Does anyone have experience with these tools and if so how well do they work on older cars and any preferences? I have been thinking about getting one and even perhaps buying the software that will enable one to use your laptop to run diagnostics. Some of the threads that I have read in other forums also suggest that one could even make your own cables to connect to the onboard computer. Thanks
Auto Code Scanners/Readers
- Thread starter knucklebuster
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I have a really good Snap-On 2500 scan tool. It is indespensible and although expensive, I got it used and it's paid for itself many times over. I use it on my 81' to 01' cars as that's the modules I have and it covered all my rides until I got an 05' Cobalt. The modules for those years were very expensive still, so for that I bought a cheap-*ss Harbor Freight code reader that shows the number codes as well as a description. It came in handy solving a lean condition that was caused by a cracked intake bonnet. If you just need to know what the troubles codes in the car are, the cheap ones do the job fine, as well as clear the codes when you are done.
The generic scan tools sold for OBD II vehicles ( 96 and newer by law, some 95's by option) will in no way work on these ancient computer systems. The best method for pulling codes on these cars is the paperclip trick, which shorts two connectors in the ALDL connector under the dash. I forget which two, but it should be easy to find with a Google search. Perhaps even someone will be kind enough to post a link to a good site with the info.knucklebuster said:
jumping A-b on the older GM pcm's will drop you some codes but really wont give you any streaming data. do what most ppl do when they have problems drop the CCC and CC dist with non CC'd ones unless you want to get a OBDII one from a 96 or later car
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