Suggestions for a Decent ODB2 Unit?

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Marc Marc

Member
Joined
Sep 2, 2010
Posts
82
Reaction score
44
Looking to get an ODB2 for my 2013 Yukon Denali Hybrid (that now has 200K miles on it; original owner). I travel with it a lot, so would like to have something that basically let's me know what codes I am throwing, and possibly clearing the codes after simple fixes. I don't do major repairs myself. Any suggestions would be timely as I am sure prices would be competitive now. Thanks for any advice!
 

Jason in DLH

Cheeseburger and Fries
Joined
Sep 4, 2020
Posts
1,400
Reaction score
1,562
Location
MN
I initially started with a BlueDriver, but unfortunately came to realize it won’t read SRS codes for my Yukon which I was having, so opted for a Innova 5510. I’m happy with both. I keep the BlueDriver in the daily driver and keep the Innova at home. I’ve heard lots of people mention a Tech 2. If I remember correctly you need Microsoft Windows or a laptop or something like that for that to work.

How much you looking to spend? BlueDriver was $100 and Innova $250.
 
OP
OP
M

Marc Marc

Member
Joined
Sep 2, 2010
Posts
82
Reaction score
44
I can afford a good one, if the features justify the price for a vehicle that has unknown life remaining. I need help figuring out the benefits vs. cost.
 

George B

¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Joined
Feb 5, 2020
Posts
7,769
Reaction score
18,599
Location
Oconomowoc, Wisconsin 53066
I initially started with a BlueDriver, but unfortunately came to realize it won’t read SRS codes for my Yukon which I was having, so opted for a Innova 5510. I’m happy with both. I keep the BlueDriver in the daily driver and keep the Innova at home. I’ve heard lots of people mention a Tech 2. If I remember correctly you need Microsoft Windows or a laptop or something like that for that to work.

How much you looking to spend? BlueDriver was $100 and Innova $250.
The laptop is not required for diagnostics with the tech2 but is required if you want to program modules.
 

Danny3737

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 3, 2016
Posts
1,382
Reaction score
2,044
Tech 2 seems to be the way to go. I use a Pro Launch 90 and it’s worked very well for all my cars and a few neighbors
 

Dantheman1540

Full Access Member
Joined
Feb 13, 2020
Posts
4,856
Reaction score
10,502
Location
Sugar Loaf Mountain
I use an ultra gauge 2, its cheap small and very handy to check and clear codes. Not much beyond that but for the price its hard to complain.
 

Joseph Garcia

Supporting Member
Joined
Aug 2, 2018
Posts
7,346
Reaction score
9,930
Tech 2 is the way to go. You can get a fully functional knock-off Tech 2 for about $350, sometimes less. Then with a $40 per year subscription to ACDelco TDS, you can program modules to the latest GM software updates, and for most applications, you won't need to use a separate computer. I recently needed to replace my BCM, due to a hardware failure, and using the Tech 2 and ACDelco TDS, the job went smoothly.
 

Doubeleive

Wes
Supporting Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2017
Posts
26,211
Reaction score
39,281
Location
Stockton, Ca.
tech2 chinacardiags sells them, it's a chinese ran website but they are legit and have good customer service, or you can find them on Ebay also I can't recommend any other website.
 

Just Fishing

Can't fix stupid
Joined
Aug 30, 2020
Posts
3,926
Reaction score
8,503
Location
Utah
Small learning curve for the tech2, just an fyi.

If your just looking to read codes, there are other more basic options out there.

I forget the brand of my scan tool, but it's excellent.
(If i had shoes on i would go into the garage and grab it lol)

Main thing is to ensure it reads ABS and SRS.
I bought mine after AutoZone, Napa, etc. were unable to read an ABS code for me.

It also does the state Emission check, Handy to be sure i have everything in the "Ready" status before i go in for inspection... :)


That said, i have the Tech2 clone, and i love it.
Reads everything.
You can even do silly things like fold one mirror at a time manually while watching modules for errors. :cheers:
 

Forum statistics

Threads
132,323
Posts
1,866,002
Members
96,919
Latest member
steezy5oh
Top