Which Scan tool? (1 Viewer)

[Silicon 70]

Found a Scan tool, now its giving me a code.

The famous "check engine light" came on today and I was using the search function you guys use. I've seen one post form a guy saying he was using one from harbor freight and cost him $40. I find that kind of hard to believe. But I still want to get my own scan tool. Maybe for now I'll just take it to Autozone and have them read it for FREE.

Anyway I need advice on what to use, what the best and which ones I should avoid?

Thanks for the help.

 

[tech_dog]

I always thought this one was pretty cool, although it only works on pre-95 Landcruisers:

cool_code_reader

Note to newbees: DO NOT BUY THIS. If you don't know why, do some more reading.

 

[Silicon 70]

Cool, but I need one for a 96.

I guess everyone's sleeping already. I'd better get to sleep too.

 

[scottm]

I have a ProScan, http://myscantool.com/, perhaps more than you need but great for me. I have some screenshots buried in this thread https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=75975&highlight=oxygen. I've seen the Actron Pocketscanner regularly sell for $40 on eBay, it's $80 at Autozone.

 

[alia176]

There's another scan tool on the market that has a nice self contained display and tells you info such as MPG, engine codes, etc but I can't seem to recall the name of it. This is the only one that I know of that calculates MPG. Anyway, food for thought.

I have one that plugs into the laptop and it works out fine. The features are par wtih most other OBD-II software on the market.

Ali

 

[Whipp]

I have a ScanGuage. It's worked out really well for me. In addition to letting you pull codes and reset the MIL, it has trip and guage functionality that's pretty nice too. Once calibrated, I've found the fuel consumption very accurate and it allows you to adjust the speed indicator for oversized tires. I think it cost about $140.

http://www.scanguage.com

 

[tarbe]

I got mine at Harbor Freight for $49. Nothing fancy, but it works.

 

[John E Davies]

Do you do your own work, or just need to verify codes to keep track of the bad guys at the shop?

If the latter, then a simple code reader is fine. But if you do your own work, you really need to invest in diagnostic software. A reader tells you which circuit has some sort of fault. An OBD2 diagnostic program allows you to take readings and do tests to narrow down where the actual problem lies, so you can actually fix it.

What good is it to know that your code is for "out of tolerance fuel trim"? There are many possible causes, but you will still have to go to the dealer or work through (possibly VERY expensive) trial and error parts replacement. If you have the right software you can take readings and run tests, and narrow the problem down to one or two possibilities.

You can use the virtual dashboard to monitor critical stuff while driving, if you own a laptop, and also record many hours of multiple data streams for playback in several different graph formats, at your leisure.

I have worked as a professional aircraft, and home auto, mechanic for many years. Stumbling around without enough knowledge is frustrating in the extreme. If you can swing $220+ for OBD2 diagnostics you will thank yourself every time you hook up to your truck. So will your buddies, who will come knocking at your door.

John Davies
Spokane WA

 

[ElJefe]

The best one I have ever seen is the laptop scan software by autoenginuity. I don't own a scantool but I had a friend that had the autoenginuity package for his ricer. You can buy a toyota specific enhancement package that lets you read 100's of toyota specific sensors, as well as trigger from the software just about all of the toyota actuators, vsv's, pumps etc just like the official scan tool can.

 

[Silicon 70]

I do all the work myself on my truck. The reason I want a scantool is I don't want to take the truck to the dealer everytime the CEL should appear. I'm willing to spend on a diagnostic tool that can tell me specifically what's going on. I fixed my car by process of elimination before and all I can say is its no fun.

 

[Silicon 70]

Okay, I bought a Scan tool today and I think its a very good buy not to mention a good investment. So the code I'm getting is "P0401".

P0401 means EGR flow insufficient.

Does this mean I need to replace my EGR valve?

 

[Beowulf]

P0401 means EGR flow insufficient.
Does this mean I need to replace my EGR valve?

No.

Code P0401 means you need to diagnose the EGR system. There are dozens and dozens of posts in the archives. The EGR system has 4 components plus some interlinking hoses and electrical wires. In no particular order... EGR modulator, VSV for EGR, EGR valve, and EGR temp sensor. There is a detailed set of instructions in the FSM for testing each component.

-B-

 

[RavenTai]

I always thought this one was pretty cool, although it only works on pre-95 Landcruisers:

cool_code_reader

Note to newbees: DO NOT BUY THIS. If you don't know why, do some more reading.

$35 paper clip with a fancy plastic handle, cool I need to start making and selling those


Actron has a small code reader of decent quality for about $65, Software OBDII is much nicer but does not fit in the cubby in the back as well.