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Bullseye · 05-19-2009, 01:14 PM

The evil CEL just popped on in my 99 Viggen. Is there a generic scan tool at Pep Boys or autozone that works well?

VWSAABVT · 05-19-2009, 01:15 PM

Yeah, all obd11 readers will work, but the best ones are the ones at the store you can use for free

Bullseye · 05-19-2009, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VWSAABVT

Yeah, all obd11 readers will work, but the best ones are the ones at the store you can use for free

Yes, I know anything free is good. As a tool junkie, I'd like to purchase one. Something that works well and is reasonably priced.

rafal · 05-19-2009, 01:28 PM

There is nothing better than get a compliment on a car from the autozone employee. Go and ask them to check your CEL.

The advance auto parts store already hates me for that. Once I made a guy walk out when it was like 25 degrees outside

g96nt · 05-19-2009, 01:30 PM

Hop on ebay, and search for "dsm 2g datalogger"
if you find any that come with a palm, it's your best bet.

(I have one)

nowhereman · 05-19-2009, 01:43 PM

get a tech II

yeah they are expensive but really? with that you can then charge for services and do pretty much anything related to the computer programming etc... lights, alarms, locks, etc...

g96nt · 05-19-2009, 01:52 PM

dude.... tech II's are like $2000

palms are like $100

http://www.qcontinuum.org/obdgauge/

Red DIC · 05-19-2009, 01:53 PM

If you're into scan tools, I did NOT have good luck with http://www.myscantool.com/ scanner and their software. My computer would not recognize the port, and their support was awful.

Bullseye · 05-19-2009, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by g96nt

dude.... tech II's are like $2000

palms are like $100

2K is a little steep. And charging folks for help just isn't my style. Besides that, I'd have to use it quite a bit to get back my investment.

nowhereman · 05-19-2009, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bullseye

2K is a little steep. And charging folks for help just isn't my style. Besides that, I'd have to use it quite a bit to get back my investment.

yeah they aren't cheap. i wasn't really serious.. i have seen them on ebay and such for about $1000.
i wish i had the money to pick one up... just so much they can do...

i have heard to stay away from the walmart ones (yeah walmart now has scan tools)..

a palm one for $100 would be sweet... my mechanic has some generic lapsized one that reads everything and is pretty sweet. i believe it is a snap on one and was like $250

KChrist · 05-19-2009, 02:11 PM

To actually answer your question I frequently use one, identical from the one at AutoZone that costs $70ish. Works great everytime, comes in very handy when on the go.

Bullseye · 05-19-2009, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KChrist

To actually answer your question I frequently use one, identical from the one at AutoZone that costs $70ish. Works great everytime, comes in very handy when on the go.

Now we're talkin' 70 bucks is more to my liking.

g96nt · 05-19-2009, 03:01 PM

the problem is...
It JUST reads codes.
If you go the route I suggested, you can datalog, read codes, and clear them.
PLUS, you get an ACTUAL definition, instead of having to come back in, and look up the code, after you pull it.

I checked Ebay, and there were no OBDII loggers, but if you pick up any m105 (or similar) with a db9(serial) cable, you can grab an OBDII interface, here:
http://www.multiplex-engineering.com/interfaces.htm

If you read, some are CAN-accessable.. and may help you if you ever want to do your own tuning Via CANport.

Jameson · 05-19-2009, 03:35 PM

I scored a great Actron on ebay for like $80 shipped. It has a nice display which shows the full code and not a number that you have to look up in the book. I was able to diagnose and clear my 02 sensor codes.

SAABPRO · 05-19-2009, 04:15 PM

if any of you guys see a tech 2 for a grand let me kno or jump on it just make sureit has the saab software on it, and in my experience with any generic scan tools out there from good to bad they all give the right code but usually the wrong or very generic non helpful answer if any of you guys ever have a code u need to kno about let me kno i have fully up to date saab WIS which for those who dont kno is the saab dealers alldata its pretty sweet if your stumped

Bullseye · 05-19-2009, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by g96nt

the problem is...
It JUST reads codes.
If you go the route I suggested, you can datalog, read codes, and clear them.
PLUS, you get an ACTUAL definition, instead of having to come back in, and look up the code, after you pull it.

I checked Ebay, and there were no OBDII loggers, but if you pick up any m105 (or similar) with a db9(serial) cable, you can grab an OBDII interface, here:
http://www.multiplex-engineering.com/interfaces.htm

If you read, some are CAN-accessable.. and may help you if you ever want to do your own tuning Via CANport.

Now you're starting to talk way over my head.

mcrowley · 05-19-2009, 04:52 PM

I've got an Equus 3100a, works pretty well. I think I paid 80 or 90 bucks from Wally world. On screen code definitions, i/m monitor status, bla bla...

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAABPRO

if any of you guys see a tech 2 for a grand let me kno or jump on it just make sureit has the saab software on it, and in my experience with any generic scan tools out there from good to bad they all give the right code but usually the wrong or very generic non helpful answer if any of you guys ever have a code u need to kno about let me kno i have fully up to date saab WIS which for those who dont kno is the saab dealers alldata its pretty sweet if your stumped

Keep an eye on CL. I snagged one for the local guy I know for $1300.

turbojohnny · 05-19-2009, 05:09 PM

i have an actron scanner that i bought from advance auto for $100 it reads and clears the codes and gives you a definition on screen along with a bunch of other little things, but they are not definite answers to your problems. my bpc valve was faulty, and all that showed up on my scanner was some emissions evap sensor press. high. i had no idea what it was for, then the tech2 was hooked up at carlisle this weekend and pointed out that it was my bpc valve. so there are pros and cons to either. but i would love to have my own tech2

Harvey's Autohaus · 05-19-2009, 05:32 PM

The Tech 2 isn't Just a Code scanner... its the Real McHoy! You either Stick with the Cheap Code Scanner or you Bite The Bullit and Buy The Real Thing and All The Real Diagnostic And Programming Capabilities it provides. Then you can Buy A CANDY Module Too If you want to Be the Only Guy in town With SportsSedan Capabilities too.

Bullseye · 05-20-2009, 12:49 PM

I decided to go cheap. 60 bucks for the most simple model at autozone.
Code was 1334 misfire. I'm guessing that DIC I keep in the trunk my just get used very soon.

05-19-2009, 01:14 PM	#1
Bullseye Live, eat, and sleep by TSL Join Date: May 2006 Location: Currently in the bunker Posts: 1,643	Best diagnostic tool for my Viggen? The evil CEL just popped on in my 99 Viggen. Is there a generic scan tool at Pep Boys or autozone that works well? __________________ "If guns cause crime, all of mine are defective." T. Nugent

05-19-2009, 01:15 PM	#2
VWSAABVT Elder Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Lima Ohio Posts: 3,061	Yeah, all obd11 readers will work, but the best ones are the ones at the store you can use for free __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. stg 5 99 9-3 coupe 96 900se sold

05-19-2009, 01:28 PM	#4
rafal Elder Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: South Boston, MA Posts: 3,983	There is nothing better than get a compliment on a car from the autozone employee. Go and ask them to check your CEL. The advance auto parts store already hates me for that. Once I made a guy walk out when it was like 25 degrees outside __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

05-19-2009, 01:30 PM	#5
g96nt Elder Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Annapolis, MD Posts: 2,522	Hop on ebay, and search for "dsm 2g datalogger" if you find any that come with a palm, it's your best bet. (I have one) __________________ Craig R. 2008 9-5 Aero-1995 900T 'vert

05-19-2009, 01:43 PM	#6
nowhereman Elder Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Manchester, NH Posts: 3,198	get a tech II yeah they are expensive but really? with that you can then charge for services and do pretty much anything related to the computer programming etc... lights, alarms, locks, etc... __________________ 2008 9-3 SS: Stg 1 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. , GS Strut Bar, GS 3 Point Chasis Brace, K&N Filter, Ebay Trunk Lip

05-19-2009, 01:52 PM	#7
g96nt Elder Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Annapolis, MD Posts: 2,522	dude.... tech II's are like $2000 palms are like $100 http://www.qcontinuum.org/obdgauge/ __________________ Craig R. 2008 9-5 Aero-1995 900T 'vert Last edited by g96nt; 05-19-2009 at 02:00 PM.

05-19-2009, 01:53 PM	#8
Red DIC Elder Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Saratoga/Albany Posts: 3,257	If you're into scan tools, I did NOT have good luck with http://www.myscantool.com/ scanner and their software. My computer would not recognize the port, and their support was awful. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

05-19-2009, 02:11 PM	#11
KChrist SAAB Road Master Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orono, Me Posts: 365	To actually answer your question I frequently use one, identical from the one at AutoZone that costs $70ish. Works great everytime, comes in very handy when on the go. __________________ 237.5hp and 283.4 lb/ft To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

05-19-2009, 03:01 PM	#13
g96nt Elder Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Annapolis, MD Posts: 2,522	the problem is... It JUST reads codes. If you go the route I suggested, you can datalog, read codes, and clear them. PLUS, you get an ACTUAL definition, instead of having to come back in, and look up the code, after you pull it. I checked Ebay, and there were no OBDII loggers, but if you pick up any m105 (or similar) with a db9(serial) cable, you can grab an OBDII interface, here: http://www.multiplex-engineering.com/interfaces.htm If you read, some are CAN-accessable.. and may help you if you ever want to do your own tuning Via CANport. __________________ Craig R. 2008 9-5 Aero-1995 900T 'vert

05-19-2009, 03:35 PM	#14
Jameson Elder Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: MI Posts: 10,075	I scored a great Actron on ebay for like $80 shipped. It has a nice display which shows the full code and not a number that you have to look up in the book. I was able to diagnose and clear my 02 sensor codes. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

05-19-2009, 04:15 PM	#15
SAABPRO Avid TSL User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Syracuse, New York Posts: 188	if any of you guys see a tech 2 for a grand let me kno or jump on it just make sureit has the saab software on it, and in my experience with any generic scan tools out there from good to bad they all give the right code but usually the wrong or very generic non helpful answer if any of you guys ever have a code u need to kno about let me kno i have fully up to date saab WIS which for those who dont kno is the saab dealers alldata its pretty sweet if your stumped

05-19-2009, 05:09 PM	#18
turbojohnny Elder Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Orchard Park, ny Posts: 3,884	i have an actron scanner that i bought from advance auto for $100 it reads and clears the codes and gives you a definition on screen along with a bunch of other little things, but they are not definite answers to your problems. my bpc valve was faulty, and all that showed up on my scanner was some emissions evap sensor press. high. i had no idea what it was for, then the tech2 was hooked up at carlisle this weekend and pointed out that it was my bpc valve. so there are pros and cons to either. but i would love to have my own tech2

05-19-2009, 05:32 PM	#19
Harvey's Autohaus Live, eat, and sleep by TSL Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: baltimore Posts: 1,643	The Tech 2 isn't Just a Code scanner... its the Real McHoy! You either Stick with the Cheap Code Scanner or you Bite The Bullit and Buy The Real Thing and All The Real Diagnostic And Programming Capabilities it provides. Then you can Buy A CANDY Module Too If you want to Be the Only Guy in town With SportsSedan Capabilities too. __________________ HakbarSAABzzz To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. You can only buy what is sold to you.

05-20-2009, 12:49 PM	#20
Bullseye Live, eat, and sleep by TSL Join Date: May 2006 Location: Currently in the bunker Posts: 1,643	I decided to go cheap. 60 bucks for the most simple model at autozone. Code was 1334 misfire. I'm guessing that DIC I keep in the trunk my just get used very soon. __________________ "If guns cause crime, all of mine are defective." T. Nugent

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