Recommendation for Code Reader/Scanner
 

I'm in a dilemna w/ a recently purchased Ford Taurus as I have a CEL that I am trying to diagnose. I thought of purchasing my own scanner/reader so that I won't have to run to AutoZone everytime a CEL comes up. So, I've come up with some criteria for which to purchase one of these nice diagnostic tools.

I would like to be able to use this unit with the following cars:
- '05 Ford Taurus
- '03 Toyota Corolla
- '97 E300
- '99 E300

I would like to be able to:
- read any CEL codes that may come up
- erase any CEL codes if they may come up
- get real-time data from the vehicle while running/driving
- connectivity to a PC to upload data (would be a plus)

I want something decent but not over the top, as I'm a shadetree DIY'er..

Actron http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16150
Equus Innova 3110 http://www.iequus.com/product_info.php?product_id=3110&category_id=1_10_7

Both I have found new on eBay between $120-150 approx.

You've found the two most popular models and I'm sure you'd be happy with either one. Here's something else to consider:

http://www.myscantool.com/?doc=details

This is an outstanding unit. Very versatile and detailed.
Cheers,
Jeff

I visited that site and the product looks interesting.... But I've gotten lost with the protocols. MB would use the ISO and my Ford would use the PWM.... Anyone know if the ProScan Universal Scan Tool w/USB Interface includes the ELM device? Or is that still separate?

Nevermind... the "Order Page" answered my question

I would recommend paying a bit extra for one that also speaks CAN.

That's my point... Hence I am looking for something that I can use from one vehicle to another.... Too many choices out there...

This is a good deal for the $$$ http://www.obddiagnostics.com/

Any suggestions for a scan tool for my 92 400e, 94 e320, and a 94 e420? Or does OBDiagnostics.com have OBD-I tools somewhere I'm missing?

Thanks.

All those chassis are Flash Code, so just build a Homebrew $5 Led/Sw ...

No, the old OBD-I models also have codes beyond what just the LED flasher/blinker box will tell you. But you need to have a scanner that will read those codes. I'm having the same problem at the moment, trying to find a scanner which will read the old OBD-I systems with the 38-pin connector (400E / 500E).

:(

The LED tool does read the 38 pin diagnostic socket on OBD1.............

Sorry, I should have clarified. Yes, the LED tool does read the 38-pin diagnostics. But for certain codes, it is not specific... for example, on the E-GAS module (pin 7), there are a half-dozen items that can trigger code #2. The LED just shows "code 2". The scanner will specify which of the half-dozen items actually caused code 2 to display.

:o

That is more like it.......

For those still wondering what I'm talking about, see the attached screen shot... the LED blinker just shows code 2, but with a HHT (hand held tester / scanner), you can pinpoint which of the six sub-codes caused the fault (002, 006, 007, 007, 009, or 025).

I need a scanner / code reader that will read those 3-digit DTC's on an M119 with 38-pin connector.

:scholar: