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'05 V70 Scan Tool, Harbor freight ZR13s

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Faust
Posts: 396
Joined: 04 Jan 2012, 07:22
Year and Model: xc70 2008
Location: MA
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Post by Faust »

I have decided it is finally time to own a scan tool. I am looking at the Harbor Freight ZR13s because it is midrange, and there is a Harbor Freight store 1/2 mile from my house. Any experience with this?

I have never owned a scanner before, so I don't know what features are important. recommendations?
2004 V70
1964 Plymouth Convert (small block)
1967 Dodge Coronet (big block)

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jonesg
Posts: 3697
Joined: 16 Jan 2008, 15:25
Year and Model: 2004 V70
Location: Northern maine.
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Post by jonesg »

useless. never buy anything that uses a battery there.

i would want something bidirectional.
vida is ,my go to , other guys will help with the more capable scanners, foxwell is good i hear,
For me bidirectional control is essential, if your windows don't function you can send a command to see if the window responds, that zeros in on either motor or circuit problems. vida obviously does that.

i also have the cheap elm 327 wifi dongle for my smartphone, it reads codes and graphs o2 sensor efficiency plus fuel trims , very capable for $14 amazon. i just leave it plugged in all the time, doesn't use battery power. torque software is free , download and it will set up and find the dongle and connect.
I monitor turbo boost, battery, coolant temp rpm, all the time on its home screen. i can see systems are normal at a glance.


https://www.amazon.com/Launchh-Professi ... 243&sr=8-5

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volvolugnut
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Year and Model: 2001 V70
Location: Oklahoma USA
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Post by volvolugnut »

It is important to get a scanner that is compatible with your vehicle. Not all scanners read and clear codes for all makes and models. Reading life data for fuel trim and other monitors is important for troubleshooting.
But if you just want to read the general codes, cheap may be OK.
volvolugnut
The Fleet:
Volvo: 2001 V70 T5, 1986 244DL, 1983 245DL, 1975 245DL, 1959 PV544, multiple Volvo parts cars.
Mercedes: 2001 E320, 1973 280, 1974 280C, 1989 300E, 1988 300TE, 1979 300TD, parts cars.
2009 Smart Passion
Ford: 1977 F350, 1964 F150 (2), 1938 Tudor Sedan
Farmall tractors: 1956 400 Diesel, 1946 A
John Deere 214 lawn tractor about 1977 model
And others.

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