I am looking to buy a Diagnostic Scanner for a GM/Ford/Chrysler 1982-1995 (pre-OBDII).

Trouble is, there are so many out there I don't know which one to get. I really want to buy a software program and cables for a Laptop PC to use instead of the handheld ones that are out there. However, I can only find software for a PC for OBD-II systems.

Anybody out there have any experience with the handhelds or know what's available for PC's to do Automotive Diagnostic Scanning?

Thanks.
AL

 

in my auto class we have a snap on scanner and it tells you everything like trouble codes and engine diagnostics (temp vehicle speed trs voltage an alot of other things. its kinda pricey though 1800$ its cool though take a look
http://buy.snapon.com/products/diagn...%2C+Deluxe+Sca nner&dir=catalog&store=snapon-store

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89 Rs camaro
305 tbi
3in flowmaster muffler
manderal bent pipe
no cat

ELECTRONICS

viper alarm
pioneer 4-way 6x9's
15' orion sub in a bandpass box
300x1 kenwood amp
180 watt JVC cd-reciever

 

Autoxray have a cheap one. If you have a laptop you can get free software and build your own interface cable.

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GTA -89:383, 4-bolt,Free flow muffler,dual 3" HF cats, Edelbrock headers, Canfield heads, 1.52 RR 7/16, ZZ-9 cam, Big Mouth, AS&M LTR, !plenum, 52 TB, MSD 6AL, TPIS level V prom, Superior shift-kit and all the minor mods soon superram and DFI http://www.itv.se/tacs/members_cars/m279/m279.html (Swedish Trans Am Club)

 

i know that actron has a pretty good one for 199 bucks plus the cost of a GM cartridge/cable. its pretty basic, but has a nice digital display and shows all the info you will probably need.

also, search the TBI board for "free scanning software". there is a guy that made a program to read our cars. he gives it our for free, all you need is a laptop and you have to make a cable for like 5 bucks.

the only thing is that it may only work for TBI. it would make sense to me to work with all cars considering they are all similar, but im not sure. may only be the TBI ecm.

-brian

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1991 Camaro RS
GMPP 350 HO crate engine - Holley TB, MSD ignition, SLP exhaust, everything is new
700R4 - 2,400 stall converter, vette servo, shift kit
My car's webpage - z28boy.cz28.com
President - Central New York F-Body Association
Email - z28boy@twcny.rr.com
AIM - "Z28 Boy"

 

The guy at TBI is JoBy ( from sweden ) his program is for 160 baud soIt will work for you, its a nice program. Craig moates has a program for TPI cars......