Topic: scanner question
in Forum: All Vettes Discussion

with almost every thing that has to be checked you need a scanner to read what the sensors are reading. i bought a snapon mt2500 which reads the codes and shows all the info but thats about the extent of it.
i am looking for a different scanner that can do more and have heard that the matco determinator is an excellent one. anybody ever use one or have any opinions that might help. thanks for any info.
THE DYNAMIC DUO


Moderator
Do you have the "Troubleshooter" cartridge for your 2500? The main("Primary") cartridge is simply a communication protocol between the vehicle, and the scanner. The Troubleshooting cartridges give you the specs, troubleshooting tips, and TSB info. If you don't have the Tblshooting cartridge(s), I'll look and see if I have an extra one. If I do, I'll send it to ya.

btw...sorry, but your P/M got dumped before I could respond...then I totally forgot...

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Moderator
Then there is the Solus, which is a more moderately priced scammer, with some added features such as graphing capabilities. There is also a MT2500/hybrid(for lack of a better term) that does the same as the 2500, but also has graphing capabilities, but it is not as good as the Solus, or even the Vantage Power Graphing Multi-Meter.
For the everyday, just want to piddle on yer own vehicles, the 2500 is a good deal, IF you get all of the latest software/cartridges. It is the Troubleshooting info that is worth the money on ANY scan tool. The scam-tool itself is nothing more than a glorified code reader/data acquisition device.
There are many other scam-tools out there, such as the Determinator, but I haven't used any of them, except the OTC "Enhanced Monitor 400E", which I use here at the house.
For shop use, I have the MT2500, and the shop has a new Solus Pro. I sold the shop I worked at before this one on the Modis...I got spoiled by the Modis...it is the absolute BEST, imho.
Any scammer you look at just be sure it will cover the year models you plan to use it on. Some of the newer ones will not support anything older than 1995(or before OBDII). Make sure you are getting the latest software with it. A good scammer will have live data acquisition capabilities...not all do. Check to see if it will also be able to over-ride computer signals, so you can operate individual components, such a the electric fans, shift solenoids for the trans, Idle speed solenoid, etc.

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Moderator
If the specs only show OBDII, normally it will not work on the '95-older cars, but...you should always ask first. Some just don't advertise OBDI capabilities, as it is not as common now, and not really a selling point.
Any new scanner should come with the OBDII connector. It is really the only connector needed for '95-newer cars, as they vehicle connectors are all standardized to OBDII specs.
Some vehicles will also have a manufacturer specific connector, as well as OBDII. Those also have mfg specific software/com protocols.(mostly the European cars-Mercedes/BMW/Audi/VW)
The '95-'96 cars may or MAY NOT be OBDII compliant, you need to check the connector to be sure. The gov allowed some mfgs a little leeway in getting up to speed on the OBDII stuff.
On a lighter note....someone walked off with our new SOLUS-PRO scammer this weekend!!!!!!!!!! It was here when they locked up Fri nite...gone Sat morn!!!! How's THAT fer a kick in the head?!?!?!?!? That's the SECOND scammer someone has made off with in the last few months!!!
The manager here thinks one of the employees walked out with it...I think he's prolly right.....can you say, "Needy mooney para me beer, vato"?





Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Moderator
I'm not sure what support/troubleshooting the 2500 would have on a LT5, tho...I know it will pull codes/live data, but don't know about any troubleshooting info...I can check on that tho...never really even thought about it!

Now I just gotta know!
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Moderator

The "GM1" connector is the 12 pin...you could call it OBDI. THis is what your Zcar will have, Jim. The other cars, 95>, will have the OBDII, 16 pin connector.

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"