work good on my 95 and 01 windstar
;)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ELM323-OBD2-EOBD-Computer-Interface-Code-Reader-elm-323_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ43989QQihZ011QQitem Z320007541599QQrdZ1

jonreyna, interesting reader. How long does it take to move data to the laptop?

I would say about 1/2 sec to see everything on your screen working
all 4 oxygen sensors ,water temperature,mph, air intake from mass air flow sensor, rpm, engine timing and a few more, you can also clear the CE light
try to download OBD-2 scanmaster freeware
its the best one i use

I made such a scanner on my own - based on ELM320. The problem is that you can scan only engine, while tools like SnapOn can diagnose everything. Did anybody made such a scanner that can test ABS, tranny etc.? I heard that there are already such IC to make such a DIY scanner, but haven't found trace of it. It uses different protocols (ISO?)

Gobowiec :-)

I have used the software from www.obd-2.com for five years, and while AutoTap sells a more colorful PC based suite, it is also significantly more expensive.

If you have a 1996 (some 1995) or newer vehicle(s) and a laptop (really, ANY laptop even 10+ years old) that works, you can use the obd-2.com software on any model of vehicle.

It offers:

Real time "dash" with many selectable gauges
Code reading - code number, description
Code clearing
Emissions testing compliance information

Check it out! I really like it, and I am CHEAP!

I am also in the market for a scan tool and have been looking at Autotap and Auto enginuity has anyone used any of these two tools. I am planning on purchasing the enhanced ford version with either one but am having a hard time deciding between the two.

www.autotap.com (http://www.autotap.com)
www.autoenginuity.com (http://www.autoenginuity.com)

Or if anyone has any suggestions on a better scan tool i want to hear from them too

Thanks,

DTF

Hi,
Would you happen to know if I need a scan tool to pull the CEL codes on a 1998 Windstar GL.

Thanks

Hi,
Would you happen to know if I need a scan tool to pull the CEL codes on a 1998 Windstar GL.

Thanks


Yes you do. As I said to another poster, Ebay is a great place to pick up a very basic scan tool. I had to spend $140 four years ago. Now $50 should get a basic one. I have found it very valuable as I can immediately read the codes and/or clear them.

I know people that have the auto-tap products, and ALL are very pleased with them.

That is not to say they are necessarily better than autoengunity, I just have no data at all on them.

I just got my Scan Gauge from linaer Logic in today. Having lots of fun with it.Not ony do you have a scan tool with reset but it also act as a multy guage and monitors all kinds of stuff. Not bad for 169.00 plus free shipping.. I like it..
:grinyes:

just curious if any news between the autotap or auto enginuity scanners have come up?

any better forums to visit to learn the differences between these 2?

parkerb
I have been looking at both and almost bought Autoenginuity with the extended package for Ford. Things got tight money wise. It seems Autoenginuity does better in comparison. One thing though if you look on the site the 3.0 litre engine is not covered in certain years. I have the 3.8 so I not worried. The nice thing is it will read ABS and air bag codes with the extended package. There are others out there but my feeling for the money it would be the best. When I get it I will post back. http://autoenginuity.com/dloads/Product_Comparison.pdf

so what's the word between the 2 products? i've saved that .pdf and will inquire further, but wondering if you've gotten one yet.

parkerb
Not yet. Just finished the lower intake manifold gaskets and related items. Im waiting to see if my converter needs replacing. If all is good in the next couple of weeks Ill be getting one. I will post back.