Browsing ebay the other night and it looks like there are some pretty affordable OBD2 scan tools out there now. Particularly some orange one without a brand (that I could see), just says "Car Diagnostic Tool." Claims to be compatable with all 4 protocols as well as having enhanced function for under $40 shipped. Good deal or harbor freight junk? ANy other recomendations?

 

This is the one I use at our shop. It is a Mac Tools ET50. It is reliable and easier to use than the $3k dollar snap on one when you just want to pull a code and description. Browse ebay for a similar model.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mac-T...motiveQ5fTools

 

I have used this one also. Can't beat it for the money. Whatever you buy, stay away from the Snap-On MG2500's that are always on eBay for cheap. They were a good scanner in their day but are completely obsolete now. You can't get ANYTHING for them anymore.

 

Hi,

The Actron scanners are not too bad value for the money. They have several models depending on what info you need for diagnosis purposes such as O2 sensor readings, TPS graphs, STFT and LTFT values, Freeze Frame Data ect ect. Autozone sells those scanners, however, there alot cheaper off ebay. One of the higher end Actron scanners will do OBD1 and OBD 2 codes too.

Again, it all depends on your use for it.

Hope this helps.

 

I agree...the Actron scanner is a good one....I think it is the same as the Bluepoint scanner I bought from snap-on for about 400 bucks, but Auto Zone has em cheaper.