Are there any good budget scan tools out there?

Hi everyone, I was just looking at the latest Repco catalogue, and there is a Bosch scan tool on there for $249, I phoned Bosch to ask them what it could do, and they blew me off and told me to go ask at Repco, I just went out there and they new less than nothing, so I thought I would ask you guy's if there were any good tools out there that weren't thousands of dollars?

Just get an OBDII Bluetooth dongle off eBay and use an app like Torque. Should be a big thread on here about it....will only cost about $20-30 at best. Can do all sorts of stuff, including scanning and clearing engine codes.

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Originally Posted by white lie

Just get an OBDII Bluetooth dongle off eBay and use an app like Torque. Should be a big thread on here about it....will only cost about $20-30 at best. Can do all sorts of stuff, including scanning and clearing engine codes.

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Here is a thread
http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthre...ght=obd2+cheap

Thanks guy's, I knew you would have the answer, now it's just finding the best OBD2 connector to buy.

Purchased one from Jaycar the other week. Was $70 but works a treat. Via Bluetooth and used it in conjunction with Torque (Pro).

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Originally Posted by Luminous

Purchased one from Jaycar the other week. Was $70 but works a treat. Via Bluetooth and used it in conjunction with Torque (Pro).

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Thanks mate, is it this one?
https://www.jaycar.com.au/obd-ii-eng...ology/p/PP2145

Another question, will this also check and turn off an airbag light?

No.
The airbag system runs thru the BCM, most scan tools will only access the PCM. You will need something of a Tech 2 calibre. SnapOn's one can also do it

I think the snap on one does bcm codes but the run of the mill Bluetooth eBAy type ones dont

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Originally Posted by Waynew

Thanks mate, is it this one?
https://www.jaycar.com.au/obd-ii-eng...ology/p/PP2145

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Yep that's the one. Works pretty well so far. Have tried it in the GTS and the Caprice ('014 and '09 respectively)

With regards to it going deeper than just reading sensors I am uncertain at the moment. I am still tinkering with it.

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Originally Posted by white lie

Just get an OBDII Bluetooth dongle off eBay and use an app like Torque. Should be a big thread on here about it....will only cost about $20-30 at best. Can do all sorts of stuff, including scanning and clearing engine codes.

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I tried both a cheap bluetooth and cheap wi-fi scanner when my wife's 06 AH Astra was continuously showing a check engine light and they both returned "no codes", so no way it was going to clear them! :(

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Originally Posted by Wonky

I tried both a cheap bluetooth and cheap wi-fi scanner when my wife's 06 AH Astra was continuously showing a check engine light and they both returned "no codes", so no way it was going to clear them! :(

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That's odd, I've got a cheap bluetooth one, have used it on my VY, an Astra, an Amarok and a Cruze. No dramas with any of them

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Originally Posted by white lie

No.
The airbag system runs thru the BCM, most scan tools will only access the PCM. You will need something of a Tech 2 calibre. SnapOn's one can also do it

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Bummer, that is the main reason I want one at the moment, I have an airbag light on:doh:

Has anyone got an Autel Scantool, the MD802 says it will do engine codes as well as ABS, airbag and transmission, isn't too badly priced either.
http://www.autolines.com.au/index.ph...product_id=152

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Originally Posted by Waynew

Bummer, that is the main reason I want one at the moment, I have an airbag light on:doh:

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$100 and works great for SRS related stuff

http://www.envyouscustoms.com/produc...agnostic-tool/

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Originally Posted by macca_779

$100 and works great for SRS related stuff

http://www.envyouscustoms.com/produc...agnostic-tool/

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I have been talking with Jason at envyouscustoms, his software and cable setup looks pretty good, he is developing a new kit called the "Envy" cable, that will read all the systems in one package, instead of just PCM, or just SRS, it won't be able to do key programming, but he says it will be around $150!

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Originally Posted by Waynew

I have been talking with Jason at envyouscustoms, his software and cable setup looks pretty good, he is developing a new kit called the "Envy" cable, that will read all the systems in one package, instead of just PCM, or just SRS, it won't be able to do key programming, but he says it will be around $150!

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It's on his site. Unfortunately it's subscription based which doesn't interest me as I can't justify an ongoing cost for something I'll barely use

I have got to admit I think the way to go for me anyway is, one of those copy Tech 2's, Dickie Knee came over to my place with his on the weekend, fixed my airbag light and tweeked my cluster as well!

This is what Jason told me about the Envy software.
I am developing a completely new kit which will supersede my old kits. The new diagnostic kit being designed will be a single cable+software package to perform diagnostics on all modules in all Holden commodores and will eventually allow diagnostics from smartphones also. (Has built in bluetooth).
The new cable is called the 'Envy' cable, which Im hoping I will be releasing it early this year. Estimated kit cost will be around $150+postage which includes the new application, where all updates will be free and all diagnostics (Faults and live data) will be free. There will be a 'extended/professional' subscription license available for those looking to perform anything programming related also.

Is there anyone on here in Melbourne (East/SE preferably) with a scan tool who can check an air bag fault. Got the same issue atm.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks.