OBD2 Scanner

[ItDoRun]

I'd like to purchase a scanner. Any recommendations on brand/model?

[Sieg]

I have no first hand experience but I was just looking into one and Innova appears to have a wide product offering with high average reviews on Amazon.
http://www.innova.com/

[GregWeld]

I have an OBD II "app" on my iPhone --- it's free --- but the cable you have to buy is $99




Just make sure you read the reviews on any app you may buy... and make sure you understand the real cost... vs buying a scan tool

[cpd004]

I was just looking at one of these at my local auto parts store. They had Bosch units which are also the ones who make the Tech 2 used at GM dealers I'm told. It was well made, but was some $40 cheaper on line.

[ErikLS2]

The latest Matco flier has one I'm thinking of getting, for $299. It looks like it provides a lot of info for the money and a lot better than any of the other "generic" ones I've seen, plus does ABS and SRS codes too. Flier says "for a limited time" only, not sure what that means. Might buy one this week when he comes.

[ItDoRun]

I've never used one these before and assume that you have to input what vehicle your troubleshooting. How do these things work in an old car with new technology because obviously a 68 Camaro with an LS isn't gonna be an option to choose from?

[cpd004]

I've used several. Some auto detect and done you input the info yourself. For my car, I choose the vehicle the ECM is from and it works fine. One of the nicest I used was the Snap On Solus, but it's very expensive.

[Build-It-Break-it]

If you look around you can sometimes find people selling lab tops with latest version of ALL DATA installed for around $500. I'm not sure if they plug into a cars OBD2 port.

I have a Matco scanner and it wont connect to certain vehicles. Also do research as to how much the obd2 scanner you do buy will cost to update each year when newer vehicles come out.

[cjsgarage]

A laptop will alldata wont connect to your car. AllData is just for looking up how to repair stuff.. it does not read out codes nor have any cables.


Any car with a diagnositc port/computer system newer than 95 will work with an OBD II scanner.


Matco has a badass scanner made by Launch that is indeed pretty cheap (300$) and reads OEM codes for lots of makes and models.. Like I said, anything newer than 95.. so 96 and up.

If you're just interested in your LS based car, you should really check out HPTuners. Their software is unbeatable. It works for GM, Ford and Chevy and their scanner version is only 499. It needs a laptop, but does SO MUCH STUFF. Great for diagnosing anything.

if you just need a tool to read codes out and that's it.. the Innova stuff is okay. But it's cheap. Be nice to it or you'll break it.