kentuckyKITT

iTrader: (4)

I've been reading tons of threads about scanners, cables, etc. over the past few weeks and I think my head is going to explode. I don't know where to start. I'm more of a carb guy and even after I bought my '89 Firebird, people told me I would be ripping the TBI, distributor, and computer out and have a carb and mechanical HEI in there in no time. I refuse! It runs good as is even if it has a slight idle problem. I like it the way it is and nothing on my car has been cut or hacked or bypassed.

So, how does one get started with a good scan tool or software. I'm not looking to tune the engine for performance, just monitor and diagnose problems. I want to be able to see what is going on with real values instead of just seeing codes from the SES light. I just want a basic setup for trouble shooting. I do have the '89 Pontiac Service Manual and can trouble shoot most things, but I see so many using these "scanner tools" and even the service shop manual refers to it, so I want to discover this and learn.

Some of the topics I read require use of a laptop (which I do NOT have), but I do have a desktop in the house. I see TONS of scanners out there, but I don't need a $3,000.00 one do I? I see some for 40, 60, 300, etc. What's a good starting point for someone who just wants to troubleshoot, keep the factory specs and not looking for tuning/performance. I have another thirdgen for performance and fun. My '89 is a sunny day daily driver only. I appreciate any direction, links to other threads and/or products for a beginner.

W.E.G.

Used laptops in good condition with XP operating system can be had for cheap.

From there you just need a few cables to connect.

Ronny

iTrader: (1)

Tuner Pro RT for datalogging. Or basic datalogger is winALDL IMO more user friendly. But RT has the bells whistles. Both free sorta. I would buy a cable at Craig Moates or build your own(see winALDL).

kentuckyKITT

iTrader: (4)

Hmm, I might just have to get a laptop it seems. I did notice how crazy cheap the old ones are after doing a quick search. I almost thought about lugging my old 2003 desktop out to the garage since it has xp, but that wouldn't be too easy to drive around with.haha and I'd need a LONG cable I guess.

So, it looks like the best thing for me to do is get a laptop, a cable, and either winALDL or Tuner Pro RT.

Ronny

iTrader: (1)

You may find one with a bad battery. Then you buy a 12V adapter. I put a battery in mine yesterday. Original was 5 years old.