PiratePast40

I've looked at several brands of scanners but not sure what I need, or what features are really useful. Specifically, I want to be able to clear codes as well as just read them.

For example, I just took my car to a shop because of a SRS light. The shop reset the code and it didn't come back so they said to keep an eye on it before actually taking things apart. Also, I just saw a thread that said not all readers can even read some codes like ESP.

So do all code readers have resets for all the functions or should I be looking for something specific, and what would that be?

Thanks in advance

jcnash

You need a OBD II CANBUS capable scanner. Theyre usually called OBDII CAN scanners on ebay.

Look for one which can power itself from the cars battery through the OBD cable when connected to the car and also has batteries so you can retrieve codes from its memory when not connected to the car.

You can get scanners that only display the code and you have to research the code description online, while others give you the code and the description.

Some scanners are capable of giving you real time engine temp, revs, # of cylinders engine and a whole bunch of other cool real-time info...fun to have but not necessary.

This is the one I picked up from the same seller - its excellent.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Professional-SUPE...ht_3689wt_1071

Glyn M Ruck

That's a great little scanner & the right price.

You either buy a $50 scanner that is OBDII/CAN compliant that reads & cancels codes & tells you what the code means so you don't have the pain of having to look the darn thing up. This is a pain

Or you spend max $250 for a more sophisticated unit like the Equus Innova 3130, 3140, 3150 or 3160. You can get large discounts on these things if you search. I personally use a 3130. The latest models now give you ABS but I'm not interested in that. ABS is not in the DIY domain IMHO so I would leave ABS to a pro shop.

After this you may as well buy the SDAS software & load it up on a laptop. Expensive!

W203E35

What you need for SDAS:
Chinese replica cables/multiplexer - $600.00
or Original cables and multiplexer $2,000.00 (1,250 British pounds)
Laptop with 80gb hard drive with xp - $200.00
SDAS Software - $100.00
SDAS Keygen with crack - $100.00
WIS/EPC - $80.00
WIS/EPC Keygen $60.00

Accidentally actuating airbags - Priceless


P.S. If you he the Chinese replica cables and multiplexer you can not update SDAS. It will look the serial up in the database and flag it. Then you have to pay $250.00 (the prices are in British pounds so i'm rough estimating price) and they can enable SDAS again.

PiratePast40

Does the one listed above clear SRS and ESP codes as well or is that something special? I'm now seeing units that say they are specific to hooking up or reading codes for Mercedes (mercedesmanuals.com). So do I need a special reader and cables for Mercedes or are they just trying to sell their own brand? Karo I'm not sure what you mean about SDAS. Should I look for something that also has SDAS in the description?

W203E35

SDAS is something that the dealer uses. You don't need SDAS. I was just trying to give a price breakdown of buying an SDAS.

SDAS is more complicated to use than the average OBDII CAN-BUS scanner.

Carsy

This is the scanner I bought a couple of weeks ago. Have not used it yet.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/EU702-Autel-S...item2eaa6000fe

Description:


EU 702, Engine, Transmission, Air bag, ABS Systems for the Major European vehicles

»Troubleshoots engine, ABS, transmission & airbag codes.
»Global OBD2/EOBD coverage (US, Asian & European).
»Powered by Uni-SCAN™ technology with no adapters to buy.
»Supports all nine test modes of the latest J1979 OBD2 test specs.
»Retrieves generic (P0, P2, P3, and U0) & manufacturer specific (P1, P3, and U1) codes.
»Displays DTC definitions onscreen.
»Views freeze frame data.
»Displays O2 sensor data as well as live datastream parameters.
»Data graphing – (1996 and newer).
»Reads, stores & playbacks live sensor data.
»Memory/battery backup for off-vehicle data review & analysis.
»Performs modules present test.
»Retrieves vehicle information (VIN, CID & CVN).
»Supports all current OBD2 protocols, including CAN (Controller Area Network).
»Extremely easy to use & highly reliable.
»Trilingual support—English, Spanish, French, German & Dutch.
»Software upgradeable via internet.
»Built-in OBD2 DTC lookup library.
»Prints data via PC.



Vehicle coverage





»OBDII compliant European Brand vehicles sold worldwide including CAN-BUS.
»VW 1990-2006
»Audi 1990-2006
»BMW 1993-2006
»Mini 1993-2006
»Mercedes Benz 1995-2006
»Volvo 1996-2005
»Opel 1998-2006




Prints data via your PC!




The MaxiDiag EU702 is an innovative multi-functional scan tool designed for technicians to troubleshoot engine, transmission, ABS & airbag systems for major European vehicles. Reliable, easy-to-use & affordable, the MaxiDiag EU702 is a time saver & a money maker!

Glyn M Ruck

Huh! so you took the leap - that's a nice scanner!

Love the way they state "Trilingual support" & then list 5 languages

PiratePast40

I think I'm starting to get a handle on it now. SDAS sounds like it mght be the Mercedes STAR system that I've heard about on other threads.

After reading about several different readers, I'm still a little confused about ESP, airbags and CANBUS. Will all CANBUS readers read SRS and ESP codes as well or do you need to look for that feature specifically?