OBD II Code Scanners - Which One?: Grassroots Motorsports forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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Oct. 16, 2009 12:37 p.m. Jerry From LA HalfDork

Hey All,

Unfortunately, AutoZone suspended their free tool lending program in my area so I have to buy a scanner. We're looking on the cheap side but are open to bang-for-the-buck options as well. I checked older threads but there doesn't seem to be a consensus. We need the thing yesterday but what about eBay or Craigslist? viable for this product or no?

Thank you.

Jerry
Oct. 16, 2009 1:32 p.m. Josh HalfDork

Harbor Freight has a cheap one if there is a store local to you:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=98568

Did all your local parts stores stop their tool lending programs, or is Advance still an option?
Oct. 16, 2009 1:39 p.m. xci_ed6 Reader

I got a Actron CP9145 scanner 3-4 years ago, I think it's like $200 now. Works great.

Look for one that gives you the code definition, not just the code (saves a lot of time) and reads PIDS. More $$ = faster PID display, mine is slow, but it still works fine.

http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16150
Oct. 16, 2009 1:44 p.m. ReverendDexter HalfDork

If you have a laptop, you might look into one of these:

OBD2 to USB

I picked one up recently, it's certainly a lot more DIY than any of the HF units - it comes with all the software you need, but it also comes with the source code so you can write your own tools if you have the desire/skill to do so.
Oct. 16, 2009 3:15 p.m. Jerry From LA HalfDork

I'm talking less than 100 bucks on this thing. I have a list of codes for my wife's car. I just need to know why it threw a code and jump on fixing it.
Oct. 16, 2009 3:41 p.m. RexSeven Dork

Jerry From LA wrote:

Unfortunately, AutoZone suspended their free tool lending program in my area so I have to buy a scanner.

Do you know if it's only in your area or a nationwide thing? I borrow tools from AutoZone all the time. In fact, I have a spring compressor I'm still borowing.
Oct. 16, 2009 3:47 p.m. RCRX19 New Reader

Mac Tools ET50 less than 80 bucks best 80 bucks I'v ever spent on a tool some of the features

auto diaglnfo reader lighted two line LCD display read trouble codes clear trouble codes freeze frame data i/m readiness test MIL status read VIN also has CAN Protocol

I have not seen any other code reeder in a store that can even come close for the money as soon as you see a Mac Tool truck just go up to the owner and ask if he or she has one or can get one they will sale anything to anyone also it is vary small the unit and its hookup cable are about the size of a pack of cigarette's I'm tilling you you are not going to find a better tool for the money
Oct. 16, 2009 5:15 p.m. griffin729 Reader

RexSeven wrote:

Jerry From LA wrote:

Unfortunately, AutoZone suspended their free tool lending program in my area so I have to buy a scanner.

Do you know if it's only in your area or a nationwide thing? I borrow tools from AutoZone all the time. In fact, I have a spring compressor I'm still borowing.

It would have to be local and national. I drove buy one of the local Autozones yesterday and it had large signs stating they still had a tool lending program. So, I'm guessing that since they've got the signage for it, the lending program is being suspended at a lot of stores but not all.
Oct. 16, 2009 6:46 p.m. DWNSHFT Reader

I just took my MaxiScan MS509 out of the Amazon.com box. Right around $100. I paid up to get real-time monitoring of all functions. It will also graph them and retain data for USB download for PC analysis. I haven't even plugged in the battery yet so I can't give any real reviews.

David
Oct. 16, 2009 7:48 p.m. hotrodlarry Reader

Jerry From LA wrote:

Hey All,

Unfortunately, AutoZone suspended their free tool lending program in my area so I have to buy a scanner.

srsly? I wonder why?
Oct. 16, 2009 9:13 p.m. Nitroracer Dork

The fees on those rental tools is usually what they sell for from the store anyway. Its not like someone was getting a good deal.
Oct. 16, 2009 9:42 p.m. RexSeven Dork

griffin729 wrote:

RexSeven wrote:

Jerry From LA wrote:

Unfortunately, AutoZone suspended their free tool lending program in my area so I have to buy a scanner.

Do you know if it's only in your area or a nationwide thing? I borrow tools from AutoZone all the time. In fact, I have a spring compressor I'm still borowing.

It would have to be local and national. I drove buy one of the local Autozones yesterday and it had large signs stating they still had a tool lending program. So, I'm guessing that since they've got the signage for it, the lending program is being suspended at a lot of stores but not all.

I'll have to check with my local A-Z, then, but that is discouraging. I don't have the space to store specialized tools I don't use frequently, and I don't know of any local auto parts stores with similar programs.
Oct. 16, 2009 9:50 p.m. xci_ed6 Reader

Advance Auto Parts lends tools, if you have them in your area.
Oct. 17, 2009 12:17 a.m. Jerry From LA HalfDork

The deal at AutoZone is they take a deposit equal to the value of the tool. Then they take about two weeks to return the money.

I'm liking the Mac tools idea but I wonder what the odds are of finding a truck on a Saturday.