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Best code reader for ABS?

eluther3

Full Member
Joined
Aug 14, 2021
Messages
27
Bought a 2004 Avalanche at auction and I have been bringing it back to life. One of the last projects was repairing the instrument cluster. I removed and took it into the shop to be rebuilt. As I went to pick it up, the technician said he had something to show me. He brought out the old cluster and showed where the ABS light had been taped over!

Sure enough, when I installed the repaired cluster, the ABS light was lit. Repaired the ABS control module, but the light is still lit.

I have a Foxwell NT510 scanner that worked well for the engine, but can't read the ABS codes. Getting ready to buy another scanner, but want to make sure I get one that works well with the Avalanche.

Would be interested in hearing which scanners you use and how they work, particularly with ABS codes?
 
The BlueDriver is quite popular and feature laden: https://www.amazon.com/BlueDriver-Bluetooth-Professional-iPhone-Android/dp/B00652G4TS/

If you want an all-in-one (instead of using an app on your phone like the BlueDriver), Innova makes a whole series of scan tools. This Innova is on the cheaper side, but they make more expensive (and more features) versions: https://www.amazon.com/INNOVA-CarScan-Pro-5110-RepairSolutions2/dp/B07Z46KNLR/

And just to note, your local Autozone, Advance Auto and/or Oreilly will likely scan ABS codes for free. But, this sounds like the perfect excuse to buy a new tool!
 
My Foxwell NT520 reads all the control modules including ABS. I like it pretty well. I thought the 510 did the same. Are you sure it doesn't?
 
Don't know about the others but for me, after researching way too long the best scanner I found for the money is this Autel sold by Wally World as HyperTough ($10 less than Autel on Amazon). It reads the ABS and just about everything else.


www.walmart.com

HyperTough HT200 OBD2 Bluetooth Automotive All Systems Scan Code Reader - Walmart.com

HyperTough HT200 OBD2 Bluetooth Automotive All Systems Scan Code Reader at Walmart.com


It uses Autel's full diagnostic software, does all the resets your truck "can" and works great. It will take you a little "education" time but once you are familiar with it, it has and does just about everything for $50. It comes with one manufacturer software package, you choose, so of course you would get the GM package. You can buy other manufacturer packages for $20 each. So even if you need another package or two, it is still well worth the money.
 
The BlueDriver is quite popular and feature laden: https://www.amazon.com/BlueDriver-Bluetooth-Professional-iPhone-Android/dp/B00652G4TS/

If you want an all-in-one (instead of using an app on your phone like the BlueDriver), Innova makes a whole series of scan tools. This Innova is on the cheaper side, but they make more expensive (and more features) versions: https://www.amazon.com/INNOVA-CarScan-Pro-5110-RepairSolutions2/dp/B07Z46KNLR/

And just to note, your local Autozone, Advance Auto and/or Oreilly will likely scan ABS codes for free. But, this sounds like the perfect excuse to buy a new tool!
FYI - I went to Autozone for a scan. First they told me their scan didn't read ABS. Then, after they (grudgingly) scanned the basically gave me a code that said the ABS system had a fault (Duh!). Total waste of time!
 
My Foxwell NT520 reads all the control modules including ABS. I like it pretty well. I thought the 510 did the same. Are you sure it doesn't?
I'm not sure it doesn't. Some of the manuals say it will, but it won't give me any info. I suspect it may be an update I need to do, but I can't get anyone from Foxwell to answer any questions for me. Poor customer service.
 
INNOVA!

Had mine for decade or so and then decided to upgrade whicvh is basically ship back old one for discount on new one which is fine by me.

Not the cheapest but rugged and always works on any brand car/truck with OBD.

Different models for what you need.
 
Gave me the codes, but I' m thinking I need to upgrade. This model reads code but doesn't bleed the brakes. Should have thought of that before I bought it.
 
AFAIK the Vident I-link 400 scanners are the least expensive ones that will do the brake bleed. I have one.
 
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