Hey everyone. I hope everyone is doing fine. Anyway, this doesn't really have to do with Buicks, but I was wondering if anyone has or knows anything about PC based diagnostic tools. I have always wanted one to go on my laptop so I could check the status of my truck. If I am not making any since, I am talking about software that you load onto a computer and then plug it into newer model cars and trucks. You plug it into to diagnostics port under the steering wheel. Anyway, if anyone owns one or knows someone that does, could you please help me out in pointing me in the direction of a good product. I have not found many reviews and don't know which brands are better than others. Thanks everyone and have a great day.
66, Any car sold in/after 1996 in the U.S. was required to have the standard OBDII diagnostic port. AutoZone will use their scanner and tell you what code is causing a check engine for free. I got tired of bugging AutoZone, and found what I believe is the cheapest OBDII interface on the web that is new. I bought an http://www.obddiagnostics.com/ BR-1 kit for $55. I had to put the kit together, which requires soldering, but I could do that. The same person sells a complete kit, ready to plug into your OBDII port and computer serial port, for $88. Here is a picture of the $88 ready to plug in kit: Here is a screen shot of the software included. It does much more than the one screen: There are many code scanners out there as OBDII is a standard interface. You can go from $88 to a couple grand for a Snap-On system. Another interface I have read about for the laptop is http://www.autotap.com/. They want $199.95 for their interface to your laptop. It does have a better looking interface than the BR-1. Here is the AutoTap interface: Another way to go would be the stand alone OBDII reader, but it is not as sophisticated as the laptop setup. AUtoZone uses and sells the http://www.actron.com/: JC Whitney wants $159 for it. Hope this helps!
Thanks Bam. That does help out. I had previuosly found those on the net, but I am just not sure what the better buy would be. If AutoTap is a good program and is worth the money I have no problem in spending a little more for a program that will do more. If anyone has AutoTap or a program similar to it please let me know what you think of it. Any feedback about diagnostics in general would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Diacom has some PC based diagnostic sofware. The regular version is $260 and the Pro version is $490. Only 'catch'....it's only for pre-OBDII ('83-'94) GM and Chrysler vehicles. If you need newer, I'd look elsewhere. I've got the Monitor 4000e...that does the 'Big 3' up to '93. Pretty sure that can be upgraded too. You can even buy attachments to do foreign cars if you need it.
From what I understand, AutoTap is the cat's meow as far as consumer/prosumer use goes. It does more than my BR, and everywhere I look I see praise for it. If you check ebay for "OBDII" quite a few scanners pop up, and you could get a deal.
I use autotap frequently, it has become invaluable in tuning my Vette. It really works well for me with customers' vehicles as well, and can be bought for a good price if you hunt around. I paid $130 w/shipping from someone who didn't know how to use it:grin: You can visit the website and download the software for free, http://autotap.com/ .
This is great feedback guys and I really appreciate it. Keep it coming. I know Autotap doesn't have programming capabilities, but do yall know of one that does. I have heard they are out there. And I saw one today called Direct Scan for Turbocharged Grand Nationals. Cause I was working on one today and the guy has the setup in his trunk with the laptop. Do yall know of another setup like this but for other cars and trucks. Thanks.
