Scan Tool
 

This is probably in here somewhere but I can't find it. I'm looking for a good scan tool for my wife’s '06 C230 Sport, Sedan. Check engine light came on as I was leaving Advanced Auto after buying oil for my truck. Guy says we do free scanning. But, their scanner wouldn't talk to the Benz. Went to AutoZone, same deal. Went to NAPA guy says "I’m not surprised". "We're the real deal here". "Why we have the High Speed, Low Drag, Super Mac daddy, High performance scanner". "This little beauty right here will read any car made anywhere in the world". "OBDI OBDII, and it can pull any of the factory Secrete Squirrel codes.
NOT!.
Sooooo……….I’m willing to pay up to like $300.00 for one. Just don’t know which one is good or not.

TIA, Dave

scan tool
 

I have a Actron cp9185 elite auto scanner. I use it on my 06 ML350 it can read and erase all check engine emission related codes and read live engine data. it cost $240.00 at autozone.,,,,,But it will not do ABS,Airbags,Airco or any secondary systems only the mercedes star or a specialized abs or airbag tool can read those codes,also I think the new snapon scanners can read and reset all that other stuff but they are about $8,000.oo:eek:
After 2003 you need some special stuff to get into the other systems the snap-on MT2500 wont work neither will carsoft 7.4.

Short of a faulty connector or connection all OBD II scanners work the same. Note there are two scanner connections. One under the left side of the dash which is OBD and one under the hood which is MB proprietary.

All you need is an inexpensive OBD scanner (<$50) online. I've found the auto parts chain stores tend to have very over-priced scanners.

Some thing like this is fine - AUTEL MaxiScan MS309 Code Scanner Reader CAN OBDII OBD2 EOBD : Amazon.com : Automotive

The one' s they used at Advance and AutoZone were Actons, or Actrons. The little basic ones for about $30.00. They were plugged into the under dash port.
Nada! Said No signal, or no link to port ,or something.
Anyhow, I would like one that will tell me what's wrong and not just the codes. PIA to get a code and then having to look it up in something I don't have in the first place.

Thanks.

I nhad mine read with a scanner that went to engine port,no codes for 14 years,w140 m104.The under dash might work or program the instruments.We plugged there first.

None of the scanners tell you what is wrong. They tell you what code is stored in the form of a 3 digit number. Some scanners have a built in look up table with a short explanation such as 'Cylinder #3 misfire' **, etc. You must interpret the codes and even then it may not fix the problem. Also, one problem may trigger a series of cascading codes which seem only slightly related. So there is some need for experience as will any tool.

** - That could be bad plug, bad plug wire, bad coil, faulty signal from the ECU or low fuel pressure at time of ignition.

The OBD II connector was standardized in 1996. All OBD II scanners should work on all cars built after that date.

you have a car problem, not a tool problem. any and every obd2 tool plugged into the connector should talk to the car. not having a wiring diagram, i'd check fuses and such for the connector. something's loose or wrong with it. good luck, chuck.

Yes I agree any OBDII scanner should comunicate with the car.you have a problem with the connector or wiring if it does not. See if the scanner even powers up. this will tell you if its a power problem at the connector

Stick your head under there with a good light and make sure the pins that are present (not all are populated) are straight and clean.

If they are, then use a multimeter to check for voltage with the key in the #2 position based upon this pinout: On-board diagnostics - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

If you don't have power, you know the problem. Look first to fuses, I'd inspect and test them all unless you can find a wiring diagram that tells you which is for the OBD-II port.

Good luck.