What software is the "right software"? I'm pretty interested in ordering this. Does this only scan you truck or does it do more?

 

i know on some of the older dodges with obd I u have to turn the key to the acc and off like 5 times then the check engine light will flash the code i did it once on a 95 ram van

 

All 95 Rams are like that, OBD II started on all car and trucks in 1996.

 

^ Never forget that for at least Dodge, their "OBDII" wasn't full blown. It was a hybrid of sorts. Basically an OBDI with some extra sensors.

As for the key trick, it does work on the older rams, but you have to count how many times the light flashes which can get tedious after a about 40 flashes or so.

As for the laptop connection, I personally think it would pretty well be a waste of time unless you need to really get into tuning with boost, nos and the like.

 

usb scantools are just like handheld scantools, minus the portability.they clear codes and read data,not for tuning{some tune but thats $$$}.bonus is you get big screen for reading data and most people already have a laptop.we use usb scan tools on large trucks.manufacturer just sends out a new disk for each new brand of equipment.but it is a pita to have to haul laptop gear just to pull a code.

 

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=99722

This is the one I bought on Saturday. Had a 20% off coupon, so I was able to walk out of there with the scanner and a set of 6-ton jackstands for $112.

 

its honestly not worth the money to buy a scanner for an OBDI computer. if you turn the key on and off 3 times, and look on a chart, it will you tell you exactly whats wrong. and its not going to flash 40 times. it only stores like 2 or 3 codes at a time. and i think waiting the 30 seconds for it to go, is worth waiting then paying a load of money for something to scan the computer when i can just interpret a flashing code. i'll even give you the site for the code sheet:

http://dodgeram.info/Engine-Gas/OBDI/pcm_fault_code.htm

 

Ummm...I have a Dodge, a Chevy, and a Hyundai. For me a scanner is a good idea. Quick and easy to use, and can plug it into my laptop for detailed information.

 

same here! My Ram, wife's Blazer, and my ol work car a 99 Accent. The Hyundai was the best $500 I ever spent haha just can't kill that thing, and I drive it like I stole it. I'm much easier on my truck

 

My scanner came with a software disc, with scantool.net program. It's a very basic program that lets you check and erase codes, and monitor a few sensors. I have ProScan 5.0 on my comp right now. This is a fully featured program that shops use. Does the basic code reading of course, but also monitors and records pretty much everything that is goin on under the hood. You can do a complete diagnosis on a vehicle, and it will generate a detailed report of the tests etc. It even has a built in dragstrip and dyno, although it would never be as accurate as a chassis dyno. Actually, on my first attempt at the dyno, it showed my truck had somethin like 930hp and 1100 somethin ft lbs of torque haha... this was before I adjusted any settings like gear ratios tire sizes etc. So I'm gonna give it another go sometime....

As for what vehicles it scans, so far I have done my Ram, Blazer, and Hyundai, my dads 96 Dakota and a few others without any problems. I plan to pick up a handheld scanner just for reading codes easier without all the wires and draggin a laptop with me. It's nice to have this one though.

edit: here's my record setting run hahaha: