I'm looking into PC based scantools for troubleshooting purposes, this is just for my own use and not a shop/production type environment. I'm wanting capability to look at individual sensor inputs in a real time basis. Who's had experience with this style cable/software setup and what would you recommend to get or stay away from?
I've got autoenginuity. I bought the domestic bundle so it does basic obdII and Chrysler, GM, and Ford specific functions. It was a little bit glitchy on my older laptop but it seems to run great on my newer (2008 or 09 model) one. At work I use an OTC Genesys or a Mac tools scanner. Auto Enginuity actually does a little more than they do. I bought it to diagnose a bad injector on my 6.0 powerstroke. It does cylinder contribution (power balance) on fords and I think GM. You can use it to program keys and keyfobs, adjust tire sizes and a lot of other things. On my powerstroke I can have it engage the cooling fan or variable turbo actuator, I can kill cylinders one at a time to find a skip, and more.
If I recall it was $700 or so for the hardware and software when I bought it for domestic. Asian or European bundles were the same or you could double up for $1200 or get all for $1500. That was a few years ago so price may be different now. It can be updated too as the years go by if you buy a newer vehicle.
