Suggestions for a Decent ODB2 Unit?

[Marc Marc]

Looking to get an ODB2 for my 2013 Yukon Denali Hybrid (that now has 200K miles on it; original owner). I travel with it a lot, so would like to have something that basically let's me know what codes I am throwing, and possibly clearing the codes after simple fixes. I don't do major repairs myself. Any suggestions would be timely as I am sure prices would be competitive now. Thanks for any advice!

 

[Jason in DLH]

I initially started with a BlueDriver, but unfortunately came to realize it won’t read SRS codes for my Yukon which I was having, so opted for a Innova 5510. I’m happy with both. I keep the BlueDriver in the daily driver and keep the Innova at home. I’ve heard lots of people mention a Tech 2. If I remember correctly you need Microsoft Windows or a laptop or something like that for that to work.

How much you looking to spend? BlueDriver was $100 and Innova $250.

 

[Marc Marc]

I can afford a good one, if the features justify the price for a vehicle that has unknown life remaining. I need help figuring out the benefits vs. cost.

 

[George B]

I initially started with a BlueDriver, but unfortunately came to realize it won’t read SRS codes for my Yukon which I was having, so opted for a Innova 5510. I’m happy with both. I keep the BlueDriver in the daily driver and keep the Innova at home. I’ve heard lots of people mention a Tech 2. If I remember correctly you need Microsoft Windows or a laptop or something like that for that to work.

How much you looking to spend? BlueDriver was $100 and Innova $250.

The laptop is not required for diagnostics with the tech2 but is required if you want to program modules.

 

[Danny3737]

Tech 2 seems to be the way to go. I use a Pro Launch 90 and it’s worked very well for all my cars and a few neighbors

 

[George B]

I have been impressed by some of the units by Autel but it gets pricey when you start getting into bidirectional control capabilities.

 

[Dantheman1540]

I use an ultra gauge 2, its cheap small and very handy to check and clear codes. Not much beyond that but for the price its hard to complain.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Tech 2 is the way to go. You can get a fully functional knock-off Tech 2 for about $350, sometimes less. Then with a $40 per year subscription to ACDelco TDS, you can program modules to the latest GM software updates, and for most applications, you won't need to use a separate computer. I recently needed to replace my BCM, due to a hardware failure, and using the Tech 2 and ACDelco TDS, the job went smoothly.

 

[Doubeleive]

tech2 chinacardiags sells them, it's a chinese ran website but they are legit and have good customer service, or you can find them on Ebay also I can't recommend any other website.

 

[Just Fishing]

Small learning curve for the tech2, just an fyi.

If your just looking to read codes, there are other more basic options out there.

I forget the brand of my scan tool, but it's excellent.
(If i had shoes on i would go into the garage and grab it lol)

Main thing is to ensure it reads ABS and SRS.
I bought mine after AutoZone, Napa, etc. were unable to read an ABS code for me.

It also does the state Emission check, Handy to be sure i have everything in the "Ready" status before i go in for inspection...


That said, i have the Tech2 clone, and i love it.
Reads everything.
You can even do silly things like fold one mirror at a time manually while watching modules for errors.

 

[Marc Marc]

Small learning curve for the tech2, just an fyi.

If your just looking to read codes, there are other more basic options out there.

I forget the brand of my scan tool, but it's excellent.
(If i had shoes on i would go into the garage and grab it lol)

Main thing is to ensure it reads ABS and SRS.
I bought mine after AutoZone, Napa, etc. were unable to read an ABS code for me.

It also does the state Emission check, Handy to be sure i have everything in the "Ready" status before i go in for inspection...


That said, i have the Tech2 clone, and i love it.
Reads everything.
You can even do silly things like fold one mirror at a time manually while watching modules for errors.

Thanks! Since I have over 200K miles now, and not sure how much longer before I am in something brand new, I likely will just get something simple to read the codes. Next time it is convenient please post the make/model for your scan tool. Happy New Year!