UNABLE TO SCAN ENGINE CODES

[tomtom72]

Just a note about the operational capability concerning different make scanners:

The reason most of us look for the Vertronix ( now owned by Bosch? ) Tech 1 or Tech 1A machines is that they were specifically intended for use at GM dealerships. Now, the most important part of the tool is the software library that came with it! If you look at the DTC diagnostic flow charts in our FSM's you can see where the Tech machines & their software do certain "functional tests".

The real key thing is the software and not necessarily the scanner itself. Trouble is the GM s/ware is copy-righted. The Vertronix boys had the corner on the OBDI GM software because it was awarded the GM contract.

Even my snap-on software for GM cars is abridged and will not do any of the "functional tests" listed in the 90 FSM that do not directly relate to emission's control / engine management systems.

I do believe that with OBDII equipped cars there was an effort to standardize software even further to include "safety items", but I'm not too sure how far that goes. Stuff like ABS, EBFD, EVSC, T/C, all may be included with the 'generic' software in OBDII format. I think on our cars, if my snap-on ABS software is any indication of OBDI copy-right generosity, I can not use the cartridge to bleed the ABS pump.....or at least I can't seem to figure it out.

The moral of all my hot air is that for our ZR-1's, if you want a full function scanner you need the Tech series with all the proprietary software GM wrote or you have to do without the non-emissions functionality tests.

Sorry to be so long-winded but this is how I understand the scanner software situation to be and I just wanted to make the point about proprietary software vs generic emissions software.


Tom