Any of you ever try a BT code scanner? I am looking at buying an OBD2 scanner and these seem to be cost effective. might as well use the power of the laptop instead of buying it again in the tool, right?

As long as I have you here, any recommendation for a particular low cost unit will be appreciated. I am buying soon. Likewise, what particular brands or units to avoid.

If you're looking for an inexpensive general-purpose OBD2 tool...
Lemur LSB2 BlueDriver from Amazon $99.
I've used this and its app for a long time. Works well and 5000+ reviews.



https://www.amazon.com/BlueDriver-Bluetooth-Professional-iPhone-Android/dp/B00652G4TS/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=bluedriver&qid=1569261292&sr=8-4

__________________
Lance Allison
Lance@LanceAllison.com

Current:
11 MB S550 4Matic, 55k miles, Designo Black/Black
14 Ford F150 XLT Lariat Crew, 73k miles, 5.0
Coyote V8 4x4. Black/tan.
09 GMC Envoy Denali, 5.3 V8, 4x4 SWB. 38k miles,
Jewel Red/Med Gray.

Gone:
87 MB 300SDL, 320k miles, Astral Silver/Blue.
98 VW Jetta TDI, 488k miles, Classic Green/Gray.
85 Olds 98 Brougham FWD, 4.3 DIESEL V6, 80k
miles, 3x Gray.

MBCA Member, Chicago Region

All I can suggest is that you get something that will scan AND reset. scanners alone are cheap but you save big money when you can reset your codes

__________________
Strelnik
Invest in America: Buy a Congressman!

1950 170SD
1951 Citroen 11BN
1953 Citroen 11BNF limo
1953 220a project
1959 180D
1960 190D
1960 Borgward Isabella TS 2dr
1983 240D daily driver
1983 380SL
1990 350SDL daily driver alt
3 x Citroen DS21M, down from 5
3 x Citroen 2CV, down from 6

I didn't realize there were read-only scanners until I overheard a counter guy at one of the chain parts stores tell a customer their scanner could not reset codes. I have a few cheapies like the BlueDriver one I linked and an Autel with MB software. Also have XENTRY for more in-depth MB stuff, but find the cheap ones work about 90% of the time for what I need.

__________________
Lance Allison
Lance@LanceAllison.com

Current:
11 MB S550 4Matic, 55k miles, Designo Black/Black
14 Ford F150 XLT Lariat Crew, 73k miles, 5.0
Coyote V8 4x4. Black/tan.
09 GMC Envoy Denali, 5.3 V8, 4x4 SWB. 38k miles,
Jewel Red/Med Gray.

Gone:
87 MB 300SDL, 320k miles, Astral Silver/Blue.
98 VW Jetta TDI, 488k miles, Classic Green/Gray.
85 Olds 98 Brougham FWD, 4.3 DIESEL V6, 80k
miles, 3x Gray.

MBCA Member, Chicago Region

Streaming live data is the real strength in diagnostic tools. Make sure the scanner works on the protocol your vehicle uses. OBDlink MX is a good tool and a live person answers their phone.

This link will give you a start:

https://forscan.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=6142