I bought a scan tool that works on our cars!

Topic: I bought a scan tool that works on our cars! (Read 3162 times) previous topic - next topic

I bought a scan tool that works on our cars!

July 14, 2013, 11:28:25 PM

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&vxp=mtr&item=321156101252
I recently broke down and bought a scan tool that will read codes for our cars as well as current vehicles. It works pretty good on ours. It told me I needed a new EGR valve. The cost didn't break the bank. All my vehicles are getting a little age on them so I thought this to be a worthwhile investment. It is the Actron CP9190. It reads OBD1 and OBD2 systems. Just thought I would pass this along.

I bought a scan tool that works on our cars!

Reply #1 – July 15, 2013, 12:12:37 AM

neat that they make stuff like this still, but ill stick to my paper clip

I bought a scan tool that works on our cars!

Reply #2 – July 15, 2013, 12:17:13 AM

ya, I can buy a LOT of paper clips for $270... lol

I bought a scan tool that works on our cars!

Reply #3 – July 15, 2013, 12:22:44 AM

I had a mustang buddy, (he's actually my current boss), he needed codes pulled, so I pulled out a paper clip and said here you go, plug it in, and he freaked it and called me stupid, said I was gonna blow his computer, ect...

so I showed hint on my car, he.reluctantly.let me do it. never pulled any codes. turned out, he had a burned up chip in the computer that was making it run bad. he later pulled codes using a snap on tool one of the mechanics there had. it didn't beep like most code readers, but gave the exact same codes. he's still convinced I burned up his old computer.

I bought a scan tool that works on our cars!

Reply #4 – July 15, 2013, 04:44:09 PM

You can buy a code retriever at Oreilly's and such for about 35 bucks....I bought mine a long-ass time ago at wal mart for around 50 or so.
Replaced the battery in it 2 years ago, still does it's job. It's about 15 years old now.

Paper clip does the same thing...count the flashes.

Of course, with the reader I have, you need to look in the book to see what exactly the codes could mean. Still, better than guessing or throwing parts at it like a lot of folk do.

I bought a scan tool that works on our cars!

Reply #5 – July 15, 2013, 09:06:18 PM

Sorry not trying to hijack the thread. I know not everyone knows about this scanner but it may bring back memories to some of the Ford Techs. I still have my old Super Star 2 tester, I haven't used it in a long time because I still have a NGS Scanner that I use for OBD1 vehicles or (EEC4) as it is known to some.

I bought a scan tool that works on our cars!

Reply #6 – July 15, 2013, 09:47:23 PM

50 Racer that is a good scanner. I actually have one that is OBD2. What i think you can do with that is a cylinder balance test that i think can not be dun with a paper clip. Nor can a wiggle test be performed with a hair clip!!!!. I have an OTC monitor 2000 and 4000 somewhere in my box that has all the cartridges. Older Fords do not supply a data stream and having a decent scanner is very good. Your scanner is also OBD2 compliant and can compatible. For 260 bucks you got a good scanner. Actron makes a very good consumer scan tool and yours is also GM compatible along with chrysler if i am not mistaken. They also can be UP DATED from the internet. They also tell you the trouble as well as the service code another words what the defect is. They work and they are reasonably priced and they are a great value. Some of my techs have them and they are well satisfied with them. You did good!! That is a great scan tool for the money!!!

I bought a scan tool that works on our cars!

Reply #7 – July 16, 2013, 01:50:50 AM

you initiate a cylinder balance test by going wot within the first minute or two of the test. you can run it three times consecutively. pass the first two tests and your within spec.

I still haven't figured out what this wiggle test is.

where there is no "data stream", I still fail.to see what it has over a paper clip.

I bought a scan tool that works on our cars!

Reply #8 – July 16, 2013, 07:27:30 PM

Just wondering how you know how to press and release the brakes and GOOSE with a hair pin? How do you know when the test is over? And i assume if the test is OK you get a 11 or system ok??

I will stick to a scan tool and pass on the paper clip!!

I bought a scan tool that works on our cars!

Reply #9 – July 16, 2013, 09:18:21 PM

if I get a user error code, I don't care as long as my tail lights come on

.

I like showing people my code reader. hell, I even give them away. every once in a while, ill stumble upon one just laying harmlessly in the gutter.

the computer flashes 4 times at the beginning and end of reading codes. depending.on the.sequence, you can even tell cm codes from koer or koeo. all and all, I could buy hundreds, no, thousands of paper clips, do the exact same thing, and still have $269 in my pocket.

a code reader IS neat. but all it DOES is count beeps. I could come up with a better code.reader for less then.$50.at radio shack. bet I could even write a simple program to do the same thing on my phone if I sliced up a good usb cable.

I bought a scan tool that works on our cars!

Reply #10 – July 16, 2013, 10:20:49 PM

Ok stacks so what you are telling me is dealers at the dawn of these computers have a big box of paper clips to satisfy the tools needed to keep there dealer status. Fascinating!!!

You can definitely retrieve codes with the HAIR PIN no question. But having a scan tool makes it easier and has the ability to do more testing like i pointed out. Basically stone age thinking on trouble shooting is over stacks. Simply said it separates those that will survive in the business and those that will not. true the system that is hair pin self diagnosed can be dun but ball joints can be replaced with a hammer also. Voiding the warantee as you know but it is dun all the time.It voides the warranty and is totally incorrect to install them this way. just saying!! When push comes to shove the guy bought an OBD 2 scan tool with OBD 1 capability thrown in. His decision was good and he covered all the basis with his purchase. Now what do you do to paper clip a code reader for OBD2 cars. I know a chrome plated paper clip.

I am going to use a paper clip on my musting tomorrow and compare the testing. Will post back with the differences and the results. Of course i am going to make sure a code is set. CHEERS!!

I bought a scan tool that works on our cars!

Reply #11 – July 16, 2013, 10:26:53 PM

Quote from: 87 T-BIRD;418711

Sorry not trying to hijack the thread. I know not everyone knows about this scanner but it may bring back memories to some of the Ford Techs. I still have my old Super Star 2 tester, I haven't used it in a long time because I still have a NGS Scanner that I use for OBD1 vehicles or (EEC4) as it is known to some.

super star is childs play.
still have 2 STAR testers. 2 digit only. ones almost brand new. came from the Ford School i went to. Teacher gave it to me.
one is beat from when my dad used it at the dealer. i have a ngs as well.

I bought a scan tool that works on our cars!

Reply #12 – July 16, 2013, 10:44:29 PM

Wow. Didn't see this coming. I bought the scan tool mainly for reading all my OBD2 equipped later model vehicles and I thought that since I was already going to spend the money, I would find one that would read the OBD1 also. As Tom said, it will also read early model GM and Chrysler, as far back as 84 I think, on some. Reading the bird was just a bonus. It tells you the problem code and what action to take or part needs to be replaced. I have a friend that has one of the $10k Snap on units and while it obviously does soooooooooooo much more than this one, the basic system reading the codes and delivering answers is basically the same.

I bought a scan tool that works on our cars!

Reply #13 – July 16, 2013, 11:19:46 PM

Exactly you chose to include OBD 1 as because you have a use for it. You made a great decision in my view and covered all the bases. Once again that TOOL is extremely thought out and a great bang for the buck. You did good 50 with your choice.

I bought a scan tool that works on our cars!

Reply #14 – July 17, 2013, 12:26:45 AM

Quote from: TOM Renzo;418762

Ok stacks so what you are telling me is dealers at the dawn of these computers have a big box of paper clips to satisfy the tools needed to keep there dealer status. Fascinating!!!

You can definitely retrieve codes with the HAIR PIN no question. But having a scan tool makes it easier and has the ability to do more testing like i pointed out. Basically stone age thinking on trouble shooting is over stacks. Simply said it separates those that will survive in the business and those that will not. true the system that is hair pin self diagnosed can be dun but ball joints can be replaced with a hammer also. Voiding the warantee as you know but it is dun all the time.It voides the warranty and is totally incorrect to install them this way. just saying!! When push comes to shove the guy bought an OBD 2 scan tool with OBD 1 capability thrown in. His decision was good and he covered all the basis with his purchase. Now what do you do to paper clip a code reader for OBD2 cars. I know a chrome plated paper clip.

I am going to use a paper clip on my musting tomorrow and compare the testing. Will post back with the differences and the results. Of course i am going to make sure a code is set. CHEERS!!

tom, even though I sometimes argue with you, I can't ever say your wrong. I always, always learn something.

I'm not trying to be a prick, if I pulled codes a lot and ever planned on buying a post eec car, I might consider buying a tool that can do both. but I'm a cheap ass, and as long as I can fix the car, I'm happy.