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Automotive News & Views Right To Repair - A Hot Issue or Big Problem?
133 messages, Last post on Oct 06, 2009 at 3:25 PM
You are in the Automotive News & Views Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & claires
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Apr 02, 2007 6:31 am) I only repair my own cars so my experience is limited but I have found some repair manuals like Helms for Dodge give some troubleshoot road maps. Honda manuals seem to be more general. If I can pull the money together I would like to buy one of the new code scanners from Actron (CP9190) or Autoxray (6000) that should provide code scanning for common and propriety multiple codes. Once I have the codes then it is a matter of discussing the problem on various web sites to track down the real problem. Of course if it is a problem that requires quick repairing I must use the repair shop. Have you tried any of the above scanners? Which ones do you prefer?
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Replying to: rockfish1 (Apr 03, 2007 4:05 am)
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Apr 03, 2007 6:39 am) I am pleased that at least the scanners are available since not that long ago the DIY'er had few options to determine any information from computer and sensor problems. With the scanners and some web sites where code info and their reasons can be shared or purchased I still have a possibility of finding and fixing a problem myself.
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Replying to: rockfish1 (Apr 03, 2007 10:06 am) I have probably 12 different scan tools. Most sent to me from the manufacturers and depending on what vehicle you have, there are some available that will cover proprietary trouble codes and parameters. Currently, there are a lot of scanners and scan programs that offer GM, Ford and Chrysler proprietary code information. AutoTap (program), AutoXray (handheld), Actron (handheld), OTC (handheld) and InjectoClean are among them. InjectoClean (program) also offers Toyota and Honda proprietary codes in their program package, as well as a labscope set up for pocket PC and Palm units. We do a lot of testing on scan tools, so we know there are some out there. 
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Replying to: 0patience (Apr 03, 2007 4:44 pm)
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Replying to: rockfish1 (Apr 03, 2007 6:59 pm) So, anyway................ The Actron 9190 and the AutoXray 6000 are pretty comparable units. They both will do quite a bit. They have monitor capabilities and will do most manufacturer's powertrain diagnostics. The next step down is the Actron 9150 and AutoXray 5000. Both of these still have monitor capabilities, but are a little less than the top ones. If you click on my name, you will see my profile and some links. We have articles on a lot of the scanners. You may want to consider a scan program, either laptop (PC) based or Palm or Pocket PC based. One of my favorites is Injectoclean's (now Injectronic) New CJ4 scan tool, which we are testing and reviewing in the near future. It is a full on scanner with labscope that is competitively priced for the DIYer. Last I checked with them, they are selling for around $400. Remember that there are differences in a lot of the scanners and some that say they are scanners are really only code readers. Scanners will provide diagnostic information and code readers only read the codes and clear codes. While some folks, code readers are sufficient, but for anyone who wishes to do any kind of diagnostics, a good scanner is the only way to go. Also, if you plan on doing any diagnostics on any vehicle, then get a good information system or manual. Since I am biased towards one, I will leave that to you to make the decision which one. but Steve (host) has put together a great page http://www.carspace.com/guides/Online-Repair-Manuals. My preferance is the first link under the paid sources (AlldataDIY). But again, I am biased toward them, so take my opinion for what it is worth. Oh yeah, one thing to note....... None of these scanners will do SRS (airbag) or Body controls and only a limited amount of ABS. So if you are expecting to do any of that, expect to pay premium prices for scanners with those capabilities.
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Replying to: 0patience (Apr 03, 2007 8:48 pm) Injectronic seem to be a fairly new company - 10 years old and 7 years in the diagnostic business - but are already in 35 countries. Are they profitable enough to stay in business? I would not want an expensive scan tool become obsolete due to lack of support. To bad Edmunds doesn't have a undo/redo feature. I've lost messages also.
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Replying to: rockfish1 (Apr 04, 2007 5:33 am) Amazon has the Actron CP9135 on sale for ~$73 but it sounds like it's not CAN protocol and may not work on cars newer than around 2004. So I won't mention it.  The CP9175 is about $110. Upgradeable via USB link sounds like the latest must have feature? |
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Replying to: 0patience (Apr 03, 2007 8:48 pm) Or would we be cast into the rather ironic situation of attacking proprietary automakers' codes by having to buy 3 or 4 proprietary scanners?
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Replying to: hpmctorque (Feb 06, 2007 2:07 am)
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