Has anyone used or have an opinion on the kits that allow you to turn your laptop into a automotive scan tool. I need one for my family's vehicles and for a friend who has an ongoing problem with his almost new car. I don't want to and really can't spend $2000 plus for a professional tool such as the OTC mindreader or snapon (plus software). I don't want a cheapo from the auto parts store either. Been looking online and there is a lot of choices. Just want the best one for the broadest range of (mainly domestic)vehicles and an interface to keep any electrical problems with the test car from messing up my laptop. Thank you for any info. John. I also posted this in the open forum, but I figured I may get more help in tech help section since more techs frequent this part of the forum.

I have EASE diagnostics for my laptop. Actually I have it on an old laptop that is dedicated for this purpose. You can find it at www.obd2.com. They have a personal edition and a professional edition. I have had the personal for about five years now and it has been VERY useful.

It not only lets you draw trouble codes, but you also can set up trend graphs and drive the car while monitoring various parameters. You also can set up history for each vehicle that you connect to so you can go back later and see what you did. This is helpful sometimes for chasing down intermittent or recurring problems.

Good luck,

I bought one of these units, the seller who developed his own software:

http://www.myscantool.com/

The software would not work on my car/laptop but there is generic software from the hardware manufacturer that will work to read and clear codes and monitor engine functions and that works fine. So, I recommend this hardware but buy it without this seller's useless software.

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Marty D.

2013 C300 4Matic
1984 BMW 733i
2013 Lincoln MKz