OBD II Scan Tools, where to buy....

I would be intrested in buying a scan tool. However, I would not know where to start looking or what to look for. I glanced on ebay and found a bunch of software that turns your computer into a scan tool. However, my computer has to stay where it's at.

Do you any of you have 'em and if you do where did you buy them and how much should I be looking to pay.

I did find some software for a palm that came with the hookups and everything. It seemed pretty reasonable... Anyone try that before?

Here is a link
OBD II Scan System for Palm Pilots (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2463431599&category=43989)

Sounds like a good deal to me since the scanner you require costs around the same price as the system you are referring to plus the price of the Palm pilot. So if you have a Palm go ahead, other wise search this forum for some threads on this subject. There are some recommendations. Good luck.

There are two categories, code readers, and full interactive programmable scan tools. A real scan tool can be used to set and adjust engine functions, access ABS settings, etc.

if your looking for something to just check codes then autozone has one for 150 but they will check the codes for you anyway

try this:

http://www.actron.com/cgi-bin/web_store.cgi?page=gm_9495.htm&cart_id=6034772_56631

try this:

http://www.actron.com/cgi-bin/web_store.cgi?page=gm_9495.htm&cart_id=6034772_56631

That's great for a 95, but you don't sound like that is what kidd94 has. 96 and later are all OBD-II like the thread title said.

the website has all types of tools for all types of cars/years...including '96, the page I sent previously had only pre-96

www.actron.com

click on the blue link for 1996-2002 code reader

I've been very happy with mine. But I decided to go all out. I bought a snapon 2500 scanner off ebay for $500. It does everything. Most scanners that you buy in the average store will only scan codes for the drivetrain. Mine does that and the brakes, airbags, basically any system in the car. And it also clears codes. And it has upgradable chips so it works with future cars. And it has a troubleshooter cartridge so it gives you possible repairs for different codes. They retail for around $3000 so $500 off ebay was a pretty good deal.

Wouldnt't AutoTap essentially do all the same things? I had it hooked up on my car through a laptop. Mind you the only code I had was a PCM reset code.

Have any of you tried AutoTap as a scanning device? Or am I blowin smoke here?

:dunno:

I first tried an autotap and it didn't work for me. I have a 95 and the 95s are an inbetweeney year. sort of a obd1 and sort of a obd2. So that is why I had to get the snap on. but if it works for you, more power to you. it sure as heck is cheaper.

Yer right, it works only for OBDII, you still have the better deal. I dont have a laptop computer, I had to use a friends. Good luck with the scantool!