Scanner

I have been using an actron scanner (CP9135) for a while now for the last counple of years. Its time to get a new one. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I should buy? I am willing to spend the more money if it is going to make my life easier in the future, or add some value to someone like me who does not work as a mechanic.

Any advice is appreciated!

Depending on how much money you're willing to spend, I'd highly recommend the OTC Genisys scan tool. This is certainly a professional grade tool, but being such, it allows you access to the transmission computer, ABS computer, airbag system, body control computers, radio, HVAC, etc. Much more capabilities than what the consumer-grade scan tools even offer.

You can pick one up on eBay used for a fair chunk of change, just be sure that it already has the software that you will be interested in loaded on it.

I've also used an AutoXray EZ-Scan 5000 system and have been quite pleased with it as a consumer grade model for reading powertrain codes. However, I don't know that it's much different from your Actron 9135.

-Rod

I spent some time looking around on the internet. The Actorn product read the powertrain codes only. The higher end ones allow you to store / capture / look at data real-time. the autoxray system seems to be more flexable and upgradable. If I'm going into the $500 range that one seems to be a better system. If I could pick up a OTC tool at around that price range (I don't mind used)it seems worthwhile. My only concern is that If I need software in the future (if I purchase a newer car) I may have a significant expense in getting software for it. Is this a legitimate concern?

I understand that a new protocol will be coming out in the 2008 models. Is this true? How will it effect what I purchase?

what is OBD-II Enhanced Data? It seems that FORD uses it, but I'm not sure straiting when, or what it covers.

As allways, thanks for your advice!

Yes, upgrading the OTC Genisys can be a rather expensive deal, around $400 to update to the current model year. However, quarterly updates are provided at no cost to keep the currently installed software up to date. Ie: if you have 2004 software, you'll get quarterly updates up to the 2004 model year, but it won't update you to 2007 until you purchase the 2007 software, which I don't believe is released yet.

I'm not aware that there will be a new protocol for the 2008 model year. Maybe they are just mandating the CAN protocol, but that is not a new protocol.

The enhanced data, as far as I understand, basically consists of the manufacturer-specific codes. Pretty much all manufacturers have a form of enhanced data. The format for enhanced data takes the form of P1012 where the '1' following the 'P' designates the code is a manufacturer-specific/enhanced code.

-Rod

It is the CAN data that they are mandating. Is this going to operate significantly different than the OBDII? I am going to watch EBAY for a while to see if I can pick up the scanner in my price range. I'll let you know how it goes. I figure that I can wait to update the data until I get a car that needs it. That should cut back significantly on the cost of updating the software. Besides, it only takes finding one or two problems I would not have spotted otherwise to make the expense cost effective.