Scan tools for newbie ?

[micker]

Hi Guys and Gals:

Now I have had troubles with this 3800 engine and I read a lot about
other people with nightmares,too. Seems like it comes mostly from intermintent sensor problems, some with codes that are misleading and otherswith no code at all. Then we change part after part, then shop after shop. After 3 buckets of cash its time for the dynomite!

Anyway, what i'm getting at is maybe we need better tools to find the source of the demons.If I don't have money for good scanner how can I afford all those parts I didn't need.I read MT-2500 talk about things you hook up while driving down the road. Could you tell me more about what brand and what type of scanner would be good for the home guy with low experiance?
I'm asuming it won't be cheep, but Ive spent thousands in circles the last few years.
Thanks Everyone

[Blue Bowtie]

It would help to begin by including what year the vehicle is. The control systems changed over the years, and the tools needed to communicate with the different systems are necessarily different.

[spinne1]

You will spend a lot less in auto repair than in tools and a scanner IF you spend what it takes to get a truly professional tool setup. A good scanner can be had on ebay for $500+, but unless you do alot of repair work, it is not worth it. In other words, to really fix the problems on one car is not worth the cost of a good scanner. However, if you plan to fix ALL the cars you own in the foreseeable future, then a scanner might be a good idea. Now, keep in mind that you'll have to get new cartridges as you get newer cars in the future, which can be very expensive.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by micker

Hi Guys and Gals:

Now I have had troubles with this 3800 engine and I read a lot about
other people with nightmares,too. Seems like it comes mostly from intermintent sensor problems, some with codes that are misleading and otherswith no code at all. Then we change part after part, then shop after shop. After 3 buckets of cash its time for the dynomite!

Anyway, what i'm getting at is maybe we need better tools to find the source of the demons.If I don't have money for good scanner how can I afford all those parts I didn't need.I read MT-2500 talk about things you hook up while driving down the road. Could you tell me more about what brand and what type of scanner would be good for the home guy with low experiance?
I'm asuming it won't be cheep, but Ive spent thousands in circles the last few years.
Thanks Everyone

Year make and model makes a lot of differances.
What have you got?

Here is just one of many scanners out there.
http://autoenginuity.com/