The AutoScanner Plus from...
The AutoScanner Plus from Actron will access most late model vehicles engine control modules (computers) as well as ABS modules and has an MSRP of $251.99.
Recently we reluctantly paid a $400 tow bill to have our broken-down truck and trailer towed home from a campsite. Once home we borrowed a buddy’s vehicle code scanner and as it turned out, the culprit was a $25 part that takes ten minutes to change and was available at a parts shop across the street from camp. Ouch.
Had we possessed a scanner, we could have replaced the part ourselves and dodged the painful tow bill. Humiliated and broke, we vowed never again, and the search for a good code scanner was on.
There are dozens and dozens of scanners out there and after hours of searching and comparing we found the AutoScanner Plus from Actron was the best fit for us and any RVer. The AutoScanner Plus can read and display most vehicles’ codes, like other scanners. It goes the extra mile by having the ability to display real time data and record it plus this scanner will help diagnose your problem with its built in database of recommended fixes. It truly is a mechanic in a box.
In 1996 the automotive industry...
In 1996 the automotive industry changed their diagnostic/operating systems to OBD II or On Board Diagnostics, second edition. For most vehicles, RV’s included, the diagnostic plug can be found under the driver’s side dash. Once we located ours we plugged the AutoScanner Plus in and followed it’s on-screen directions. If your vehicle is older than 1996, Actron has an adaptor to allow the AutoScanner Plus to read your codes too.
Once the scanner had finished...
Once the scanner had finished its initial tests it came up with a trouble code advising us of an exhaust back pressure sensor fault.
The main reason we chose this...
The main reason we chose this scanner was for its Code Connect feature. Actron has a database of over three million verified fixes for trouble codes. This database comes already installed in the AutoScanner Plus and is also up-datable via the internet and a supplied USB cord. In our case it recommended two common fixes. We went down the list of fixes and found, just like the scanner recommended, a clogged sensor tube.
Once we fixed our problem...
Once we fixed our problem and cleared the codes with the Actron scanner we went for a test drive. Post test drive we hooked up the scanner and rechecked the computer for codes. “No codes found.” Just what we were hoping for!