Would anyone be up to post a review of OBD-II scanners? Acrton and AutoXray seem to be the top two and the AutoXRay is like a gazillion dollars so unless there's some compelling reason, I was going to go with Actron, which generally seems more reasonably priced.

I'd like all the features but just can't bring myself to spend $600 to tell me that my wiper fluid is low. I'd be curious for input from anyone who has a reader - any reader. I've also read that some of the reprogrammers can read codes, like the Predator?

http://www.actron.com (http://www.actron.com)
http://www.autoxray.com/ - EZ-Scan 6000 with EZ-PC and OBD-II Enhanced

The predator can read codes on your duramax but not on other vehicles.

The higher model actron can not read CAN systems right now but there will be an upgrade in the first quarter of 05.

The autoxray can read CAN systems. From what I found the Xray does do more stuff then the actron but I don't think it is worth the price (about double).

I have an actron 9150 on the way.

If you are just looking to read codes on your duramax you might as well go with the predator. At least then you can correct for you tire size, remove your speed limiter and add more power.

Max Power- what do you think of the cp9135- I only need GM- 96-05 gass and Diesel.

All I wanted was something to read codes and injector balance rates real-time. I found a relatively cheap software package for laptops that does just that. it's called OBD-2 and can be had for around $120 which includes the program and cable to connect to OBD port. You can also get a USB adapter cable for laptops that don't have a seriel port which is the route I took. The software is relatively robust where once you connect to computer data is captured and can be saved to file and played back later ...much like the TechII snapshot feature. The software isn't very intuitive however I've learned how to do the basic stuff in 2 days, including reading injector balance rates, saving snapshot to file and exporting data to Excel to graph, etc. You can also clear codes with it. There is a Duramax LB7 specific add-on module that provides the functionality to read injector balance rates and transmission data. You can also download/run the software to get an idea how it works.

http://www.obd-2.com/

Tophog - does the product you bought have the LB7 module?

Tophog - does the product you bought have the LB7 module?
Yes, the program itself does not ...but if you look on the web page there are 'add-on' modules that are manufacturerer specific that you download/install to access the vehicle-specific information. When I say "add-on" I mean the software module is free ...you just have to download/install it seperately.

Example: You would download the obd2 software program and install it by running setup.exe. Once installed you go to web page, and select the 6.6L Diesel LB7 add-on module from dropdown list ....and download it. You extract the file in the .zip file into the obd2 installltion directory. Now you can access that vehicle specific data via the "Enhanced" menu option once connected to vehicle.

Look on the web page ...you will see specific references to the 6.6L Diesel (LB7) module.

tophog
Have you used the OBD-2 software and cables from Alex Peper?
if so, how about a little review?
I am really interested in this, especially since it will work with a laptop. I can use it with several vehicles, with the right cables.
Thanks

I use Alex Pepers stuff. Good support and great product. Like tophog said http://www.obd-2.com is the place to get it.

Don~

i have the obd2 software and cables now. looking forward to working with it more. I am trying to find the correct parameters to show the balance of the eight injectors. What window do you use to show all eight at once? Can you use the data window? The only place i have seen a reference to individual cylinders is on the dash window page. There you can select BRC1 thru BRC8 and show balancing rate in millimeters. I have been looking at the DATA, GRAPH, and FREEZE windows and have not yet figured out if I can show what i am looking for. I can monitor LOAD_PCT, ECT, MAP, RPM, VSS, IAT, MAF, OBDSUP, PTO_STAT, But have not seen a way to add BRC1 if that is what i need. :confused: :confused:

I just purchased and returned Autotap. It was very slow and I didn't like it too much. I called and spoke to the tech and even sent them a record file per their request. However, I received no response so it went back. Just for reference, in 45 seconds of record time the program only took 7 samples!! Acc'd to Autotap, it should record over 20 per second!!

Anywho, that is my input!! I am thinking of an AutoXray next or maybe a Snap-on or Tech 2. I know the prices but I may bite the bullet.

Happy scanning!! :)

You need the Duramax 6.6L add-on module installed in the application directory ...then once connected to the truck you would click on the "Data" tab, then "Enhanced" from the menu. This will display a window where you can start scanning the "Enhanced" data defined in the Duramax add-on module.

You should get a list of like 120+ parameters which you can scroll down and find the BCR1-8 parameters and select each one so the tool start collecting the balance rate samples for each cylinder. Hope this helps.


i have the obd2 software and cables now. looking forward to working with it more. I am trying to find the correct parameters to show the balance of the eight injectors. What window do you use to show all eight at once? Can you use the data window? The only place i have seen a reference to individual cylinders is on the dash window page. There you can select BRC1 thru BRC8 and show balancing rate in millimeters. I have been looking at the DATA, GRAPH, and FREEZE windows and have not yet figured out if I can show what i am looking for. I can monitor LOAD_PCT, ECT, MAP, RPM, VSS, IAT, MAF, OBDSUP, PTO_STAT, But have not seen a way to add BRC1 if that is what i need. :confused: :confused:

Ok, which part number of those ob2 scanners is for ob2 vehicle's and was the price US.

And was that a odometer recalibrator I saw on his site ?

Can it actually be that easy to recalibrate the odometer now ?

Hope the used car dealers don't find that

Diesel Dragon,

If you go to the Scan Tool Selector page (http://www.obd-2.com/dlcnet.html) you can enter in your vehicles and it will suggest the scan tool. For only a 2003 truck you can get the VPW network tool for GM for $122 and 3day shipping free. If you want more networks for other vehicles or features like USB support you can add those on for a price :)

A very nice tool and works great with most any old laptop and 9pin dsub connection. A whole lot of data to weed through, the interface isn't very intutive but I don't care as long as the data is there to be had :grd:

Enjoy,
Michael

I got an Autoxray EZ scan 4000. It does not have the enhanced code reading but I bought it to cover multiple manufacturers. I works pretty slick. The nice thing about autoxray is that I can upgrade easy without taking a money bath and their support is excellent.

If I was in the business though, I would have bought the EZ scan 6000 or a Snap-On unit.

However, if one was just going to cover a Dmax, then a preditor is probably a much better choice.

I have the obd-2.com scanner, it works great. I would recommend it and you can't beat the price...

Tim

thanks for the tips on obd2. i got it hooked up and checked all those many parameters!
i found the balance rates and they look ok. at first before engine warmed up a while i noticed number 2 was as high as 3.0, but then came down to about 1.4
it seemed as if they all looked a little closer to 0.0 as it got warmed up. i also noticed that the fuel injector pulse timing was a little longer on #2 also, about .55 msec. the rest were less than .5 msec.
is it normal when looking at the enhanced data for this engine for the BRC1-8 numbers to go to zero when the throttle position is anything but 0, for closed?
that seems to be the case.

Whenever you check the balance rates you want the engine at normal operating temperature. I check mine a few minutes after I get home from having driven the truck for awhile.

You want to view the balance rates with the transmission in Park ...and also in "Drive" with your foot on the brake ... in Drive with foot on brake is where you will see them fluctuate the most ...at least mine does.