Looking for a cheap code scanner ...

3906 Views 16 Replies 6 Participants Last post by sk7, Jun 30, 2009

pcguy760

Discussion Starter · Jun 19, 2009

Hi does anyone know which is a cheap / reasonable code scanner for checking all types of DTCs on my 02 Escalade?

Do all of them check for bad sensors (ie. stability system sensors etc?)

I was considering one of those USB ebay ones that plug into your laptop - would that work out? Dealer wants $90 to check the codes and I would rather buy a scanner if I can find one for around that price since I will always have it to scan!

1 - 17 of 17 Posts

luxurylife33

· #2 · Jun 20, 2009

i bought a scanner off ebay about 2 years ago for $40 .... brand new.... still works

also autozone rents them out for free.... you leave a deposit of whatever the scanner is worth and they reimburse you 100% after you return it

pcguy760

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jun 20, 2009

I might just rent it then BUT do those scanners show codes for ABS problems etc?

jordan00escalade

· #4 · Jun 20, 2009

PC.. I had a Hypertech Power Programmer III on my 2000 Escalade. It read the codes and gave me numbers for the problems, when my service light came on. I was able to clear them as well. I was able to make adjustments with the shift firmness, tires sizes, fuel grade, and such. You can probably find one for 100-200 dollars. I'd use craigslist, for the simple reason being you can test it before you purchase it (have to disconnect your onstar thought). If they sell you a bad apple on EBAY too much time wasted with shipping and shipping fees. Just my 02

Playdrv4me

· #5 · Jun 20, 2009

Your average code scanner will *NOT* read codes for NON OBD-II system functions. Most basic code scanners will only read codes for the emissions system (check engine light). When I had my 2003 Escalade I had Stability Warnings and Autozone could NOT read those codes with the Scantool they had.

pcguy760

Discussion Starter · #6 · Jun 21, 2009

Well after alot of research I discovered this and you are correct, to scan the codes for ABS / Brake or Drivetrain issues there are some scanners that do it but cost big $$.

jordan00escalade

· #7 · Jun 21, 2009

If I get a scanner I would like it to support those features.. What are the big $$$ ones that support ABS/ Drivetrain codes for the 6.0 liter Escalades? I would rather spend the extra $$$ in advance than not, and wish I did later.

pcguy760

Discussion Starter · #8 · Jun 21, 2009

After several hours of web researching, I came up with the Innova 3150 which is basically identical to the 3160 but like $50 cheaper. From what I read this thing scans and clears basically everything OBDII (like our vehicles) - Engine Codes, Drivetrain, ABS, Brakes!

I think I am gonna end up getting this one for one, the price is ALOT cheaper than others in its category and it can be updated via your PC plus you can hook it up to your PC and get a print out of all your codes with details! Sorry to sound like a salesperson lol but I have used Equus / Innova products before and never had a problem. BTW, you can find it on Ebay for $165 or so. Waay better than paying $160 for just an ABS Scanner alone or even paying the dealership $100 to scan each time.

Here is a pic of it...

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ddrake3

· #9 · Jun 21, 2009

You can go to Autozone...they'll do a code scan for free...

jordan00escalade

· #10 · Jun 21, 2009

I'm going to look into that.. i want my own scanner.

Playdrv4me

· #11 · Jun 21, 2009

ddrake3 said:
You can go to Autozone...they'll do a code scan for free...

Did you not read the post above at all??? Autozone CAN'T READ advanced system codes with the basic scanner they keep behind the counter. Just OBD-II. Been there and done that.

pcguy760

Discussion Starter · #12 · Jun 22, 2009

Playdrv4me said:
Did you not read the post above at all??? Autozone CAN'T READ advanced system codes with the basic scanner they keep behind the counter. Just OBD-II. Been there and done that.

LOL, yep and they will then try to sell you their "ABS Scanner" which sells for $199 + Tax. :cool2: Personally, I think the 3150 can't be beat for the price - its all in one!

Jordan, I have decided to get it too - I will let you guys know how it peforms when I get it perhaps in this very same thread :thumbsup: I am sure NOT paying the dealer $100 for a one time scan and heck I dunno if they charge more to clear the codes...hmmm.

Playdrv4me

· #13 · Jun 22, 2009

pcguy760 said:
LOL, yep and they will then try to sell you their "ABS Scanner" which sells for $199 + Tax. :cool2: Personally, I think the 3150 can't be beat for the price - its all in one!

Jordan, I have decided to get it too - I will let you guys know how it peforms when I get it perhaps in this very same thread :thumbsup: I am sure NOT paying the dealer $100 for a one time scan and heck I dunno if they charge more to clear the codes...hmmm.

Definitely interested to hear how it turns out! :thumbsup:

sk7

· #14 · Jun 26, 2009

Update? Also looking for a scanner to clear the dreaded service stability system message. My Proscan software on my laptop will only take care of engine codes. Thanxs.

pcguy760

Discussion Starter · #15 · Jun 26, 2009

Definately! I am still waiting on it to be delivered and I will keep you guys posted right away once it arrives

pcguy760

Discussion Starter · #16 · Jun 27, 2009

Well it came today and so far I am happy with the scanner but not happy with the errors it gave me lol. It works great and basically displayed every ABS code I had. I was surprised that the PCM / ECU remembered all the old codes from previous problems.

Anyways, it displayed everything and for codes that it could give me a description - all I had to do was go to their site or use the included software CD and it would tell me what it was. The nice thing about this unit is that it hooks up to your PC after you scan the codes, etc. and then the software can make a print out or display each one and what it means! Yay, but the bad thing is that the connector for the PC uses a COM port 9 pin connector which MOST PC's do not come with so you will have to buy a Serial Port to USB adapter, etc.

Still not bad for the price even with that and I like it. BTW, it does not have a backlight like the 3160 but that costs like $60 more besides the dome light inside is bright enough to see the screen anyways...

Well, personally I would recommend it to anyone I know

- $160 you will not find a better deal I think.

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sk7

· #17 · Jun 30, 2009

Thanxs for the review! I'll keep my eye open for one on fleabay.

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