OBD II scanner...Question

[litefoot]

I am starting to look at OBDII scanners.I think it time to buy one. I have been to the dealer, tohave engine lite reset. All for a loose gas cap. And at $105.00 a shotI have almost paid for one already. Is there a real difference between PC versions and the hand held versions?For the non professional user like me?Here is what I have been looking atPc version, http://www.ghg.net/dharrison/http://www ... p.com/Hand held versionsAutoXray EZ-Link OBD-II Scannerhttp://www.autobarn.net/autxrayezobs.htmlAnd the Nemisys Domestic Kit http://www.otctools.com/newcat...d=719Has anyone used any of these ?Or found a good one.And NO! I do not want to spend 3 grand on the GM scanner.I like the PC version ones for the price, and it looks easy to use.Is the AutoXray EZ-Link OBD-II Scanner any good? I seen guys talking about it on this site a lot. Will it read abs error codes?The nemisys is cam ready.I want to be able to read error codes and reset the check engine lite.And maybe check abs brake system, that one seems to be the hard one to find. I am hoping to find one I could use on my Chevy truck too.

[BlueCrush]

This is the same one that I bought on Ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...43989It works very well. You just plug it in, get the code, check on the included CD for the code number and your done. It also clears the code and reset your check engine light.P.S. It includes a code booklet as well!

[Raven]

Disconnecting the battery will reset the light also, if you know the reason the light came on, such as a loose gas cap.

[litefoot]

I agree, disconnecting the battery would work. But I had no idea what was wrong.So I went to the dealer to find out why the lite was on. They said a loose gas cap, the error code was P04442, and it was $105 diagnostic bill. I looked it up here, and found some threads talking about loose gas caps. I thought, I ask if it is worth buying a scanner. And if the scanner, Bluecrush has works, I think it may be worth it. But I now ask if the gas cap is on tight. I get some odd looks,but hey. I learned my lesson the hard way. Has anyone else, used the scanner Bluecrush has?And thanks Bluecrush for the input.

[Mase]

$105! Ouch!You know what's cheaper? Get a loaner from Autozone. All they require is a deposit, but you get it all back when you return the scanner. I've done that a few times with both of my cars.

[MoonDogg]

I have this one.. http://www.auterraweb.com/ I have the palm verstion.. got the kit for like $120 on ebay and $50 for a Palm IIIc ... OH BTW I got the kit long time ago when the kit sold for like $250 off the site.. now its just $99 And that thing does a hell of allot more than just CEL's check it ou..

[MoonDogg]

nevermind... on that price... I don't know what I must of seen the other day.. but there the same price they were... but still its good..

[Jahntassa]

Most PC-based scanners will give you more bang for the buck. Mostly because a lot of them will give you real-time data as well, and let you go further into what OBD II is really capable of, in terms of reporting what the car is doing. For the same price, code readers will only give you the codes of what the check-engine light is saying, and allow you to reset, which isn't really much, unless you're popping codes constantly.

[litefoot]

Thanks for all the input.I going to follow Blue Crush and get Actron 9125 to start with.I am also looking into buying Auterra Dyno-Scan for windows. I downloaded their demo and manual, it does some cool stuff.I have emailed the company Auterra Dyno-Scan to get some questions answered.Maybe someone here can answer a question for me.Can I damage the car, with a scanner of this type? I have never used one.

[MoonDogg]

Quote, originally posted by litefoot »Can I damage the car, with a scanner of this type? I have never used one.That ? is answered on there faq page.. and its "NO" you can't damage the car.. I know this from personal experience also... I have used it on dozens of cars and never had any problems.. see it just reads what the car is already putting out... it does not control any part of the car... Hope this helps....

[litefoot]

Thank you, MoonDogg.I feel much better knowing someone has used it with no problems.The funny thing is I could not get to their FAQ link from my home PC,I was getting page not found. I just assumed that the link was down.I just checked the FAQ link from work. And the questions I had, are answered there. Thanks again.

[MoonDogg]

Hey noprob.. glad to help... yeah there site is spotty some times... but there product works great... I been having mine for a couple years now.. and it still works like a champ...

[ToolGuy]

Just saw your post... We make the OTC Genesys, sell the GM Tech II to GM dlrs and other scan tools. If you are really interested I can work a deal out for you, depends on how much you want to invest and use one. Yes the dlr diag prices just to hook up are going crazy. I just released the Chrysler DRB III scan tool to be rented. Within days a guy called said he has 3 Chrysler products with lights on. Said the dlr wants $80 per vehicle and at the $150 for three day rental, that was a better deal for him. We all thought no way would people want to rent the scan tool. Thanks to congress, DCX had to make it available beside being able to be bought by anyone.

[litefoot]

Thanks for the offer I ordered the Actron 9125 for starters I wanted a quick fix.I am still up in the air about getting the Auterra Dyno-Scan for windowsor the Nemisys Domestic Kit. The Auterra Dyno-Scan does a lot, very user friendly, and less money, but does not cover brakes and air bags. The folks here give the pc scanners high ratings. The Nemisys Domestic Kit does brakes and air bags, but is a little pricey. And does not look too user friendly. For the amount of times I would use the scanner I am leaning to the Auterra Dyno-Scan. If I go for the Nemisys Domestic Kit I will look you up.

[ToolGuy]

Quote, originally posted by litefoot »Thanks for the offer I ordered the Actron 9125 for starters I wanted a quick fix.I am still up in the air about getting the Auterra Dyno-Scan for windowsor the Nemisys Domestic Kit. The Auterra Dyno-Scan does a lot, very user friendly, and less money, but does not cover brakes and air bags. The folks here give the pc scanners high ratings. The Nemisys Domestic Kit does brakes and air bags, but is a little pricey. And does not look too user friendly. For the amount of times I would use the scanner I am leaning to the Auterra Dyno-Scan. If I go for the Nemisys Domestic Kit I will look you up.Funny!! My company just bought Actron (Cleveland Ohio) to complement all the other scanners we have and also to have more of a price range. Do not know much about them yet.