At 10:02 AM 6/13/00 -0700, you wrote:
>I noticed that a few of you have scanners for your truck. For those of you
>that bought the scanners for personal use on your own or friends' vehicles,
>what kind did you buy and how much and what are its shortcomings if any? In
>short, does it do all that you want it to? Thanks a lot folks.
>Ron 00 SLT QC 4X2 5.9 3.55 LSD
I've got the high end OTC scanner with software cartridges and hardware
cables and connectors capable of doing diagnostics, tests and limited
number of
resets on all Chrysler, GM and most Ford vehicles from '79 to '98 ... very
expensive
(~$1300 US retail). I was lucky and able to get it for less than that in
CDN $.
My immediate family has 4 Dodges ranging from '85 to '97 that it is used on.
For about $300 U.S. more, there is a one-up model capable of flashing
in updated computer fixes, if called for in TSBs. The updated computer
program
is downloaded free from the company's designated site via PC and scanner
hookup. This model has an unique, encrypted id which will allow the flash
program
to be download from the site.
Current scanner s/w cartridges are available for '99 models but for 2000
models
as yet (~600 U.S.).
Only shorcoming that I can see is that stored data is in a proprietary format
and cannot be saved and later viewed on a PC. There is an optional 'portable'
printer in which you can get a hardcopy of the data though. Also, there is an
optional VDT/PC terminal hookup and associated s/w for larger viewing in
tabular
and graphical displays. Price may be considered a shortcoming but not if
you've
got numerous vehicles from any of the formerly big 3, N.A. car companies.
Bob
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