"Service Engine Soon" light came on in my 06MCS this morning... stopped by Autozone and their scan yeilded a fault with the #1 O2 sensor... have spoke with the Dealership and made an appointment to get car in (still under warranty afterall)... but now I really would like to have an OBD scanner... one that shows the code descriptions... and has the capabilities to update (via internet)... and the ability to print...

and one that hopefully is in the $150 range...

Any and all feedback will be much apreciated...

 

scangaugeII

 

http://www.scangauge.com/

LB

 

The scangauge doesn't show descriptions like you requested. Only the code number.

 

what about this: http://new.minimania.com/web/Item/NM.../InvDetail.cfm

 

I have the ScanGauge II, but what about the DashDyno?

http://www.dashdyno.net/

 

Here's a nice and simple code reader.

http://www.peakeresearch.com/emx.htm

Jeremy

 

Hard to beat an Actron:

http://www.actron.com/

They range from cheap and easy all the way up to WOW!

I have used them for years.

 

Got one of these and it works very well.

http://www.amazon.com/Equus-3130-Dia...9839978&sr=8-1

It also comes with a great manual and software to help decipher the codes that are thrown.

 

sears automotive online has decent ones . mine gives descriptions and freeze frames certain info at the time the code was thrown .

 

Do they also check other warning lights. My ABS, Flat-tire and Traction control light come every time I hit a bump and then stay on until I turn the car off.
Also, I have an OBD II for my 2000 Pontiac will it work

 

sears? don't know i suppose if it tosses a code ...

 

Why not just go to your local Auto parts store, a number of chain stores have the for free loan. You pay for the scanner with a credit card and have 60 days to return it for a full refund. Check your Sunday paper, you may find an AD with just such an offer.
No need to buy one.

 

Because it isn't the right thing to do. You open the product and use it then the dealer has to sell it as an open item at a loss. In a way, you are stealing from the vendor. Best just to borrow one from an auto place or buy one. They are not that expensive anymore.

 

Yes, it will work on both cars (should on the 2000....) However, it does not check lights. These units only check codes in the ECU, not other on-board computers. So, your other problem will have to be troubleshot.

 

I have a ScanGaugeII and it's been worth every penny I paid for it. The peace of mind is priceless when a code comes up, you know why (coz you modified that part last month...) and you clear it.
Also the real time display of 4 measures of your car's performance is valuable, or at least entertaining.
Don't steal from retailers, don't be cheap and borrow someone else's. Go and buy one.

 

I have one too, but might change it for a DashDyno, which also can be used as datalogger and realtime dyno. Plus, you can hook up a wideband controller to the analog imput and have the AFR shown on the display with the other things, saves you another gauge.

 

ScangaugeII FTW! I have one and just like the Doc above said its worth every single penny.

 

My SES light has come on the last few times I have driven my car off of the hill my parents live on. First time I reset it with the battery-hold down on brakes trick. It reset...until I drove down the hill again. Second time I took it to AutoZone, and he read the scan...showed up as the #1 O2 sensor also. They told me to replace my plugs and wires as well as the sensor. Told my handy dandy mechanic, after freaking out that the sensor alone was going to run me 199.99, and my car only has around 57,000 miles on it (yes I am way out of warranty just from age). He just told me to run the highest octane fuel (which is 93 around here-been running slightly less than that-cause I have to drive 30 miles for the 93 octane-so dont bust me out on it ;-). Anyway, no more SES light! The blasted light has not come back on yet, even after driving up and down the hill several times.
Try that if you havent all ready, maybe it will save you a trip to the dealership. (Or just go for a free o2 sensor...)
Oh, yeah and you can buy a really nice OBD2 scanner on eBay for hardly anything, just buy from a reputable seller!