obd scanner recommendations

[notimprezed]

Can anyone recommend an obd scanner for me? Dont really want to spend a bunch of cash. I have a laptop and palm so I'm not limited to just a hand held one. Would prefer something that could read abs and tranny as well but can go without. Thinking of basic $100 one, would spend 200 for something significantly better.

Funny story about the main reason I want one. Went to autozone to get a check engine light read. They no longer read them (here in Ventura CA). I can rent one with the loan a tool program, $160 deposit. I asked why they dont do it at the store anymore. I quote "We dont want to take buisness away from mechanics. They get $80 to read a code but do if free if they are gonna do the work where they can include it in with the labor." I said 'Isnt the point of autozone is for the DIYer that 'takes work away from mechanics?'" Needless to say my shopping days at autozone are done since they don't seem to enthused to sell me parts. Right there autozone.

[Swanny007]

I like the ScanTool product myself. It uses the Elm chip that plenty of others use like OBD2AllInOne, etc.

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[LittleHoov]

If you just want something that will pull basic OBDII check-engine codes, you can pick one up on Ebay for about 25 bucks. It will read and clear codes, you have to look the codes up in a book that comes with it, if you want one that has the code meanings built in, more like 40-50 bucks.

You said you were interested in ABS and tranny codes, how about live data?

There is one in particular I was thinking of, it was very similar to this one:
http://www.scangauge.com/ except it was round, it was pretty popular in some other car communities.

Really for the Intrigue I dont see the need to gather live data unless you were trying to troubleshoot a bad sensor that wasnt throwing a code, we dont have the same things to look out for as some forced induction guys do.

Most scanners that will do everything run in the 2-300 dollar range. Even then you should read the fine print, make sure it will do everything you want it too.

[Tobey]

I use a Memoscan U381 (http://www.memoscan.cn/en/products.asp). It does everything I need it to do, it even shows live data (not as much as a ScanGauge does though). You can find them all over ebay for around 40 bucks. But they're sold under several different names there, so you have to know what it looks like.

[notimprezed]

Got a memoscanner u380 for $37. Appears to work but tells me 'no codes'. I do not have a constant SES light. It blinks for about 30 seconds occasionally. It feels like a misfire as there will be a noticable rough feeling through the car. Shouldnt the code be stored? Light has not come on in a few weeks but I thought the codes were stored until cleared. Ideas guys?

[harmankardon35]

blinking SES does mean a bad misfire or lean condition that may damage your catelytic converter...and yes absolutly a code should be stored but sometimes it just does not happen (ive seen similar situations as yours) just for reference try out another obd2 scanner and see if it can find anything

[notimprezed]

I'm more concerned about engine damage. I don't have access to another scanner unless I buy another one. I'll keep it in the car and scan right when it happens again see if that gets it. I would change the spark plugs but they're only 10,000 miles old. Oh well, if the S hits the fan with it I have an excuse to buy something a little better on gas.