# Any suggestions for scan tool? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [July 24, 2011, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-suggestions-for-scan-tool/590141 "2011-07-24T02:57:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![automagic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a698b9/32.png) [@automagic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/automagic)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2011, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-suggestions-for-scan-tool/590141/1 "2011-07-24T02:57:44Z")
I am looking for a scan tool with the following features - Around $500 or less - Reads OBD II and shows code(s) and brief description of code(s) (eg. P0302 Cylinder 2 Misfire) - Will read both generic codes and manufacturer specific codes - Will show pending codes and history codes - Will show readiness of monitors - Will show freeze data when applicable - **Not** necessary to run manufacturer specific tests (eg. Evap tests) - Reads OBD I (with adapters where applicable) - Live stream data (Coolant temps, trans fluid temp, wheel speed sensor voltage (wave-forms), fuel trims etc.) - PC-link (to store data or make upgrades if available) - Oscilloscope capabilities (not necessary but would be helpful) I will mostly need it for Honda/Acura, Toyota/Lexus/Scion, GM, Ford, Chrysler/Jeep. If it is necessary to purchase software upgrades for some makes I would still be interested. Any ideas? Not sure if this went here or Marketplace. ---
**Author:** ![thelabdude](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/dc4da7/32.png) [@thelabdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelabdude)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2011, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-suggestions-for-scan-tool/590141/2 "2011-07-24T03:43:31Z")
I am happy with my [http://www.scangauge.com/](http://www.scangauge.com/) It may not do everything you ask, but was only about $150. ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_T](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2011, 6:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-suggestions-for-scan-tool/590141/3 "2011-07-24T06:00:42Z")
Parts stores such as NAPA, Carquest, and the like typically have a range of scan tools from simple code readers to those designed for professional mechanics. ---
**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2011, 6:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-suggestions-for-scan-tool/590141/4 "2011-07-24T06:19:14Z")
Until I got to the last two items on your list I was thinking of several tools that fit the bill. However I think those last two items will bounce you out of your $500 budget. I second what **Gary T** said look at a NAPA store or ask your local tool guy what he has on the truck. ---
**Author:** ![GreasyJack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/df705f/32.png) [@GreasyJack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreasyJack)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2011, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-suggestions-for-scan-tool/590141/5 "2011-07-24T12:42:08Z")
Are you a DIY-er or aspiring pro? If the former, you might just consider one of the laptop link cables. They’re far cheaper than a high-end scan tool but will do everything on your list except the OBD-I and the oscilloscope. But you’d be paying $50 instead of $500, so you could probably just pick up a cheap oscilloscope and individual OBD-I cables and still stay under budget. Heck, even if you don’t have a laptop, the scan programs are very basic and should work just fine with a sub-$300 netbook or an old used laptop. But having a laptop in the car during drive tests is a little unwieldy and you have to worry about getting your laptop all greasy when you have it out in the garage. ---
**Author:** ![automagic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a698b9/32.png) [@automagic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/automagic)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2011, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-suggestions-for-scan-tool/590141/6 "2011-07-24T14:18:49Z")
> [@GreasyJack](#): > > Are you a DIY-er or aspiring pro? If the former, you might just consider one of the laptop link cables. They’re far cheaper than a high-end scan tool but will do everything on your list except the OBD-I and the oscilloscope. But you’d be paying $50 instead of $500, so you could probably just pick up a cheap oscilloscope and individual OBD-I cables and still stay under budget. Heck, even if you don’t have a laptop, the scan programs are very basic and should work just fine with a sub-$300 netbook or an old used laptop. > > But having a laptop in the car during drive tests is a little unwieldy and you have to worry about getting your laptop all greasy when you have it out in the garage. I thought about getting a PC based scan tool but I definitely do not want to take my laptop to work and home everyday. Besides the battery is toast so I would not be able to take it on road tests. I had my eye on a craftsman scan tool that has everything I need except for the oscilloscope so I think I will be buying that instead. I know we have some skilled techs on the dope so I was wondering if they had any particular ones they preferred. Thanks for your help guys.