I bought a used Snapon MT2500. I know I know it’s archaic technology. lol. Anyone on here an expert on it? I plugged it into the ALDL port and I thought it was suppose to stay on so I could look through the diagnostic pages but it just shuts off.

I did see on one YouTube video a guy said I needed a 9v wired to a phone connector to keep it on but I saw another video where I didn’t see this apparatus. Anyone?

 

Yeah I got a Snap-on MT2500. I wont go so far as to say I am an expert on it though.

The ALDL connector doesn't supply 12 VDC on our cars. I don't think it does on any GM.

There is a 12 VDC adapter that can connect to the battery terminals or a cigarette lighter adapter or a battery pack you can run it off of.

 

Oh and the factory original Snap-on cigarette lighter adapter pops out of the Firebird cigarette lighter socket all the f*cking time too. They must be more shallow than the cigarette lighter sockets in most other cars.

 

Thanks @Airwolfe I have an adapter just didn’t see others use it. Any other tips or pretty self explanatory. I have watched a few YouTubes so interested in what I see on my new 355.

 

Which Primary Domestic Diagnostic & Secondary Domestic Fast Track Troubleshooter cartridges do you have? Do you have the manuals for the MT2500 scanner and the GM manual and GM PROM manual? if so which editions?

 

Here’s a pic of the modules but I don’t not have any manuals to go along with it. I bought it used last Fall.

I did buy a copy of the service manual off eBay. Not sure what version it is but I can check.

 

Think of your Snap-on MT2500 as a OBD I only scanner even though it can do OBD II stuff. If you want to do OBD II stuff get a newer scanner.

The Primary Domestic Thru 1999 cartridge is the one you want. It's the latest one that can still do OBD I. After that they are 1996+ OBD II only. Don't bother with buying the Black programable VCI & TCI cartridges.

On the Secondary Domestic Fast Track Troubleshooter cartridge you can do a Thru 2001 cartridge.

I think for your Thru 1999 Diagnostic I think you need the 9th edition manuals.

 

The computers in our cars are stupid and slow AF. Don't expect a lot.

When using the MT2500 in Diagnostic Mode the target engine idle speed with be 1000 RPMs. Nothing is wrong. This is normal.

When using the MT2500 in Road Mode the target engine idle RPM will be whatever the chip has it programmed at. Road Mode is the only mode it is safe to drive the car in.

 

This is a nice video to get you started with the MT2500 Scanner.

 

lol yeah my expectations for this thing is it not high so should be easy to meet. I found a pdf of a manual so I’ll peruse through that prior to use.

I have watched the majority of that one.

Thanks for the guidance!

 

What cars in your fleet would you like to use the Snap-on MT2500 with? A lot of us also have C4 Corvettes, GMT400 TBI/Vortec Trucks, Vans, and SUVs.

 

Do you have a link to that PDF manual? I'm still learning too.

Is your MT2500 hardware version 1.8 or 2.2? Only difference is 2.2 has a backlit LCD screen. Mine is 1.8.

 

http://www.w124performance.com/docs/...nual(Euro).pdf

*caution- random search

Mine is v2.2

I only bought it for my 1988 Pontiac Trans Am GTA. Got it for $150 so figured it might be worth it.

I bought it in anticipation of potential issues with dropping in my new engine.

 

Yeah it will be great for your 1988 GTA.

I highly recommend Lithium 9 Volt batteries for your MT2500 Scanner. They hard to get in and out and the last thing you want is a leaking swollen Alkaline 9 Volt battery stuck in there.

Oh and when you are adjusting your TPS. The floormat is always in the way at WOT.

 

Says the guy working on a 30+ yo car.
MT2500 is a very capable bi-directional scan tool. With the correct cartridges it's adequate for up to 2006 vehicles. In the dealerships when that was new the go to scan tool was a Tech 1.