Nas Escobar Posted January 5, 2014 Report Share Posted January 5, 2014 Is this scanner worth the money? I don't know much about Tech 1 scanners as I do with Tech 2 but I apparently need one for my 94 which keeps triggering the SES when starting up (Trying to find a bigger picture here) so I might as well take the plunge. here's one I found today. http://www.ebay.com/itm/GM-scan-tool-tech-1-Vetronix-scanner-with-Mass-storage-cartridge-/171206569660?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item27dcb4eebc&vxp=mtr The other one I've seen and heard of before is the Innova 3140. This one claims to be compatible with both OBD1 and OBD2 (which is a plus since I also have a Camaro and I usually get asked for help with other OBD2 cars), but I'm not sure if it will tell me more than a code for my Cutty or if I can see what the computer does as well. I know the advanced OBD2 scanners will tell you what the computer does and you can even tune them. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Upgraded-Craftsman-920899-Scan-Tool-Kit-ODB-1-2-with-SRS-ABS-Innova-3140-/321282665644?pt=US_Measuring_Layout_Tools&hash=item4acdf06cac Last but not least, this one is my favorite. I like it because it's cheap and they CLAIM I can use tuning software with it (although I probably wouldn't do it, it still would be a nice feature, perhaps to mess around with shift points) http://www.ebay.com/itm/GM-OBD1-Scanner-Cable-Software-USB-to-12-pin-ALDL-direct-GM-OBDI-/111245393571?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item19e6bdfea3&vxp=mtr The only drawback here is of course that it would only be for my Cutlass and I still have to drive to Advance Auto parts everytime my OBD2 cars throw codes. Anyways, what are your experiences with scanners and which one would you recommend. I know a lot of people here use the Actron 9300 or something like that with the GM cartridge but I can't seem to find one at a logical price. All help is appreciated as always. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cutlass350 Posted January 5, 2014 Report Share Posted January 5, 2014 (edited) Looking at the Innova 3140 user's manual, it doesn't look like it supports real-time data for GM OBD-I. I'm not sure if that Craftsman scanner supports real-time OBD-I data either. You best bet may be to get a SNAP ON SCANNER MT2500 SNAP ON SCANNER MTG2500 (same as above has graphing) Note, I do not know the exact abilities of the MT2500 scanner. Just what I've read in the forums by people that have them. Do you have an Android phone/tablet? If so, I'd say get a bluetooth ALDL scanner. Then, you could use that for OBD-II also. Although, I don't think the OBD-II bluetooth does airbag, ABS. Or, you could go with the ALDL USB with a laptop. This looks neat: http://www.reddevilriver.com/ALDL_Bluetooth.php ALDL to Bluetooth Connect to your OBD1 GM vehicle wirelessly Supports both 160 Baud Pin E and 8192 Pin M protocals NOTE - Your diagnostic software must be able to receive the data stream as 9600 baud. Instructions are included on how to implement this with TunerPro/TunerPro RT NOTE - A laptop with bluetooth compatibility is needed to receive the signal. The module will power from most cars using the ALDL Pin G. For cars without a pin G power source a separate power plug is provided. The module can also be powered via USB power. This module is compatible with programs such as TunerPro and TunerPro RT. http://www.tunerpro.net Use it with your Android device - Works with ALDLdroid! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sgiroux.aldldroid&hl=en ALDLdroid sold separately - Check compatibility with your android device before purchasing. FWIW, I know that a China CLONE Tech-II for ~$600 will work with both of your cars. That's what I have for my '92 Olds and 2000 Olds. Note, a real Tech-II goes for ~$3K+ new, used ~$1,000+. And, you can not sell a Tech-II clone on ebay. Pic from my Tech-II clone, diagnosing a leaky booster causing a misfire on my 2000 Olds: Good Luck! Edited January 5, 2014 by Cutlass350 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cutlass350 Posted January 5, 2014 Report Share Posted January 5, 2014 (edited) BTW, It's ~$500 for the scanner with shipping, they take paypal. Imho, pay ONLY by paypal! Paypal is very unforgiving to sellers that scam people. http://www.uobd2.net/wholesale/new-gm-tech2-scanner.html New GM Tech2 Diagnostic Scanner Working for GM/SAAB/OPEL/SUZUKI/ISUZU/Holden Special Price for New Year Item No. SP23-D History: 82 sold 4.5 stars, 15 reviews. In Stock US$329.00 S&H ~$160 I make no claim to if you'll get anything at all, how well it works, how long it works, if it's legal/proper to use the clone, etc. Other than, mine works, and has worked fine since 2012. I used mine last month on a MAF code on my 2000 Olds. I was able to see the capture data, real-time data, etc. I decided to use the code as a reason to do a "MAF upgrade" to the newer style GM MAF. Note, I buy GM/Delco ONLY for any sensor/etc. Rockauto and Amazon are good places. Good Luck! Edited January 5, 2014 by Cutlass350 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nas Escobar Posted January 5, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 5, 2014 The 3rd link seems to have the Red Devil River software and such, but it's powered by USB and I think that's good enough for me, although the bluetooth function is cool. I assume. So long I can use my laptop for both ODB 1 and ODB2 that's all I really care for. I don't want to get too tied up in this since I know tech scanners aren't something that gets used every single day you know? http://www.ebay.com/itm/GM-OBD1-Scanner-Cable-Software-USB-to-12-pin-ALDL-direct-GM-OBDI-/111245393571?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item19e6bdfea3&vxp=mtr This link has the 12 pin USB one, and it's in my price range, I just don't know if it's reliable since I want to see what my stored codes are and what the computer sees to trigger that code. I also don't know if that's the right one for me. I have a 94 Cutlass Supreme (vert) with the LQ1 and I know the paper clip trick doesn't work on the Cutlass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nas Escobar Posted January 5, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 5, 2014 Also, another question is how does the XP-240 fare out? It claims to be able to read all pre 1995 GM, Ford, and Chrysler cars. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Auto-X-Ray-Automotive-Scanner-XP240-Pro-Pack-Ford-GM-Chrysler-OBD-1-/261359616036?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cda3f4024 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cutlass350 Posted January 6, 2014 Report Share Posted January 6, 2014 I can't find the manual for the auto xray 240. It likely only shows DTC, and does not show real-time data. If you have a laptop, then get the Red Devil scanner, since it can read DTCs and a lot of real-time data (but, not all , like a real Dealer's scanner like the Tech-II). If you have an Android phone/tablet, then get the bluetooth on from Red Devil. Being able to display real-time data is very useful! Especially, when you can take a picture of it (screen capture) and post it to a forum that has a control-theory-geek (like me ), and/or someone that knows how to tune/diag EFI data. I have an USB scanner that hooks up to my laptop. I thought it would be "great". What I found was that it was a semi-PITA to read codes, because I had to bring my laptop to my car. That's a semi-PITA without a garage, and having to do it in the winter with snow and ice on the ground, or in the rain. It's not "horrible", but it's not as easy as a stand-alone scanner, or a bluetooth dongle and a 7" tablet. It was in the teens and snowing when my 2000 Olds threw the MAF code. I got home, got my scanner, found out it was the MAF, thought 1 min about cleaning it, and then decided to get a new MAF (upgraded) since I have a 100% brand new from GM engine in the car (I did in late 2012). I went inside, found the new upgrade MAF part number from a search (suggested by GM as the replacement), ordered from Amazon, had it in two days, put the new MAF on late at night after work - again in the teens, and no worries. Now, compare what I had to do to getting it fixed at a dealer or local mechanic. No need for a ride back/forth. No time off from work. I saved a lot of time and money. If I wanted to, I could've cleaned the MAF and saved even more money, but spent another ~30-60 mins (trip to store, cleaning) fixing the problem. But, to me, the MAF upgrade, and being worry free for another 10+ years about the MAF, was worth more than the difference in cost. And, imho, cleaning a MAF in the freezing cold had zero appeal to me. Good Luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nas Escobar Posted January 6, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 6, 2014 Well then, looks like I'll be getting the Red Devil Scanner... as I said, all I need to do is see my real time data (so I can post it here) and I also want to read all stored codes. Also, if I can somehow tune the engine to be more fuel economic, I'd be happy... right now it's a gas hog. Sometimes it feels like a SBC 350. As far as the laptop thing goes... I don't mind stuff like that. I see you're in the New England area, I know it gets much colder up there than it does down here in Washington, DC. All in all, I'll think I'll be good... and I rather pay $60 than $120 at a shop for them to tell me what it MIGHT be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DefEddie Posted January 6, 2014 Report Share Posted January 6, 2014 Sold my Tech1 a couple months ago on ebay. It was mainly just nice to have,I use my snapon mt2500 for my OBDI stuff way more often and it will do more vehicles. I use completely different stuff for OBDII,though both mt Tech1 and my snapon are updated and can do it as well. My Tech1 was very complete and went for $550 plus shipping iirc. For that money there are better options that will do both OBDI and OBDII. I only bought the Tech1 originally as a novelty and I like scantools lol. If I knew I wouldn't get burned on the Tech2 clone I would be all over that for $600. You can tune with a tech2 if you know what you're doing and can play with .bin files in hex,you just use the tech2 for flashing the pcm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.