I need to scan my car mostly to find out why I have a rough idle because everything else checks out. I'm new to the area and don't know anyone to borrow a scanner which means buying one. Would it be cheaper to buy a scanner and what kind? I was waiting to get a laptop from work but that doesn't look like it's going to happen. Software can be downloaded for free from the internet I believe. I would just need to purchase the cable for like $100. Do the scanners provide you with all the data the software does? Or should I borrow a laptop, buy a cable and download the software. I won't be doing much more for mods so I really don't need to buy software to reprogram, just send it off to Bryan again.

 

Check out this thread

http://web.camaross.com/forums/showt...hlight=scanner

It has the most comprehensive list that I have seen. It sounds like for your needs the scanner would be just fine. I'm in the same boat, but I'll probably be looking to do more in the future, so I may buy a cheap laptop and play with that.

If anyone has a preference for any reason (ease of use, etc.) please let us know!

 

Look into a Scanmaster. That will run you about $250 and you can check all the sensors and pull DTC codes.

Both a laptop and a Scanmaster will give you the same data, except with a laptop you can log and save data. If you can pick up a cheap laptop for $100 - $200, I'd go that route. Otherwise a Scanmaster will work fine.

 

Is the data any easier to read with a laptop? Can you read as many parameteres at a time with the Scanmaster? The only reason I'd go with a scanner is b/c it's easy and quick to get ahold of. Is it worth waiting to find a laptop, wait for the cable, and download the software? Just looking for some opinions here.

 

The advantage of software scanners, over something like a ScanMaster is the ability to both display real time and log multiple sensors. A ScanMaster, or something like the AutoXray will only show one parameter at a time. You will be totally fumble-fingered trying to switch the display to simultaneously retrieve both the left and right BLM's and the corresponding Cell #. Take the data logger out for a nice cruise, make a couple of WOT passes, and you will have enough data, logged (roughly) simultaneously that you can start to see the cause and affect relationships that indicate problems.

Not to belittle the ScanMaster... I don't even run the engine off the stock PCM any more, but I still have my ScanMaster on the dash to show me the things it can still measure via the mostly unused PCM, and I also have full data logging capability built into my aftermarket computer. The best of both worlds.

If all you are looking at is a rough idle, you might be able to see enough data with a hand held hardware scanner to identify the problem. If you have odd things happening at 5,500rpm under WOT, you need a logging scanner.

 

I just thought I'd add that even if you are using scanning software, you should only look at so many values at once. The more values you monitor, the slower the transfer. I've found with the software I'm using, 3 values at once still allows pretty good good transfer without much lag.

 

My car drives great. I downloaded the freescan and noticed I was getting some knock retard. After adjusting my valves, I noticed that the backside of a couple of my rockers were "dished" and getting pounded. This was throwing off my timing.

I had no idea... special thanks to the software designer! I would never have known otherwise!

 

i am also looking at getting something along these lines. i already have a laptop. i am not too good with computers though. if i buy this cable, how many other things will i need to know? at this point in time i am clueless. but i would love to learn.