Porter/Crash/Aventone/GT-TJ/shop owners&techs

TreeClimber · Mar 14, 2007

I'm at the point where I'm considering buying an OBD1/OBD2 scan tool. The one I'm most leaning towards is a Actron CP9150.

What I'm hoping for is opinions on what scanners you pros are using. I realize, that a SnapOn scanner is beyond my budget. And a GM scantool isn't exactly consumer friendly. But that's all beyond my control, so if you can post up opinions, I'd appreciate it none the less.

Thanks & looking forwards to opinions.

Tony

JOOP · Mar 14, 2007

Get an AutoXray. Less than $500, does everything, but reprograming. Displays all the data, capture screen, view live, etc..

pbmcauliffe · Mar 14, 2007

I've got the AutoXray ezscan5000 (sounds like what Jon has), if you want to come by and see what it does your more than welcome to come by and hook it up to something.

PORTER · Mar 14, 2007

My shop has been using the Snap-On MT2500 for the last 9 years or so, and it has been a very useful tool. We have upgraded it many times, but will be replacing it in a few months for a more capable scan tool. One of my guys owns an OTC something or other that he bought off one of the tool trucks and it has worked pretty good, but doesnt have the troubleshooting section like the snap on has which is very useful if you are just getting into the diagnostic scene. Thats all I have ever used so I hope it helps. BTW you can pick up a used MT-2500 pretty setup off Ebay for around 8-1200 bones. The old red brick has made me lots of money over the years, but it is time to upgrade for the next 5-10yrs. If you would like to try it out just stop by.

JOOP · Mar 14, 2007

pbmcauliffe said:
I've got the AutoXray ezscan5000 (sounds like what Jon has), if you want to come by and see what it does your more than welcome to come by and hook it up to something.

yep's thats the one I have.

TreeClimber · Mar 14, 2007

Thanks for the posts. Hope the other owners and techs can add their comments also.

tech6023 · Mar 15, 2007

re

Ive used Snap-on, the older red one. Seemed easy to use but I think there expensive to update. Ive used an Otc with an intergrated 4gas which was nice, easy to use. The ones we use at my current job is a Tech-2 with a Honda program and also has a generic function, and Honda Hds which is windows bassed, I believe there both made by terydyne. I think gm used the tech-2 also. It think it all depends on how new of stuff ur gonna be worken on. I would look for a used snap on if I was looking to buy

Binder · Mar 15, 2007

Maybe I'm getting off topic here a bit but what can a scan tool do that you can't do with a laptop and a ALDL cable?

darius · Mar 16, 2007

Binder said:
Maybe I'm getting off topic here a bit but what can a scan tool do that you can't do with a laptop and a ALDL cable?

??? And why won't a desktop work???:corn:

JOOP · Mar 16, 2007

darius said:
??? And why won't a desktop work???:corn:

although I see your point, I have to face the objective view on this.

How are you going to read the data live with a desktop while driving? Laptop yes, desktop no. :flipoff:

Unless you carry a backpack battery converter or a very long extension coard. :haha:

Binder · Mar 16, 2007

You could run it off a inverter but not real practical.

Avanteone · Mar 18, 2007

I'm using the Snap-On MT2500. I'm /w Porter, it's made us a ton of money over the past 10-12 years. I'm actually on my third brick and numerous updates. Yes, it's expensive but when it's what you do for a living, you keep it current. We've recently looked at the BRAND NEW SnapOn unit, the Modis... but that was kinda out of our budget as well. We've got the most recent update in our MT2500 and just purchased the Vantage Pro (graphing multimeter and component tester) that has the rest of the troubleshooting info in it.

John

deerlick · Mar 18, 2007

at our shop we have a snap-on, an old mac otc that has been updated, and we have the new otc that all the tool trucks are tryin to pedal. all three work great the newest is my favorite.with your labtop to you just read data or can you command different systems to run tests, ect. we stepped up and got that new otc and imo it is the most user friendly, most options, scan all types of cars not only scanning them through obd2 but through there manufacturers settings also. But the for the cost of the otc you really need to have work lined up to use it on. sounds like the one crash has is a pretty good deal for what it can do and the price.

junkyard jim · Mar 19, 2007

I've been trying to find an MT2500 I can afford. I need an older one because they are the only ones that will scan the '87 to '91 Jeeps correctly.

Moneypit1 · Mar 19, 2007

junkyard jim said:
I've been trying to find an MT2500 I can afford. I need an older one because they are the only ones that will scan the '87 to '91 Jeeps correctly.

I'll let you know if I find two of them. 'Cause the first one's spoken for

.

Thanks for the comments, keep them coming if you haven't posted up and see this thread.

And overall, thanks for keeping on topic.

Hip · Feb 22, 2011

So i borrowed a cool scan tool the AX35000 which was refurbished and when you turn it on it says AX6000. (AutoXray)

Great tool. im looking into buying one and the biggest issue i have is want one that reaches back and does OBD I as well as OBD II, and the key is LIVE DATA on the OBDI.

so im finding a few out there:
AX6000 for around $550

is the only one that reaches back to 1988 OBD I for GM that i can find?

anyone else have one that does live data on the older GM OBD I as far back as 94?

zukkev · Feb 22, 2011

One thing to consider.....update support for the tried/true Snappy 'Brick' (MT2500) ended in Sep '09; Folks I know with the latest black cartidge updates for these (4th qtr '07 IIRC) have had issues with locking up---so I left mine alone at '06...the equivalent replacement tool is now the Solus---which I have to say I am not that fond of....seems to have all sorts of issues with locking up as well...I would look at the OTC Genesis (Mac Mentor is the same tool)...Have played quite a bit with it, and coupled with something like the V-Pro there hasn't been something I couldn't figure out.
That said, I have had a brick (updated thru '06) for well over 10 yrs, and a Vantage Pro for going on 3 yrs now...and Both have made me really happy...
If looking for a laptop-based diagnostic program.....without a doubt the best I have seen/played with short of OEM, is Autoenginuity...Best bang for buck, period...Check their site out, or go to aeswave.com and click the link from there....:awesomework: