Good code scanner for the CRD?

Goglio704 · **Posted:** Wed May 17, 2006 8:09 pm

I would like to get a good code scanner for the CRD. I know the CRD has an OBD2 port, but doesn't it also have a CAN port? I want a scanner that knows all, sees all - so to speak. I have looked at this, and while I like the idea of it doubling as a gauge cluster, it doesn't look like it goes very deep. If you read the fine print it mentions some parameters not a being available on our diesel Jeeps.

http://www.linear-logic.com/

Any suggestions or first hand accounts?

oldnavy · **Posted:** Wed May 17, 2006 8:18 pm

Goglio704 wrote:

I would like to get a good code scanner for the CRD. I know the CRD has an OBD2 port, but doesn't it also have a CAN port? I want a scanner that knows all, sees all - so to speak. I have looked at this, and while I like the idea of it doubling as a gauge cluster, it doesn't look like it goes very deep. If you read the fine print it mentions some parameters not a being available on our diesel Jeeps.

http://www.linear-logic.com/

Any suggestions or first hand accounts?

I hjave an older version and they work great, the new one reads more then mine does. Mine doesn't read boost and something else that excapes me now. I have been thinking about seeing if they will do an upgrade trade.

Goglio704 · **Posted:** Wed May 17, 2006 8:22 pm

"I hjave an older version and they work great, the new one reads more then mine does. Mine doesn't read boost and something else that excapes me now. I have been thinking about seeing if they will do an upgrade trade."

An older version of the linear-logic product? Or something else.

oldnavy · **Posted:** Wed May 17, 2006 9:25 pm

Goglio704 wrote:

"I hjave an older version and they work great, the new one reads more then mine does. Mine doesn't read boost and something else that excapes me now. I have been thinking about seeing if they will do an upgrade trade."

An older version of the linear-logic product? Or something else.

The Linear-Logic, isn't that what we/you were talking about???

Goglio704 · **Posted:** Wed May 17, 2006 9:32 pm

Yeah, that is it. Just wanted to be sure we were talking about the same thing. Like I said before I like the concept, but I wish it had more data points it could access. A thermocouple input would be great! EGT would be enough to make me buy one. I wouldn't object to more of a diagnostic tool like the dealer uses, but I have no clue what a good brand would be.

oldnavy · **Posted:** Wed May 17, 2006 10:48 pm

Goglio704 wrote:

Yeah, that is it. Just wanted to be sure we were talking about the same thing. Like I said before I like the concept, but I wish it had more data points it could access. A thermocouple input would be great! EGT would be enough to make me buy one. I wouldn't object to more of a diagnostic tool like the dealer uses, but I have no clue what a good brand would be.

You are talking big bucks, too many 0's for my blood.

Goglio704 · **Posted:** Thu May 18, 2006 2:16 pm

oldnavy wrote:

Goglio704 wrote:

Yeah, that is it. Just wanted to be sure we were talking about the same thing. Like I said before I like the concept, but I wish it had more data points it could access. A thermocouple input would be great! EGT would be enough to make me buy one. I wouldn't object to more of a diagnostic tool like the dealer uses, but I have no clue what a good brand would be.

You are talking big bucks, too many 0's for my blood.

The SnapOn unit is $500 bucks, that is only two 0's. :wink:

If a SnapOn is $500, I'd think somebody makes something serviceable for two or three hundred. That wouldn't be too steep for a vehicle with a $200 diff cover would it?

oldnavy · **Posted:** Thu May 18, 2006 4:37 pm

I have been told that the SnapOn isn't worth half what they are asking, and that from a friend who runs a indy garage. I don't really know what the deal is with the SnapOn other then price, but I didn't get into too much detail. He was complaining about how mfg's are cutting them out on the new cars, where they often just require flashes for fix to a problem and they can't afford the $$$$ for that. MB Starnet is $4500 for Starscan and I have heard as low as $1500 a month for the updating service required for all the new stuff with CAN-II system.

Goglio704 · **Posted:** Thu May 18, 2006 6:08 pm

Yeah, the deeper I dig into this the more confusing it gets. I've never used one of these scanners, so I don't have a frame of reference. Apparently some of them will just show you the fault codes and others will give you access to every piece of info the computer has. I can see where it would get very expensive for a small shop. I emailed the scangauge people asking what exacty their unit would display on the CRD. No answer. Not outstanding customer service, but I think the new model was just released and they may be covered up. I suspect the CAN bus is what is muddying the water. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the computer for the engine uses the CAN protocol? Software for a laptop and some kind of adapter would be another option for me for diagnostics, but better instrumentation is really what I'm after. I just can't see adding enough gauge pods for everything I want. Plus, it's kinda a waste to add a separate sender and gauge to view a parameter the computer(s) is already aware of. Oil pressure and EGT are my highest priorities, but those two items will be hard enough to find homes for. Something like a scangage display that would read several sending units and display the info would be great. Simply reading the computer isn't the whole answer because it doesn't know EGT and I don't think it knows oil pressure. Pretty sure the oil pressure sender is just an idiot light driver on the CRD.

oldnavy · **Posted:** Thu May 18, 2006 7:17 pm

Man after looking over the ScanGage site I will be buying/upgrading my old unit for this one due out in August. I like the ability to interface with the laptop for data logging, field upgrades, and data downlogs

onthehunt · **Posted:** Thu May 18, 2006 7:29 pm

Scanners are really becoming a thing of the past, at least in diesel shops. Most use a laptop with manufacture specific software. Connectors are included with software. Updates are sent to you in the mail, usually every quarter. You can't do much with a scanner anymore. They become obsolete very quickly and are expensive to begin with. Not that Cummins or Cat software is any cheaper but at least it's constantly being improved. Remember the huge scopes they used to have in garages!!?? The size of a large toolbox!! Then came the scanners to do everything those scopes did except 1/16 the size. Software on a laptop is fast replacing scanners. I wouldn't buy a scanner unless it is really, really cheap. I have a OTC diesel scanner at home that I payed $1000 for used. Now it's not worth anything and just reads generic codes. I consider it one of the worst tool investments I ever made. Maybe I can use it on my liberty?? I don't think I have the right connectors though. They might cost more than the scanner is worth. See the problem???

oldnavy · **Posted:** Thu May 18, 2006 7:50 pm

That is what makes the Scangage worth the money. It is 14 gages, reads and can erase codes, but the newest version coming out in Aug will interface with my laptop by USB.

Goglio704 · **Posted:** Thu May 18, 2006 7:58 pm

oldnavy wrote:

That is what makes the Scangage worth the money. It is 14 gages, reads and can erase codes, but the newest version coming out in Aug will interface with my laptop by USB.

I just wish they would tell me exactly what works and what doesn't on the CRD. If you look under FAQ/incompatibilities on their site they leave themselves a loophole big enough to drive a Jeep through...

"Jeep Liberty with the diesel engine does not report fuel use or trip functions and some of the gauges."

I would hate to wind up with just a voltmeter, speedo, and tach - I've already got two out of the three. Got a temp gauge too, but it doesn't read in numbers of course. ScanGauge does offer a moneyback guarantee, might have to try it. If they got enough requests for the CRD they might fix it if they could see a market. The way I read the ScanGauge site I think the current unit will interface to a computer, but they don't have the interface for sale yet. Software on a laptop for the CRD would be great for diagnostics.

oldnavy · **Posted:** Thu May 18, 2006 8:30 pm

I think open/closed loop and Ignition timing are only ones that won't work on CRD, wonder why? I think the boost gage recycles in the ECU and has to be recycled in the ScanGage.

Goglio704 · **Posted:** Thu May 18, 2006 8:38 pm

oldnavy wrote:

I think open/closed loop and Ignition timing are only ones that won't work on CRD, wonder why? I think the boost gage recycles in the ECU and has to be recycled in the ScanGage.

If that's all it is I can certainly live with that. Fudge! 'nother shiny toy to wish for. :wink:

Good code scanner for the CRD?

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