OBD2 scanner

I need a scanner. I now have three OBD2 cars, two of which are sick. I'd like to get something with real time data instead of just the single code display model.

I don't think I'll use it heavily, so I don't need the $2000 Snap On setup, I was thinking more like the cheapy versions.

Things to look for? I found a few on Ebay for $70 that read all five protocols including CAN for 2007-up vehicles, and its updatable.

Take a look and tell me what you think.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SUPER-CAN-Universal-OBD2-OBD-II-Code-Scanner-Reader_W0QQitemZ190292191397QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Automotive_Tools?hash=item190292191397&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A727%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1309

Part of the answer depends on the cars and what you want to do.

Generically speaking, cheapie code readers only read the generic codes. Oh, they give grand promises about manufacturer specific codes, but don't deliver anything beyond manufacturer specific generic codes.

So don't expect a unit like this to diagnose ABS troubles, or A/C issues or other interesting very manufacturer specific problems.

I have a "Scan Gauge" by Linear-Logic that was not overly expensive and I have found very usefull.

The auction says that the CD has all manufacturer specific codes up through 2008, but that's a good point foxtrapper... which manufacturer specific codes.

This guy has a few hundred of these for sale and I found one of his Ebay auctions that was just a straight auction, not a buy-it-now, and it was 99 cents. I'm currently top bidder at something like $12. Let's see if I get lucky. For that money, I can scan the codes and then find them on the internet, or buy the shop manual.

I dont know what all you wont to do with your cars,or how often you plan to use it. I can tell you first hand not to get that one. If plan to use it more than 2 times a year. The pins in the connector are very soft and bent the first time my coworker used it.

That one gets a NO WAY from me.

Sure, if you get it at the right price, why not. The cable on my TP-150 is stout enough. 170Ken

Well, I did it. I found an auction for the TP280 and put in a low bid and won it. I'm glad to know about the weak cable before I destroy it. I'll let you know how it is.

I still get to have the fun of turning the key on-off-on-off-on and counting the blinks in my Neon when the CEL comes on.

Canoe