Some time ago i replaced the 2 cam solenoids as my CEL and TC light would come on periodically. All has been good since.

Recently the CEL light has tripped again, not sure why? I am thinking about picking up a scan tool so I can diagnose. Are the $80 units good enough for my needs?


I was looking at this one:
http://www.mechanicstoolswarehouse.c...r-P185845.aspx

 

I think anyone with an HHR should keep in the car a scanner and a digital voltmeter in I have had no codes for several years maybe because I keep them in my HHR, maybe the codes are scared to light up???

 

hhrted - I would be a bit leery with one of those (most reviews of it are positive, but I did find one that they said it would not connect to GM, but it might have been faulty). Me, I'd stick with a better known brand such as Innova - http://www.canobd2.com/en-US/Product/Tools.

I picked mine up from Canadian Tire when it came on sale for something like 1/2 price. Oh cool - I just checked Canadian Tire - and they have it on sale here for 1/2 off - http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brows....jsp?locale=en. I believe it is the unit I have and it works well, and is nice and rugged.

it does not diagnose ABS problems which is pretty typical for the price point.

Jay - which one do you have?

(disclaimer - I have NO affiliation with Canadian Tire, other than as a Customer - LOL)

 

I have the INNOVA 3100, Ckecked the price on Amazon printed a copy and took it Wal-Mart talked to the Mgr. and he matched the price and bought it from Wal-Mart in stock $82.00 at least 3 years ago.

 

I bought a cheap one called autel and it just reads the code and you can turn off your cel good enough for me ,don't have to run to autozone to read it, and found it on amazon if that helps..

 

jay - LOL - you beat the price I paid!!!! But then again........ you are cheap!!!

Sorry, gotta run - got to go pick up some pop cans from the park for pocket money!!!

 

Ahh, that is likely the one the OP is looking at. Good to know it works ok for you.

 

Now I know how you can afford to change your OIL every day.

 

I got a ELM 327 bluetooth for $12 on Ebay, it interfaces with my smart phone Torque is free app. You can read and clear codes. The only problem is it took 3 tries to get one that worked, but free shipping and good money back service was ok.

 

I just picked up a toptqk off ebay, $41, reads, clears, live data. Does what I need it to do.