Code Scanners,tools

[A+]

i dont know much about these things. Ive been having some issues with my GM car. Its traction controll has been going nuts. I read it might be some wheel sensor or SOME kind of sensor. Is there a scanner that doesnt cost 1million dollars that will tell me what is wrong with my car?

[scootro]

go to the parts store and use theirs to check a code out! thats the cheap way

[A+]

go to the parts store and use theirs to check a code out! thats the cheap way

I thought all they could do is check engine lights?

[JimD]

The cheap ones dont read abs codes.

[BP]

You need something that'll show the actual data stream, the $80 Actron scanners only read OBD2 codes. Codes will only get you so far though. I'd look at the wheel speed sensors and harnesses, usually one of the wires will be chaffed or the sensor cracked. It'd be easy to see with a scan tool though since that corner won't be registering the same speed as the others.

[A+]

It has to be one of those sensors but I have checked them all and they look Fine. I'm sure they're not all bad so I wish I knew witch ones to replace. It'd be nice to have a good scan tool at home. I bet the ones that read abs codes cost a good amount.

[BP]

You can also use a DVOM across the terminals, as the wheel rotates it'll generate a .5 volt sine wave. You need an oscilloscope to correctly check the wave but the DVOM will tell you if the ckt is open or not. It'd still be easier to use a scanner though than checking each harness and sensor individually. I'd start with the fronts though, they move the most and the harnesses tend to wear out sooner.