Autotap

[Rolo]

Anyone use this on a PT?

http://www.autotap.com/


It looks to be a good way to establish a baseline and look for problems early.

[MX-5]

Get a real scanner.
If you want to get serious about the computer controls, you need a professional scan tool.

You can get a good deal from the e-bay sellers.
Look for OTC or MT-2500 (Snap-On). There are others, but those will get you going.

[IRPT]

If anyone is interested:

OTC
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=2451857 310

MT-2500
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tegory=42 291

MT-2500
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=2451785 069

[Rolo]

Thanks for the replies!

I could not find the MT-2500 on Snap-on's site, only the MicroScan, and it seems pretty limited. The OTC looks even less. Is there anything that these scanners do that Autotap does not? (other than requiring a computer, but I like that since there are no logging/memory limitations)

[Alicha]

Autotap is good for one thing...scanning codes. It's worthless for any type of datalogging because the OBDII port is simply too slow to do real logging.

[MX-5]

A real scanner includes TSBs, circuit descriptions, possible causes, access to datastream, recording, airbag, ABS, body control, and TCM data along with engine stuff.
A consumer grade scanner will not read the diagnostic codes that the OEM radio will flag if a speaker shorts out.
How about bi-directional data?
A real scanner allows you to energize relays, advance spark timing, adjust idle speed, turn on cooling fans, .... heck, I can unlock the doors from the scanner.

For $2000, you will get a good scan tool.

Don't ask us,... ask the mechanics around your area.
I'll bet none of them use a PC or PDA based scanner.
Because of the Snap-On easy pay plan, I'll bet the majority of them use the MT-2500 red brick.