Scan Tool/Check Engine Light?

[zpbitt]

My service engine soon light is on. I'll refrain from mentioning how long it has been on to keep any jaws from hitting the floor. The good news is I've decided to investigate/remedy the issue and this decision has brought me to consider buying a scan tool. So I'm looking for input as if I should and suggestions on which I should go with if so.

I've heard that the chain parts stores will scan for free (not sure how valid this info is). I also seem to recall years ago that my local wheel and tire shop offered to do a scan for $90 (they ended up doing this for free as the mechanic apparently couldn't remember if the light was on prior to service). From my limited research I've found tools ranging from $50 to $250+. Just wanted to know how useful this tool would be and what features are "essential" and which are the bells and whistles.

*Disclaimer: This post is being made with expectations of comments related to poor forum seach skills on my behalf. I did find some info here, but nothing that placed a value on having a scan tool (maybe it's a no-brainer), or served as comparison of one vs. another.

Thanks in advance.

[DirtyBacon04]

You'll find that most everyone here will recommend the ScanGuageII. ~$150 at autozone/advance/o'riely/kragen/etc. Allows you to watch stats that arent on your guage cluster, for me especially xmsn temp. Also shows codes and clears if needed. Allows lots of diagnostic possibilities. Also does the whole 'X miles till Empty, X gallons per hour, fuel economy, etc. Very worth while investment.

[dvanbramer88]

The company that makes ScanGuageII makes a different model called UltraGauge that is only 65 dollars. It basically does all the same things as scangaugeII with a few minor differences. I bought scan gauge software for my laptop that came with a OBDII USB cable. I paid like $37 for the bundle. Look up Elm Scan.


If you have an Andriod phone you can get Torque Pro app for a few dollars and a bluetooth OBDII adapter off ebay for $15.

[navigator]

+1 for ScanGauge II
My biggest reason for purchase was for the transmission temp which the ultragauge doesn't support.
I was exploring getting an Android tablet with the ELM module etc but to get one capable with Bluetooth was a good bit more than the ScanGauge II

http://www.ultra-gauge.com/ultragauge/TEN/gauges.htm

[Grimor]

If you have a smart phone
http://dx.com/p/elm327-obdii-bluetooth- ... lue-183801

then a program like torque or other free apps work.

[The Roadie]

*Disclaimer: This post is being made with expectations of comments related to poor forum seach skills on my behalf. I did find some info here, but nothing that placed a value on having a scan tool (maybe it's a no-brainer), or served as comparison of one vs. another.

I see you're getting good advice, but your post reminds me of something to add to my own trail guide checklist: The leader of a trail ride should ask each participant if they have a CEL lit up, and then use his own scan tool to find out the reason if the participant doesn't already have a good understanding of the problem and whether it puts them at risk while offroad. Trucks with unresolved CEL issues should not be offroaded.

[Trail X]

** unless it is the phantom misfire.

[navigator]

** or a fuel gauge sender

[zpbitt]

The company that makes ScanGuageII makes a different model called UltraGauge that is only 65 dollars. It basically does all the same things as scangaugeII with a few minor differences. I bought scan gauge software for my laptop that came with a OBDII USB cable. I paid like $37 for the bundle. Look up Elm Scan.

Found the Elm Scan bundle on Amazon for $24. I think I'm leaning in that direction as the price is appealing and it meets my needs of "it'd be cool/useful to have this".

+1 for ScanGauge II
My biggest reason for purchase was for the transmission temp which the ultragauge doesn't support.
I was exploring getting an Android tablet with the ELM module etc but to get one capable with Bluetooth was a good bit more than the ScanGauge II

I'm planning on installing a trans cooler, maybe even before I bother with the lift, and I don't see much towing in my future. Given this, should trans temp be much of a concern for me? If so then I'll likely change my lean and spend the extra on the ScanGauge II.

[djthumper]

I'm planning on installing a trans cooler, maybe even before I bother with the lift, and I don't see much towing in my future. Given this, should trans temp be much of a concern for me? If so then I'll likely change my lean and spend the extra on the ScanGauge II.

A lot of that depends on your vehicle and temperatures around your location. I do quite a bit of towing and don't have too much of a problem right now. During the summer I notice a bit of an increase while towing.

[zpbitt]

I see you're getting good advice, but your post reminds me of something to add to my own trail guide checklist: [b]The leader of a trail ride should ask each participant if they have a CEL lit up, and then use his own scan tool to find out the reason if the participant doesn't already have a good understanding of the problem and whether it puts them at risk while offroad. Trucks with unresolved CEL issues should not be offroaded.

From what I've been able to gather your checklist(s) would contain a cornucopia of information. Any chance you could share? If not I'm sure I can just use your build thread for a good idea.


After more thought, and a bourbon and coke, I decided to go with the Elm Scan 5 bundle from Amazon. For $25 I figured the worse case scenario would be an inexpensive mistake. Gotta say I love my Amazon Prime membership (free 2-day shipping), so I'll have it Saturday giving me time to tinker. Think I might also pick up a couple cans of plasti dip and having some fun.

Thanks again for all the input. I know what my next purchase will be if I outgrow the Elm Scan.

[navigator]

What app are you going to use and what type of device to communicate with the ELM?

[dvanbramer88]

What app are you going to use and what type of device to communicate with the ELM?

The elm scan bundle includes software for your laptop and a USB OBDII cable.

[dvanbramer88]

Trucks with unresolved CEL issues should not be offroaded.

I ran TECORE with a CEL. My CEL has been on for very long periods of time. I've been battling lean codes caused by vacuum leaks and exhaust leaks for quite some time.

[navigator]

What app are you going to use and what type of device to communicate with the ELM?

The elm scan bundle includes software for your laptop and a USB OBDII cable.

ok, the one I bought came with a disc but is only bluetooth capable.

[plaen]

I'm planning on installing a trans cooler, maybe even before I bother with the lift, and I don't see much towing in my future. Given this, should trans temp be much of a concern for me? If so then I'll likely change my lean and spend the extra on the ScanGauge II.

FWIW, I run the pro version of Torque($4.99) on android with a cheapy ELM327 adapter($12), and it has presets to add in GM sensors, like transmission temp, I've never had any problems with it scanning for codes, listing them, and a small description of what it could mean, and then when fixed, cleared.

[zpbitt]

FWIW, I run the pro version of Torque($4.99) on android with a cheapy ELM327 adapter($12), and it has presets to add in GM sensors, like transmission temp, I've never had any problems with it scanning for codes, listing them, and a small description of what it could mean, and then when fixed, cleared.

I searched Apple's AppStore briefly and wasn't able to find this app. Might put a little more effort into finding something for my phone and going this route just so I have something more portable than using my laptop with the Elm Scan.

Anyone know if Torque is available for iPhone or know of a good substitute? Elm Scan should be a good fit for now with a decent balance of function and affordability. I don't see me pushing things hard enough that I need constant monitoring the ScanGuage II would allow me or it being the game changer between me making it out of the woods or not.

[navigator]

I think Torque is for Android phones only.

[Conner299]

Ditch the iPhone... Get an android. If I remember correctly, Torque can be run on Apple products, but only if the device has had a jail-break performed. I had an iPod touch that was used only for music, after I got my android.

[TBYODA]

There a app for the iPhone just need a different unit a Elm 327 wifi.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/engine- ... 57194?mt=8