Advise on which brand of scanner

[04lshwydriver]

I have a 2004 LS 4.2 I6 4x4.
It has just over 40K miles which is out of warranty.
A couple of days ago SES light came on solid and sometimes the light flashes and the motor is running rough like missing a cylinder.

I'm going to buy a scanner to read DTCs to start diagnosing the problem.
Can someone advise on which brand or type of scanner I should get?
Thanks in advance!

[Jozuah]

I have a 2004 LS 4.2 I6 4x4.
It has just over 40K miles which is out of warranty.
A couple of days ago SES light came on solid and sometimes the light flashes and the motor is running rough like missing a cylinder.

I'm going to buy a scanner to read DTCs to start diagnosing the problem.
Can someone advise on which brand or type of scanner I should get?
Thanks in advance!

dont buy one , go to autozone and have them read them for free. then buy the parts there or elsewhere and replace them yourself:) save mony coming and going :D

[PROSPHOTO]

:iagree: Go to Autozone & get the codes read; but if the light is flashing Stop the truck...Do NOT drive with the light flashinghttp://www.aimoo.com/forum/images/messageicon/excalmatorymark.gifhttp://www.aimoo.com/forum/images/messageicon/excalmatorymark.gif

Also, don't let them tell you what parts you need; you will have to diagnose the problem once you find out what codes are stored :yes:

[TBlazin7]

I have the Actron CP9135. I bought it a while back on ebay and I have helped alot of people out already with it including myself so it has paid for itself. Tells you the what the code is on the screen so you so dont have to go searching for it in a book and also does other stuff as well...

[MrBigStuff]

I have the Equus 3110 and couldn't be happier with it. It supports ALL of the hardware and software protocols including CAN. Bought off Amazon. I've yet to fix a DTC problem on the very first try so this avoids numerous trips to the Auto parts places to read/reset codes. Was well worth the money IMHO.

[PROSPHOTO]

I have the Equus 3110 and couldn't be happier with it. It supports ALL of the hardware and software protocols including CAN. Bought off Amazon. I've yet to fix a DTC problem on the very first try so this avoids numerous trips to the Auto parts places to read/reset codes. Was well worth the money IMHO.

If you have a problem, and want to fix it on the first try, post the DTC(s) or other problems and you will get the correct diagnostic procedures from one of us :yes: Just b/c the code has something to do with a part, does not mean that that part is bad :nono:

Make sure you fill out your profile info, this will be needed if you post a problem you're having (you should fill it out anyway) :yes:

[04lshwydriver]

Thank you all for your input!:thx
Autozone store is kinda far from my home so I'm going to buy a scanner and read the codes myself to perform diagnostics.
I'll look up Equus 3110 and Actron CP9135 and other brands as well.
Don't think I need a real high end scanner...
Once I pulled DTC(s) I'll post them to get correct diagnostic procedures from one of the experts here. :thumbsup:

PROSPHOTO,
I updated my profile as you suggested.
Hopefully, I did it right... :)

[PROSPHOTO]

I'm going to buy a scanner and read the codes myself to perform diagnostics.
Once I pulled DTC(s) I'll post them to get correct diagnostic procedures from one of the experts here. :thumbsup:
PROSPHOTO,
I updated my profile as you suggested.
Hopefully, I did it right... :)

Profile looks good :yes:

I was just looking on a few sites:
For under $100, scanners will read codes w/o descriptions, which you can post and get descriptions here; or
For $150-$200, you should be able to find a scanner that will read codes w/a brief description of the code

Either way will help assist you...Between $200-$300, you could get one that will read some of the vehicles operating parameters

Ebay may be cheaper :undecided

When you post the code, start a new thread with the symptoms and codes :D

[04lshwydriver]

PROSPHOTO,
Thanks for additional helpful info!:thx
Yes, once I pull my codes then I'll start a new thread.
Hopefully, I'll be able to post a new thread sometime this weekend. :)
This is a great site!:thumbsup:

[MrBigStuff]

If you have a problem, and want to fix it on the first try, post the DTC(s) or other problems and you will get the correct diagnostic procedures from one of us :yes: Just b/c the code has something to do with a part, does not mean that that part is bad :nono:

Make sure you fill out your profile info, this will be needed if you post a problem you're having (you should fill it out anyway) :yes:

Trust me, I won't be shy about asking advice if I'm stuck. Especially if you can gaurantee it gets fixed on the very first attempt :D More than once, I've followed the diagnostic tree, thought I had corrected the problem, reset the DTCs and monitors, only to discover it pop up again after a few days. EVAP problems seem to be especially difficult to nail on the first attempt.

[PROSPHOTO]

Trust me, I won't be shy about asking advice if I'm stuck. Especially if you can gaurantee it gets fixed on the very first attempt :D More than once, I've followed the diagnostic tree, thought I had corrected the problem, reset the DTCs and monitors, only to discover it pop up again after a few days. EVAP problems seem to be especially difficult to nail on the first attempt.

The only real way to nail an Evap failure on the first try is to use a scanner capable of controlling the system and a smoke machine...otherwise you have to visually inspect the entire system (some failures are circuit related and will not need advanced diagnostics) http://www.unixboard.de/vb3/images/smilies/sm-nachdenk.gif

[ScarabEpic22]

Well, if the SES light flashes, pull over and do not drive. You are getting a misfire and that can be really bad. Check the plugs and coil packs first when you get your scanner.

[PROSPHOTO]

Just flipped through the Sunday paper and found a couple of scanners at Pep Boys:

Actron Pocket OBDII Code Scanner (just gives you the code #'s) for $59.98 (#CP9125) (http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16298)

Actron OBDII Code Scanner (Reads code #'s & Descriptions + I/M flag Status [readyness monitors]) for $89.98 (CP9135)

Both with mail in rebates of course :duh:

I did a quick search and found these cheaper at some online stores :cool:

[04lshwydriver]

Yesterday I went to a Pep Boys and purchased a Actron CP9135 for $109.95 with $20.00 mail-in rebate. Total price in the end comes to $89.95.
I too hate mail-in rebates... :duh:

I'm going to go to work and check the DTC(s) and see what I get.
I'm hope it's just a misfire condition with a bad spark plug or coil and nothing more serious...:(
I'll start a new diagnostic thread later to get help on diagnostics.
Thanks for all your help!::thx