Can someone recommend a good brand that will stand behind its product and has good features? I read some info on an EASE brand scan tool. Seems to have plenty of features and not too expensive. Having never owned one, could use some input.

Thanks,
Mark

 

AK what are you planning to use the scan tool for? Whats your budget?


Both of these will help determine your best option...


Brandon

 

NGS works good, WDS works better.

you can also use a palm pilot

laptop

thats all i know

ngs is a little outdated, feels 1990

wds is $$$

 

I live 300 miles away from the nearest dealer, so besides using for my own curiosity, it would be practical if I ever get some codes thrown at me. Cost varies, from what I have see, by the capabilites of the scanner. Guess when I get some input, I will start comparing and pricing. So for right now, price is not a limiting factor.

Thanks,
Mark

 

NGS $1900
WDS $9000

 

Well I ment what are you wanting to do, swap PCMS, clear/read codes, troubleshoot, program keys ect.

If you want to do all of the above the NGS is the best/only tool your gonna find, except for the WDS.

If your just wanting to clear codes and troublshoot, for the same money you can get the snap on scanner and current software which will do tons of cars, not just fords, they are around 2500$.

As someone mentioned a complete NGS is arond 1900$, wds 9000+.
There a PC based program for a couple hundred bucks that has limited capability like the snap on scanner and works great. They have a customer edition, and a professional edition, i am sure someone will remember what it is and post it.

Brandon

 

If you only want to scan for code, Actron makes a hand scanner for alot less, but it only reads and clears code, nothing else.

If you are looking for something like the EASE code, another option is AutoTap.

It has a ODB2 connector that gets hooked up to the serial port on a computer, and you can track several items on graphs, and log the data for later play back and export to excel.

I went with the AutoTap software, after a recomend from I think it was Don's Bolt. I also think that soap or toast is using it ( cannot recall who for sure, or who else right now ).

Just another option, the AutTap software comes as a Ford only option, or the 123 version ( the one I got ) does all makes.

That is if you are looking at something on the lower end, as oposed to the NGS or WDS types.

 

If you just want to scan/clear codes and monitor OBDII info then just get either the EASE or Autotap w/ extended parameters.

I think there is about $60 difference b/n the two, EASE being more.

Do a search on both and you will find plenty of info.

 

Thanks for the input. Don't need the high end scanner, would rather get a built short block & new KB . The Ease website sure tells you more about their product. Think I will go with them.

Mark

 

If you do go with EASE, ask for Tom. Their salesman and tech people are all friendly and helpfull.

Once you get it, if you have any questions about how to use it, I can help out with some answers, email me : captainoblivious@hotmail.com

 

I wish I would have purchased the NGS. I currently have an AutoTap 123. For approx 1K more you have the ability to more.

 

Captainoblivious, thanks, I will probably take you up on that. Easterisland, what other features, specifically, were you looking for that the EASE did not have?

Mark

 

Easter

What will the 1k get you ?

I have the Autotap as well...

Doug

 

If he means for 1K more he could get a NGS, then that will get you the ability to work with all the modules in the vehicle, including the PCM, GEM, ABS, HEC, RCM, etc... You can also program your keys , do parameter resets if you swap processors etc. You can also do all the active commands and component tests within each module. For example, if your windshield washer were to quit spraying, you go into active commands under the gem module and command the washer pump to run. If it does, you have automatically ruled out the relay and pump and wiring. Then you can monitor the washer switches input to the gem while troubleshooting the switch circuit. I just dont think you can do that stuff with a autotap.

 

$9,000 for WDS. You guys are out of control. I take it that nobody on this board has one of these.

I have the Actron. Works GREAT for reading and clearing codes. Cost was between 150-200. Works on all ODB2 computers.