OBII code scanner / reader questions

[vallentinerocks]

So I want to invest in one of the OBII SCANNERS on the market, and was wondering if any knowledable folks know the differences in quality amongst them. several on ebay from $25-$60 shipped. i dont mind spending the extra money if they provide more than the cheaper units ( besides the noticable backlighting, buttons and such). i just want to get one that will tell me the correct codes and not one that might not read something down the road. The yellow units look great and look to pack more than the simple black plug and read type. Which type should i get, SUGGEST A MODEL ON MANUFACTURER. should i go for the higher priced units?? thanks

[vallentinerocks]

also, with a 94 3.4 motor, am i gonna need an OBI unit with an OBII connector? i saw that might be the case on a past post. where can i get such a set up if i need this? and what do the big money scan tools for several hundred do compared to these cheaper code readers? I have a friend who owns a smog shop and sure he has one of the more expensive scan tool units. would i be wasting money on a unit under $100 bucks, and maybe just keep taking it to him to run code scans? would like to have a reader of my own if its gonna help me out in the future. thanks.

[BobbyZ72]

Actron super scanner... is the one i use, it allows you to read codes, rpm, cool temp, tps, engine horse power out put, o2 sensers, fuel system...and many many more things. Mine was about $200, plus 30 for the obd1 cable. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Actro...spagenameZWDVW

[slow6]

autozone for free

[BobbyZ72]

Yeah, but all they can do is tell you what the code is saying. With the super scaner you can do soooo much more. I really like mine! The only way it would be better is if i could mount it on my dash constently scrolling and reading iat, rpm, coolant temp, power out put%, tps%, Fuel syster open or closed loop, fans on/off hi/low, intake manifold pressure, o2 voltages, and so much more.

[vallentinerocks]

OK guys, what exactly do i need. i was under the impression that i needed an OBDI UNIT with a 16 pin OBDII adapter plug to plug into my onboard diagostics. My car has the 12 pin plug underneath the dash on the right side of the steering column. So do i need an OBDI (has 12pin plug?) and do i need to add any adapters to it? or do i need an OBDII unit with an OBDI adapter. i am a little confused now. the car is a 1994 with a 3.4 v-6 5 speed. Once again, the plug in the car is a 12 pin. Please tell me what i need for the basic scanning, however, I like the Actron super scanner BobbyZ72 suggested.

[BobbyZ72]

OBDII unit with an OBDI adapter, thats why i recommend the super scaner, it can be adapted to do most any car.

[vallentinerocks]

thanks. been searching for units, seems to me have to spend around 200 bucks for usable unit. OBII only are the low priced ones, cant find any OBI's only, except for cheap specific GM models like you can find in a Walmart. So looking into the Actron Super Scanner and the AutoXray code reader 2000. both say i can use on both OBI and OBII setups and also AutoXray comes with various adapters. can use it on my 94 ford bronco too. that would be great if i need it some day. planning on keeping my bronco for a while. atleast a couple more years. thanks