Shop Tools/Scanners: Best Bang for the Buck?

scoti

Royal Smart Person

Sep 5, 2019

2,115

3,739

113

Texas

• Oct 24, 2024

• #1

I've been using friends scanners when needed as I've never owned anything recently that required their benefits. Lately it seems I'm constantly doing this w/flips so I deem it time to just get my own.

Thoughts/opinions on what brand/s work well for the non-professional?

 

8

81cutlass

Comic Book Super Hero

Feb 16, 2009

4,719

13,895

113

Western MN

• Oct 24, 2024

• #2

OBD1 or 2?

Do you want to do in-depth stuff on OBD2 GM specific stuff where you can do crank learns or see ABS pulse data or Tcase stuff or just generic code reading.

 

383_StealthRam

G-Body Guru

Supporting Member

Dec 29, 2016

546

1,076

93

• Oct 24, 2024

• #3

Topdon Topscan hands down, I grabbed one recently, $60 from Amazon. $50 /yr subscription to keep it up to date with mfg data, and firmware updates.

It's paid for itself multiple times already helping fix friends and family vehicles with CEL and codes.

It works with iPad/iPhone or Android phone/tablet.

Well worth it IMHO!

 

Texas82GP

Just-a-worm

Apr 3, 2015

8,088

19,096

113

Spring, Texas

• Oct 24, 2024

• #4

I bought a LAUNCH X431 Mini a few years ago. It was an Amazon return so I got a decent deal on it. I paid $710 in October of 2022. It is more sophisticated than me, but I'm learning. I don't anticipate ever needing a more powerful scan tool.

Update: you can get it for a lot less now...

[Ship From US] LAUNCH X431 Pros mini 3.0 OBD2 Diagnostic Tool with ECU Coding Activation Test 2 Years Free Update

2022 New Global Version Launch X431 PROS Mini V3.0 : All System Car Diagnostic Scan Tool Automotive Scanner Tablet Wifi Bluetooth with 30+ Special Functions ECU Coding + Bidirectional(Active Test) + 2 Year Free Update Online + 5 Year Warranty + Multi-Languages Supported + Global Version(Can be...

us.launchx431pro.com

 

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Streetbu

Know it all, that doesn't

Supporting Member

May 22, 2011

3,858

12,163

113

Central NY

• Oct 24, 2024

• #5

I bought this one from HF. Has done well for me, saved my *ss on an ABS code and live data that many won't do.

https://www.harborfreight.com/automotive/diagnostic-testing-scanning/code-readers-scanners/zr13s-obd2-code-reader-with-abssrsfixassist-57666.html

I also have a Snap On Solus, buts it's WAY out of date and not worth updating for what I do anymore. I also have an old Snap On brick for OBD1, a GM TECH II , and a couple of other misc cheap scanners including a Bluetooth obd2 dongle for my phone which as $4 plus a $8 Torque app

 

Last edited: Oct 24, 2024

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Bonnewagon

Lost in the Labyrinth

Supporting Member

Sep 18, 2009

10,894

15,184

113

Queens, NY

• Oct 24, 2024

• #6

I also have the ancient red Snap-On unit. Amazing how often it still comes in handy. But I swear by the OTC and AUTEL OBD-II scanners. EZPZ to use and lots of features. Decent models are under $200 brand new.

 

CopperNick

Comic Book Super Hero

Supporting Member

Feb 20, 2018

3,753

3,692

113

Canada

• Oct 24, 2024

• #7

To work with my S-10 I went with an OTC OBD I/II capable unit. It is around 20 years out of date for what is now standard but works just fine for what I need. Just finished using it yesterday to do a purge of some codes that had not self deleted after some engine fuel management replacement work.



Nick

 

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scoti

Royal Smart Person

Sep 5, 2019

2,115

3,739

113

Texas

• Oct 25, 2024

• #8

I guess it's the later model stuff I've been exposed to lately that I keep borrowing one for. I can only recall one instance (years ago) where I needed something for an OBD-1 application & even then it was for something that was insignificant.

I guess the most recent things I needed one for were the '07 Envoy Denali's 'christmas tree' dash issue (trying to determine 'actual' issues vs what the dash says); my '99 OBS's CEL (faulty exhaust donut on the o2 sensor side), & a very aggravating, reoccurring, P2096 code for this '14 Miata mx-5 Club car I'm trying to turn around. That being said, seems my needs for one won't be diminishing if I do any future LS swaps so thus the search.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll start researching them.....

 

liquidh8

Comic Book Super Hero

Feb 16, 2011

3,526

3,824

113

Shippensburg, PA or wherever the military takes me

www.cardomain.com

• Oct 25, 2024

• #9

I have a Crap-on Modis, out of date but works for my junk, and the scope is a nice feature, keeps me from using my old analog one. I have a launch on base for out fleet, nice tool for sure and I like it batter than our Crap-on scanners. I've seen good reviews for the HF one, and looks from the videos to be a copy of the launch and others.

 

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wskirvin

Master Mechanic

May 22, 2017

338

444

63

37

Indianapolis, In

• Oct 25, 2024

• #10

I bought a used Snapon Solus Ultra that does domestic up to 2018 that has paid for itself time and time again when I was flipping cars, and then at work I have a Autel scanner for our 2023/2024 gm and rams. Both work well, the Autel is a little nicer and a lot cheaper than the Snapon though.