Scantool (elmscan) experience?

[DL1]

It's been suggested by our esteemed guru jtgh that I get a scantool such as the one found on scantool.net
Anyone else have specific experience with this tool and can give particular comments/criticisms before I plonk down 170 bucks for a Bluetooth-tagged serial model?

Thanks in Advance

-d.

[jtgh]

blue tooth if you are flush with cash. (wireless)
there are many brands, "AutoExray" Elm, Harrison R/D , many .
It all depends if you want to use a PC, or Palm or one even supports a game unit,hah.

the elm is based on an ELM u-chip, which keeps the cost down.
If you have a laptop, a simple $59 will work great. ( no CAN buss)

Or you could just buy the cheap $39 code reader from Harborfrieght.


there are many brands , many are very good.
The other issues is make sure it supports CAN buss , so you can use it on your next future car.

I recommend a Code puller , 1 per family , ( the whole tree) and a full scan tool if at least one member loves to tinker with or save lots of money on car repairs.

If in Canada, you must have one. it seems (no AZ)


Keep in mind, most will not allow you to , service the ABS system.
( unless your are rich)

one last , hint, make sure you have or need a RS232 or USB , or blue tooth.
Some laptops only support USB. Keep that in mind.

Some even have an MPG Display that allow you to measure live real time MPG.
this can be used to train you how your car best handles economy.
Many are doing this. (most cars are 5th gear , 50mph = max, flat ground)
Code Reader , reads codes only
SCAN tool , reads it all. (live). (its like being born and your eyes open the first time)

I was blown away back in 1996 when I turned on the Live SCOPE readings of my OXYGEN sensor. Wow ! " i had just bought the very first OBD2 tool "

[DL1]

That's really what I'm looking for, maximum capability for reasonable cost. Autozone will pull codes for me for free, but I don't mind investing in a tool if I know it does all the things i need and will need in the future (like CAN).
Already have RS232 to USB cable, so getting the bluetooth option, though pricey, seems worth it .... as long as the information in there is as detailed as any other unit out there. question is, which delivers most bang for the buck -- on a laptop?

[jtgh]

The one with the power to show Meters or Scope presentation on any parameter.
my HarrisonRD does that.
Check out there software, some can be downloaded for free and tried.

It must have both cuz , meters dont work on OXYgen sensors, but the scope mode shows
how fast the OXY swings and you can count the "cross counts" to see if you have a lazy sensor?
Check out out it presents Short Term fuel trim.
some do it differently , -nnn 00 +nnn ,others just give a number from 1 tro 128
having the 00 centered type is good.
the 00 represents that the ECU thinks 00 is perfect combustion and +nn , means that
it added extra fuel , because engine was lean.

This mode , assumes that the OXY sensor is "dead accurate" as it should.

those are my thoughts.

that blue tooth would be fun to try !

regards

[DL1]

That "APEX" model looks pretty much spot-on. USB connectivity and real-time logging, including air-fuel mixture? Better than the Scantool, it seems.
Wireless would be great, but then the Palm kit would actually put my old V to some use.

Is your kit missing anything that another mfr has?

[aquanaut20]

APEX is Harrison's latest toy "wifes description" and has the capability of monitoring/manipulating some Mfg code in enhanced mode, nice to have. Keep in mind Harrison's chips uses propriatory software.
I use Harrison Rs232 +CAN + enhanced on my Fords. Works well with a P3 laptop (one is dedicated to my toolbox) and my Palm III (have used on a 486).

I also have a ScanTool in my toolbox, the advantage, it is based on the Elm chips which have lots of software available, free and commercial, the GUI is usually more intuative.

I use a code reader for the quick jobs, switching to the computer based scan units when I need specific information on sensors.

BlueTooth would be nice, but requires a newer computer with BT capabilities. Never needed to be away from the vehicle so the cabled units work for me.

WARNING: Once your friends and neighbours find you have this, you will be unindated with requests for free diagnosis. Just like hanging an M.D. shingle out.

Have fun with it, I would not be without mine. P

[jtgh]

aquanaut:
spot on you are, Tell wife that first time you use tool it get paid for by not paying dealer the $100-$150 scan charge (min 1hr labor at most).
then the 2nd time it is earning cash.

I see people at work paying this every time their gas cap is loose. Sad really.
that and those silly $200 Key fobs ( or more)

[Shconer]

You computer does not need to be bluetooth capable. You can buy bluetooth to serial adapter kits.

[aquanaut20]

Originally Posted by Shconer

You computer does not need to be bluetooth capable. You can buy bluetooth to serial adapter kits.

True you can use a BT dongle but that is added expense that isnt needed, and an external adapter prone to breaking in the garage environment.

BTW, Vista does not like BT (continual headache for IT).... so to be reliable it needs to be XP or 2000.

FYI, the only time I need to be apart from the vehicle on test, is for printed reports and I just send them from the driveway or garage to the WIFI network printer in the house. But, each to their own......P

[aquanaut20]

Originally Posted by jtgh

aquanaut:
spot on you are, Tell wife that first time you use tool it get paid for by not paying dealer the $100-$150 scan charge (min 1hr labor at most).
then the 2nd time it is earning cash.

I see people at work paying this every time their gas cap is loose. Sad really.
that and those silly $200 Key fobs ( or more)

Got past that, sent her for estimates on her tracker before I work on it, she just blushes now and asks me nicely if I have a tool to fix it,...LOL she still has problems when I stop off to wander the "TOY" store.