Scan tool

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John Bragg

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So I subscribed to all data diy to get this reduced engine power problem figured out. Of course with my luck my current scan tool isnt advanced enough. So I ask does anyone on here know of a good budget friendly scan tool that I can perform all the necessary tests and checks with? Any help is greatly appreciated, thank you in advance

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swathdiver

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Tech2 John. It'll pay for itself in no time. Prices start around $300 and you want software version 33.004. There are some bluetooth ODBII adapters that work with phone apps but they do not perform tests as far as I know and may or may not see Transmission, Transfer Case, Body and Chassis codes and information. These fellas know more about them: @randeez @kbuskill
 

kbuskill

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Tech2 John. It'll pay for itself in no time. Prices start around $300 and you want software version 33.004. There are some bluetooth ODBII adapters that work with phone apps but they do not perform tests as far as I know and may or may not see Transmission, Transfer Case, Body and Chassis codes and information. These fellas know more about them: @randeez @kbuskill

You can get the OBD2 dongle from many places online for pretty cheap. Some use Bluetooth some use WiFi and some will do both. Just search for ELM327. There are many apps available for Android phones that will work with these devices, I'm not sure about what is available for Apple since I don't use one. I use the Torque Pro app ($5) and it works pretty well.

As far as reading transmission and BCM codes I am not 100% sure. I know that it can read the transmissions temperature and what gear it is currently in so there must be some communication there BUT I have never had a code to read, thank God, other than a regular CEL.

These are more for scanning and monitoring not really for performing tests. The Tech2 is the way to go.
 

Matt_

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Check out the Autel MD805. Reads all modules (PCM,TCM,ABS,Airbag,Body, etc) and does system tests as well. Works on almost every vehicle, and is about $175.
 
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John Bragg

John Bragg

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The issue is reduced engine power has been happening for a year or better but now has gotten to rediculous levels almost can't drive anywhere even just down the street without it coming on assuming you can start it without it kicking on instantaneously. Sometimes even just key on engine off it will read on the info center. Throttle A and b circuit codes most common. I have replaced throttle body, maf sensor, and app sensor. Same issue remains I got advice on here to get alldatadiy subscription to troubleshoot so I did. I like problem is my scan tool just wasn't sophisticated enough. Thanks for the suggestions i appreciate it, I'm gonna look into them tonight and with any luck get this beast running at 100% again so I no longer have to worry about long distance trips.

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Doubeleive

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The issue is reduced engine power has been happening for a year or better but now has gotten to rediculous levels almost can't drive anywhere even just down the street without it coming on assuming you can start it without it kicking on instantaneously. Sometimes even just key on engine off it will read on the info center. Throttle A and b circuit codes most common. I have replaced throttle body, maf sensor, and app sensor. Same issue remains I got advice on here to get alldatadiy subscription to troubleshoot so I did. I like problem is my scan tool just wasn't sophisticated enough. Thanks for the suggestions i appreciate it, I'm gonna look into them tonight and with any luck get this beast running at 100% again so I no longer have to worry about long distance trips.

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I have read that this is also sometimes caused by the throttle position sensor (gas pedal sensor) or sometimes a short in the throttle body harness, just something to look into
 

CountryBoy19

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IMHO, tech2 and don't look back. My elm327 won't read commanded throttle position, only the actual throttle position... this is absolutely necessary when trouble shooting on the models with electronic throttle control... I'm still learning what the tech 2 is capable of and I'm glad I spent the money... if only it could do the repairs for me, haha... the other day my wife asked why the ac doesn't work in my car... I told her it hasn't worked in years, her reply, "is that why you bought that thing? So it would fix your ac?" Lol, nope, mine doesn't actually perform the repairs, if anyone finds one that does let me know!
 

Scottydoggs

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ive heard a bad wire or two at any one the tb pig tails can cause this, being it seems you went for new parts already.

on yt theres vids of guys tugging on the wires and they pull right off/out the plug, aka broken. look for any cracks or bare wire showing. if you see any of that you need a new pig tail for what ever your playing with.
 

novemberr

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Is tech2 a brand name or a device name? Can it read cars other than GM?
My backup car 2006 Hyundai Sonata just won't start. My friend's scan tool can't communicate with the car.
Thank you.
 
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