Obd1 And Obd2 Code Scan Tool Recomendations

[luminaapv1182]

Hello all, was wondering if any of you could recomend a good quality OBD2 scan tool for retrieving codes from my 1996 chevy Lumina APV/ Van...I may or may not buy one, but just wanted to know if anyone has bought one and which ones are good/bad...pro's/cons..etc etc...post your thoughts and opinions please. I was really looking to get one that will also read the ABS Codes, but realized they are much much more expensive than the regular ones that just read engine trouble codes...thanks all, Luminaapv1182

does anyone know why there is not a specific forum for the Lumina APV, or is there one and I just overlooked it?

[aliazhar]

Originally Posted by luminaapv1182

Hello all, was wondering if any of you could recomend a good quality OBD2 scan tool for retrieving codes from my 1996 chevy Lumina APV/ Van...I may or may not buy one, but just wanted to know if anyone has bought one and which ones are good/bad...pro's/cons..etc etc...post your thoughts and opinions please. I was really looking to get one that will also read the ABS Codes, but realized they are much much more expensive than the regular ones that just read engine trouble codes...thanks all, Luminaapv1182

does anyone know why there is not a specific forum for the Lumina APV, or is there one and I just overlooked it?

i have build my own and now, just in the last steps of commercially selling it online on my website which will be online in few days....
here is the link i have started to get the comments on my device which you can read if you need any furthur info on my microcontroller based interface.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=465500

best regards

[tblake]

Originally Posted by luminaapv1182

does anyone know why there is not a specific forum for the Lumina APV, or is there one and I just overlooked it?

No Clue

But anways, aliazhar has put to together a very good unit that will let you do almost anything. I will probably buy one as soon as i can get a decent laptop. The only drawback I see is you need a laptop or palm. The best thing is though, it shows real time sensor data, and will log data from trips you take. Basically any OBD2 scanner you can buy that will read VPW Protocol will be able to retrieve and clear trouble codes. As always you get what you pay for and if you buy crap from wall-mart for 50 bux, thats what your getting. Crap. Good luck.

[aliazhar]

Thanks for the comments about my device.

in my case, although i do have a laptop and PocketPC, but, i have a small desktop Pentium-II computer installed in my Lumina as well...with a 10" touch screen LCD monitor.

I have made a power supply unit for it myself which converts direct from battery without a need of inverter unit, and set it up properly in a way that the PC does not need much of keyboard/mouse input. all i control from that pc is by touch-screen.

i use it for OBD2 on the fly recording, GPS, and playing mp3/audio cd and much much more.

The whole unit fits under the passenger seat with only one cable connected to lcd/obd2/powersupply and the GPS is connected via bluetooth which is wireless. it runs on a windows98 at the moment which i am planning to upgrade soon.

so, laptop is not the limit for using my device

Thanks and Best Regards

[57chevyragtop]

There are some very good reviews on several OBD II scanners at www.batauto.com. These are quite thorough reviews with actual use scenarios. You will not be dissappointed.

[tblake]

Originally Posted by aliazhar

Thanks for the comments about my device.

in my case, although i do have a laptop and PocketPC, but, i have a small desktop Pentium-II computer installed in my Lumina as well...with a 10" touch screen LCD monitor.

I have made a power supply unit for it myself which converts direct from battery without a need of inverter unit, and set it up properly in a way that the PC does not need much of keyboard/mouse input. all i control from that pc is by touch-screen.

i use it for OBD2 on the fly recording, GPS, and playing mp3/audio cd and much much more.

The whole unit fits under the passenger seat with only one cable connected to lcd/obd2/powersupply and the GPS is connected via bluetooth which is wireless. it runs on a windows98 at the moment which i am planning to upgrade soon.

so, laptop is not the limit for using my device

Thanks and Best Regards

I will need a laptop for school here soon anyways, so as soon as I get one, and get it paid off, I will look into your product. It just seems like its something I Have to Have.

[richtazz]

go to the forum for Chevy Venture vans. Same vehicle, just a newer name to eliminate the "parts monkey" confusion between the Lumina car and Lumina APV when people try to get parts..