I need a scanner, I have a spare laptop( 6 months old). Can I buy a cable and some software- instead of a complete handheld scanner? I dont need the ability to do any tuning at the moment. This will be for fords, mainly.

10/24/2010 9:38:19 PM

There should be several options, though I have a stand alone and like it a lot. (Innova, it was around $300 if I remember correctly but does logging/scanning, real time read outs, etc).

I'd like more of them to come out that would work w/an iPhone to be honest... Anyway, if you don't want a standalone unit, good luck in your search.

10/25/2010 12:50:39 AM

if all you want to do is read and clear codes, just get a $20-$30 scanner from autozone. It will give you the code number (Pxxxx) that you can google. That's all you really need for most DIY jobs which usually involve o2 sensor codes, misfire codes, cam position sensor codes, just basic stuff.

Or are you trying to actually do live data acquisition?

10/25/2010 1:11:33 AM

Iphone interfaces exist:

http://www.innovatemotorsports.com/products/ot2.php

10/25/2010 1:12:16 AM

The $30 ebay usb elm327 clones work fine. The problem is the good software(to do data logging, etc) is expensive. Scantool.net is trash and the latest versions don't work with clones, but you can find an old version if you just want to pull codes. PCMscan is good.

[Edited on October 25, 2010 at 1:46 AM. Reason : harbor freight puts the handheld scanners on sale frequently]

10/25/2010 1:46:29 AM

Here's something worth noting...this is a friend's company right here in the Triangle.
http://www.mh-motorsports.com/eml327btV2.htm

10/25/2010 9:14:54 AM

^cool

lemme hijack really quick -> where's the best place to go to get your computer updated (new tire size). price?

10/25/2010 9:39:16 AM

I use the PLX Kiwi odb2 wifi device along with Rev for the iPhone. Works amazingly well

10/25/2010 12:31:50 PM

thank you all for the input. I need to get deeper than the code#/clear it type scanners. A guy at a fleet shop let me use one that was the size of a laptop and had a large touchscreen, it was badass. It was also $1500. I am trying to lowbuck into that type of information gathering.

10/25/2010 9:52:20 PM

I bet you can find a used Innova for under $200. It has all code definitions across manufacturers, and will do data logging, live data output, etc. very versatile and rather fast. I originally got it as a part of a track tool kit back in my BMW M3 days where a misfire code would make the car undrivable at past ~20%, not fun if you're 600+ miles from home and have another 2 days of track paid for.

OK, anyway you're welcome to check mine out if you're in the Raleigh/Cary area.

10/25/2010 10:26:20 PM

Thank you for the offer but I am down near wilmington all the time now. I will look for the scanner you have recommended.

10/27/2010 7:57:19 PM

No problem, I'd look for one used/read reviews, it may not be the best fit for your purposes, it is certainly a step above the sub $100 "code only" scanners though, that's for sure.

10/27/2010 9:14:42 PM