Red97LT1

Thinking about buying an OBD II scan tool,but there are som many that I want to get some opinions on what you may have. Autozone has one for 149.99 actron CP9135 ( cheaper on ebay) that tells the code and will scroll the explanation below the code,that's kind of neat.Has anyone used that one??? I am also looking at Auto X-Ray,but i really can't find any pics,diagrams as to what the display will actually show. Anyone used either model of the auto x-ray???Thanks

Kataklysm

May as well spend twice as much and get the scan tool instead of just the code reader. I think theres a cheaper one that just gives code numbers. I have the actron scan tool and its pretty decent.

Boosted_Z28

If you have access to a laptop, I would suggest an Autotap setup for OBDII cars. They make a great product and their customer service is good as well. It will allow you to read all DCTs and will display realtime pcm values so you can monitor engine performance/operation while the vehicle is idling or as it is being driven. In addition to that you can also record the engine parameters over a given amount of time for diagnostic and/or performance purposes.

http://www.autotap.com/

Check out their website

texas_z28_guy30

If you decide to go with the Actron one make sure you get at least the model
CP9145. While cheaper, the 9135 only reads the codes. With the 9145 you can trap live engine and sensor data. Pepboys has the 9145 on sale for $199 right now.

Red97LT1

I wasn't aware that that one could do live engine and sensor data.

Injuneer

If all you want is a code reader, Harbor Freight sells one for $50. Link in writeup a bottom.

Software like AutoTap would provide a much more useful scan tool, allowing you to read vritually any sensor or PCM parameter real time, and log all the data over an extended operating period.

The links in this writeup are a little out of date, but it might help you understand what is out there:

http://members.aol.com/FWForsythePE/HowTo/Scanner.htm

Red97LT1

I checked their product previously,but all my pcs are desktops so that would be out of the question.It does look like a very good product.

Red97LT1

Think that the Actron Cp9145 will be my best option. It has live sensor data along with freeze frame and some other stuff.It even is upgradeable to the CAN protocol that will be mandatory in 2008. I can get it for 189.99 shipped,so that's not a bad price i think. The auto xray has a smaller screen than the actron or i would be really considering one of theirs. Here's the link
http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16150 Let me know what you guys think.

texas_z28_guy30

Red, when you're done using it, ship it down here to Texas so I can borrow it for my '97 Z!

seriously, I have been thinking about getting the 9145 as well. For under $200, it seems as if it would be very useful.

Red97LT1

The more i read about the thing the more i like it. As i mentioned earlier, i was considering Auto Xray,but there screen is so small compared to the Actron. I believe that it would ok for me to do what i want to do,eventhough there seems to be alot of pc programs out there. I just can't see buying a laptop,just so i can use that kind of program. I'll let you know how it does when i get one,unless you get one first,then maybe you can send yours to NC,so i can use it.