Hello all,

2004 MC SS Supercharged

Can you recommend DIY scan tool that will read ABS codes? ($150-250 budget???)

I have some issue with ABS/Traction but want to figure out where it comes from:

From tine to time, starting from stop, just releasing brake pedal, TC light goes on and hear ABS module working, sometime when driving Service TC, ABS light and Track off lights go on on dash. After switch off and back on, lights disapear.

I have similar problem years ago. I need to change front wheel hub, but that time it was clear which wheel is problematic.

Thanks a lot for you help,
Ivo

 

Id check out Autel. A lot of DIY and semi pro folks are using them these days. Supposedly you can get that functionality down as far as the AL549 (about $70), but Id double check compatability on their website first as Ive not used that specific model (I wanted to do other stuff also, so I got a higher end Autel).

 

Thanks bumpin96monte,

I have another American car (2007 GMC Yukon XL), I am in Bulgaria. So, I could go with some more advanced model to read both cars.

Unfortunately, what is sold here is mostly for Euro and Japan cars.

Thanks,
Ivo

 

Definitely worth poking around their site. They're trying to be a one stop shop for that kind of tool - basic scanners down to $22 (codes only, no ABS), up to $6k shop level units. Id just caution to read the application years and features to make sure stepping up is worthwhile for the things you'll do with it. I'll admit I overspent / over bought as the added bells and whistles sounded good at the time, but were things Im not actually using in the real world - especially on features unique to other brands (as it's universal).


One other option specific to GM - the OEM tool at the time wouldve been the tech2. While those are absurdly expensive, there has been a niche market spring up after they fell out of use in the early 2010s to make knockoff clones. Even a clone is out of your budget, but there are now cheaper clones that do everything via software emulation on a laptop instead of being baked into a handheld device (as it saves almost all of the hardware cost).

VXDIAG has been one of the big clone makers for years now, has released the VCX Nano for about $150. It supposedly lets you do all of the Tech2 stuff via their supplied adapter + software using your laptop to run it.

Ive not personally tried it (but I have used their clone unit), but it's another option if your use case is GM specific - especially in that year range. It gives you access to all of the diagnostics and service capability a GM tech wouldve been able to do back when the car was new.