Should I Buy a Scan Tool?

Having EFI and no scan tool is like having a carb and no screwdriver.

Ian F wrote: I use the OBD II reader function of VAG-COM installed on a laptop (this one). So far, it's done the job, although something a little more portable and faster (have to wait for the computer to boot up) would be nice for general code-reading... If you own a VW and plan to do any wrenching on it, VAG-COM is pretty much mandatory. The program's OBD II function has always worked on the European cars I've tried it on.

I'm sorry, I can't read this post without giggling like a school girl. I won't degrade it further with exactly why, if you get it, you get it.

Mine has saved me worry once on my ZX2 at the ice races. turned out it was the Evac system. Won an argument with my Jeep dealer,still under warranty, code said crankshaft sensor,he wanted to replace the camshaft sensor. Ended up getting both when the cam sensor didn't fix the problem.

Joe,

Yes, I bought it online. Amazon.com had the lowest price.

David

Thanks Dave!

if the original question had been asked 30 years ago, it would have been worded "should I buy a vacuum gauge"

Hello to all

I think you should buy it A scan tool is a device used to access on-board diagnostic information. Scan tools come in many shapes and sizes, but there are two basic types: stand alone and PC based. As the name suggests, stand alone scan tools do not require a computer. However, they typically have a small screen with a minimalistic interface, run only proprietary software with limited functionality, and cost significantly more than comparable PC based scan tools.

PC based scan tools harness the power and economy of scale of modern PCs, and have a number of important advantages:

* Large, easy-to-read screen
* Unlimited storage for data logging
* Wide selection of diagnostic software that can be easily updated
* Remote data acquisition
* Cost a small fraction of the cost of comparable stand-alone scan tools

Our PC based scan tools can:

* Turn off the check engine light, and erase stored diagnostic information
* Check emissions readiness
* Read and erase trouble codes (generic and manufacturer-specific)
* Display real time parameters
* Record data for later playback
* Plot data in the form of graphs & maps
* Display customizable Digital Gauges
* Serve as a dynamometer
* Provide a drag strip feature
* Generate printable diagnostic reports
* Access manufacturer-specific information
* Do lots of other cool and useful things

Thanks for sharing

A canoe with search engine propulsion! How grassroots is that?

Hello to all

I think you should purchase it It will prove worthy to you, Please share more and more

Thanks for sharing

arren, methinks you share a bit too much.

Tell us: What's it like to be a search engine disguised as a person?

I just picked up a very basic one from my local Autozone. $49. Took me 3 mintues to learn to use it and I found the code I needed. Now for a $49 investment I don't need to worry about codes any more. I can check them at will. No need to find time to run to autozone and have them checked.

I had my 99 Dodge tow vehicle throw a CEL the day I was towing to the track. The truck drove fine and the tow was short so I just went and had the code read 2-3 days later. Now I could just run the code and see it if is an issue right away.