Looking for a GM code scanner.

[Doug213xrj]

I have a 02 Trail blazer. What code scanner are you guys using for GM drivetrain codes. I'm looking for one that does Transmission codes and 4X4 codes. The four wheel drive will not engage when cold and the 4X4 light is on. I have one the does everything BUT drivetrain and four wheel drive codes.

Thanks Doug

 

[BoostedJROD]

We have Autel stuff at work thats pretty nice. Depends on your price point tho. The pocket rocket scanner does engine, trans, abs and airbag.

https://www.autelonline.com/autel-m...tem-with-data-stream-diagnostic-tool_p30.html

 

[CaliWagon83]

I have one of these for OBD-II cars: https://www.bluedriver.com

Works pretty well in my experience.

 

[81cutlass]

There is a GM tech 2 clone called Tech2Win that can do everything a GM tech 2 does at a fraction of the price. Issue is you need a windows XP laptop or something goofy like a toughbook. I almost bought one when my AWD encoder went out on my 04 Rainier.

From my extensive research, waffling back and forth between autel, blue driver stuff, ect ect, I went back to Tech2Win.

 

[airboatgreg]

How much do you want to spend?
The bummer is a lot of the info is proprietary so we cannot access it.

 

[Bonnewagon]

I bought an Autel Maxi-Check Pro to diagnose my Daughter's '12 Jeep. The left rear ABS sensor overheated, failed, and took out the 4 wheel drive, traction control, and ABS. The dash warning lights and a simple code check would have led you to believe the $500 ABS module was bad. The Autel pinpointed the $13 sensor so we did that first and it fixed everything.

 

[Ribbedroof]

I bought an Autel Maxi-Check Pro to diagnose my Daughter's '12 Jeep. The left rear ABS sensor overheated, failed, and took out the 4 wheel drive, traction control, and ABS. The dash warning lights and a simple code check would have led you to believe the $500 ABS module was bad. The Autel pinpointed the $13 sensor so we did that first and it fixed everything.

It's gonna sound like i'm picking on you, but that's not my intent.

It seems that many people have fallen into the trap of assuming that whatever the scanner says is the culprit. I see people all the time throwing parts at something without doing the diagnostic work.

The code in many cases identifies the problem group, not the part. A GOOD tech will know to follow the flowchart/diagnostic tree, and use the datastream to see what's REALLY going on. Then an informed decision can be made.

I think this is where the cheap code readers can hurt consumers that don't know the proper way to fix it, and just assume the part indicated is the problem.

 

[Bonnewagon]

Picking on me? No worry. A scanner is just another important tool we need. But if you don't even know what the code is you are in a world of hurt. I know lots of otherwise good mechanics that threw up their hands and quit when computers took over. Remember when the Snap-On was the only available scan tool and it was $3000? Times have changed and no decent mechanic would be without at least a code reader, and the scanners like the not very expensive Autel are way better than the expensive old ones.

 

[Ribbedroof]

What i meant was that like you said in your previous, lots of people would have assumed the module was bad. Luckily, you have the tools and experience to do the legwork to find the actual problem.

Yep, scan tools have come a LONG way.

 

[pagrunt]

I miss the day when all you needed was a paper clip & time to wait for the CEL to blink all the codes out.