Scanner Purchase Advice?

[RussMcB]

I'd like to purchase a scanner tool, but know very little about them.

Two questions: 1) How can I learn more about what they offer and how to use them, and 2) What advice do you have regarding shopping for one (i.e., brand, features, price, etc.)?

I did a little searching, maybe not as much as I could have. Looking for most recent thoughts and people's experiences with what's available.

My current desire for a tool is for diagnosing a no-start condition (both with and without cranking). Will a scan tool help identify no-start causes?

Thanks, very much.

[FU]

http://www.cnet.com/how-to/monitor-y...p-for-android/

[RussMcB]

Originally Posted by FU

http://www.cnet.com/how-to/monitor-y...p-for-android/

Thanks, but I don't think that will work with our cars. It appears to be for OBD-II. Too bad. That would be pretty great.

[Franke]

I found Datamaster to be quite helpful as a scanner only. You will need a laptop and OBD 1 cable. You can check their website.
For interactive (bi-directional) equipment I use a MAC tools Mastertech 3100 or you can use a tech 1/1A. They are still expensive but can simulate mostly anything on the Z with the proper plugin modules and software. These tools should be coming down in price as the technology progresses to the newer protocols and software etc.

[We Gone]

If you want to see what one does I have Genisys Evo 5.0 does everthing I need.

http://genisysotc.com/documents/11-2...sSystem5.0.pdf

[XfireZ51]

You can talk to =Jeff= about this app called ALDLDroid.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...roux.aldldroid

He has it running on his Android tablet. It uses TunerPro RT which has been ported to Android. You need the .adx for your car although we were able to connect to my 92 using his 90 .adx. At the time he was working to get datalogging which is what I would want for tuning purposes.

You can call EASE Diagnostics about their OBD1 scantool software.

http://www.scantoolsoftware.com

They don't actively promote it, so you'll probably need to talk to somebody. This is the software I have been using for many years mainly for datalogging but also real time scanning. However, it doesn't do what a Tech1 does in terms of operating injectors, ignition etc.

[Hib Halverson]

A scan tester will not be as valuable in tracking down a no start condition as will a Service Manual and a DMM.

Your best bet is to spend that money on a set of Factory Service Manuals then use the information in those books about diagnosing "won't crank" and "cranks but won't run" situations.

If you're set on a scan tester, you need one which supports OBD (pre-96) systems. You also want one which will display the data list as well as codes and you want one which can data log (take "snapshots") which is useful in diagnostic activities.

I have several testers.
My favorite is a Bosch MTS3100 Mastertech. I use it on just about everything I own except the 2012 Z06 which the Mastertech software does not support. I, also, sometimes use a software-based tester "EASE" which runs on my PC laptop. Both these pieces of equipment support the LT5 but, unfortunately, both of these also are quite expensive.

My favorite "prosumer" scan tester is the Actron CP9190 which runs about 500 bucks.

[-=Jeff=-]

Yes I use ALDLDroid on my Android tablet.. it also works on my phone. If youhave a device that support USB OTG you can use a USB cable. but there are a couple places selling an OBD1 Bluetooth device which I have heard works well, but I have not personally tried it. I think the ALDLDroid is around $20 plus the interface cable cost

the Definition file for our cars works on the ALDLDroid and TunerPro. the developer was also working on getting the Ostrich and other pieces working for a full solution just liek TunerPro

hope this helps

[92whiteZ]

I have both a Genisys and a Tech 1 A. The Genisys is helpful with OBDII cars/trucks. I personally dont find it overly useful with my 92 Silverado or Z.

Now the Tech 1a with a mass storage cartridge is invaluable on the truck and the Z. its obviously GM specific but it does anything and everything someone would need when narrowing down potential problems. goes hand and hand with the factory service manuals.