Scan tool

[Bigbertha78]

Just a quick question for which scan tool is the best for a DIY mechanic at a reasonable price? Thanks

 

[Tonyrodz]

I'd hit Harbor Freight .They usually have decent backyard mechanic tools at good prices. I picked up a cheapo scan tool online for $22. Allows me to erase codes too .I don't think all of them has that feature .

 

[YukonXL04]

Torque app and Bluetooth obd reader. 20-25 bucks and works off your phone. Way better than a cheap scan tool

 

[Matt_]

I you want to do more than PCM DTC's, check out the Autel MD802. It handles engine/trans/ABS/Airbag and more. If you shop around, it can be had for under $150 when there's a sale or coupon on some sites.

 

[iamdub]

I bought the MD802 back in April. Great device! Got it off eBay for $205/shipped. I never saw it new for anywhere near $150, but I also wanted to get it from an authorized distributor which seemed to cost a little more. I verified the seller and registered it with Autel as soon as I received it. I've had a few of the cheaper readers and used many. For the ease of use and being able to read any system on anything I own, it's an extremely worthy investment. You can buy a $20 reader then upgrade to a $50 one when you realize the cheaper one doesn't do what you need. Then, upgrade to a $100 one after that for the same reasons. Or, spend the money at once and be set. Being able to access so much info rather than just read and clear a code has already saved my neighbors and I repair costs at a shop. You can't beat having freeze frames!

 

[Matt_]

There's a few different levels of the MD802. Right now the 4 system is $182 shipped on Amazon. My coworker purchased one at that price a few weeks ago with a 20% coupon code (so $145) from an authorized site (cant remember which one, he was tracking the price for quite some time across different sellers and pulled the trigger when the discount applied)

I borrowed it to compare to my 10+ year old scanner.... needless to say I will also be purchasing it when it pops up for $145 again lol

 

[iamdub]

Ah. That explains it. Well, now I gotta see what I actually have and if I'm missing anything! I know it does OBD, ABS, SRS and TCM and all 10 test modes.

 

[David Paul]

Just ordered an 802 full system for $190 on Amazon. Looking forward to it.