Need Some Advice From Allan U

[Billyisgr8]

You  deal with scanners way more than me, what is your opinion on this one for a portable small unit.  The main feature I want is ,  Live data stream monitoring and not a ton of money.  Must have manufacturer specific codes included, I don't want to pay an extra $100 for each manufacturer. .  

 

AutoXray 4000

http://www.autoxray.com/products.aspx?sub=...=scanners&id=31

I have looked at actron cp9145 but feel the autoxray has a few more features for a similar price.

Thanks Kevin

[AlanU]

I have a fully revised MT2500 SnapOn brick with a flash card. The Brick has all of the up to date stuff as the new SnapOn Solaris except the \"oldschool\" brick is much faster cause it is NOT window based. The Autoxray sounds decent.

You'll notice the \"box\" of the Autoxray is virtually the same as the 4000, 5000 and 6000 but you just get more connectors.

Live data stream is always a good thing but not trying to sound ignorant but your gonna be more concerned with the actual \"codes\". I dont know how the 02 sensor test works on the Autoxray but I've always used my SnapOn Vantage to graph and count the actual crosscounts of the 02 sensor (advised by Aircare)

If your mainly gonna use it for code retrieval the Autoxray will work.  I'd enquire what it costs for updating data info as that unit gets older.

If your buying the scanner for business purposes I'd just suggest buying a Snapon Scanner. You can probably get a good deal on a used MT2500 or just buy a new Solaris with all of the connectors. It'll cost ALOT!!!!!! but the thing about Snapon is if that unit craps out you know there will always be someone out there to fix it NO PROBLEMS.  Updating it costs alot of money but its the cost of owning a scanner for a business.

If its for casual use for \"side jobs\" the Autoxray will be a handy unit. Just look into warranty policies. OBD2 scanners are great for just getting codes. If you really needed more diagnostic tools the SnapOn vantage is phenominal for component testing. The Autoxray sounds like it will cancel \"check engine lights\" so thats a nice touch.

When it comes to diagnostic tools I am sorta have \"Brand\" loyalty. I'd ask other techs if they've used Autoxray. I've never heard of them before but if its been out there for a long time I'd imagine its a decent product.

[Billyisgr8]

Thanks Alan

I see the importance of a live test because I have a truck that since we got it has a completely random once in awhile rpm stick at 2100.  No codes present and all sensors apear to be working so the dealers scanner says.  I have to take live data when it is happening so I can see which sensor is stuck at whatever voltage.  The dealer wants alot now to road test again with scanner doing live data, They allready got $260 for some diagnostic scanning, which shows nothing so they said start  with replacing the TPS which they did. Thank goodness the dealer we bought the truck from paid for it.  I have to pay for the rest. Next is the IAC so they say, but they really don't know until they road test and take live data.  I bought an IAC but really see the importance for live data test or atleast freeze frame data logging.

Thanks again.

Kevin