Hi all, Repins922010-12-26 18:30:19

have never used any of the ones that are sold in the auto stores. i have a snapon and an otc genesys but both were over 500. if there is and autozone they check your codes for free, maybe you can see what they use.

There are some lower priced code readers out there, and most do have code definitions as part of the software. The real problem is finding one that will communicate with ALL of the modules on the '96 effectively. Some will NOT do anything with the ABS/Traction control, or the HVAC system. A little research should turn up one that will fit the bill, without draining the bank account. There are some really good programs for lap-tops out there, too, that will read/define codes, as well as give troubleshooting info.
It's early in da morning, so I have nothing specific at the top of me head, but I can look....

Gents,

That looks like a great deal, to me. Doesn't have any troubleshooting info/guides, but...the Factory Service Manual(you DO have one, right?) will have that, as long as you can get the codes, and look at some live data.
The Equus Innova 3150 CanOBD2 + ABS Diagnostic Tool is a little more informative, as it does have some troubleshooting capabilities, and info, and it's only a few dollars more...and it does ABS.

[QUOTE=Adams' Apple]That looks like a great deal, to me. Doesn't have any troubleshooting info/guides, but...the Factory Service Manual(you DO have one, right?) will have that, as long as you can get the codes, and look at some live data.
The Equus Innova 3150 CanOBD2 + ABS Diagnostic Tool is a little more informative, as it does have some troubleshooting capabilities, and info, and it's only a few dollars more...and it does ABS.
[/QUOTE] With all the talk about spending $500, I figured I would just stay quiet about mine, but the one you just posted is the one I have, And I found it at Wal-mart for $129.00 about 7 or 8 mos ago. I had codes pop up on my Ford Sport Trac and it hooked up and ran well. It comes with computer software and it gives you the code and a description. I am NO Mechanic, which anyone that has read any of my post already knows, but it gives you a great idea of where to start. My brother-in-law (Who actually is a mechanic) did't trust my little "Harry home owner diagnostic tool" so he brought in his big ole $2000.00 Snap on reader, and got the same info as mine. I did have fun with that for several days....

Most folks don't really need a high-powered scammer. The ones listed above will work just fine, in most cases. I have 3 different ones myself, but...I'm an automotive technician by trade, so...
I have an OTC Enhanced Monitor 4, and the trusty old Snappy MT2500 brick. I use these at home, for my own vehicles.
Our Snap-On MODIS cost over $5000, but it also has a scope built in, as well as being able to do waaaaay more stuff than the lower priced units(Bi-directional control, and such).

There's nothing wrong with the Innova scammers at all, and the price is just right.

[QUOTE=Adams' Apple]Our Snap-On MODIS cost over $5000, but it also has a scope built in, as well as being able to do waaaaay more stuff than the lower priced units(Bi-directional control, and such).
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with all my talk about spending 500.00, i did buy a couple of the lower priced scanners but they wouldn't communicate with obd1. now there may have been some improvements on them but if they are reading an obdii vehicle they might be on the money. trooper, you said it worked great on your sport trac, how did it work on the corvette?

The '96 would be an OBDII set-up anyway, so any of the new scammers would work on it... Most of the affordable ones now will only do OBDII, which sux for the guys with the older cars.