Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced scan tool that not only reads and erases trouble codes, but will also display infomation such as coolant temp, trans temp,etc. Thanks.

Bob

 

I spent alot of time researching this same topic and it came down to 2 for me. The Actron or Equus. I purchased the Equus because you can get downloadable updates and it will give you everything you are asking for. Mine paid for itself in a few months. I do quite a bit of work on the family vehicles so I had to have one. The Equus is very easy to use and their website is excellent.

Thier website: http://www.iequus.com/product_info.php?product_id=3100

This is the company I bought it from, surprisingly the same price. I searched alot of websites and found that Auto Barn was the best price.

http://www.autobarn.net/equus-3130-obd-scan-tool.html

I looked at the equivalent one from Actron at Advahtage Auto Parts and found that I made the right choice buying the Equus.

Good luck with your purchase.

TJKinCNY

 

THANKS

I'll check into that. Do all scan tools have the same capabilities as far as the coolant temp, etc, etc.?

 

No.

The most basic units are "code readers". That's about all they can do and usually sell for well under $100.

Scan tools come in varying levels of capability. For your stated needs, you should lokk for the following keywords: "supports manufacturer specific codes", "live data" or "PIDs", and "CAN capable".

Plan on close to $300 for this level of capability.

You can also get one of the laptop-based packages that do all this, usually for less.

For around $600, you can pick up an OTC Nemesis that can read your auxiliary systems including SRS, ABS, and the like.

Steve

 

TRIP COMPUTER
Automatically tracks four sets of trip data - Each with 11 individually stored parameters.

* Maximum Speed
* Average Speed
* Maximum Coolant Temperature
* Maximum RPM
* Driving Time
* Driving Distance
* Fuel Used
* Trip Fuel Economy
* Distance to Empty
* Time to Empty
* Fuel to Empty


DIGITAL GAUGES
Display 4 gauges at a time from the 12 built-in digital gauges. the information is presented in Real-time!

* Fuel Economy
* Fuel Rate
* Battery Voltage
* Coolant Temperature
* Intake Air Temperature
* Engine Speed (RPM)
* Vehicle speed (MPH)
* Manifold Pressure (not available on some vehicles)
* Engine Load
* Throttle Position
* Ignition Timing
* Open/Closed Loop


SCAN TOOL
The ScanGaugeII allows you to troubleshoot your own car, read error codes, and the conditions present when the error occurred. You can also turn off the “Check Engine” light and avoid those costly trips to the mechanic.

* Reads Trouble Codes
* Reads conditions that set the Trouble Code
* Clears Trouble Codes
* Turns off the "Check Engine" light
* Tells you when vehicle is "Ready" to pass OBDII testing
* Make and store up to 10 rewritable special codes
to send to the vehicle computer

 

This is a pretty sweet setup and you can set it up on multiple vehicles. I am going to do some further reading on this device and maybe purchase one.
Excellent info Fifty150. Glad you posted it. I can see some real advantages to hooking this up to my truck and my wife's Yota.

Do you have one for your truck, and if you do, any info or comments on the unit.

Thanks,
TJKinCNY

 

It works great.