Which scan tool can open and close solenoid?

[vikasevan]

I am trying to troubleshoot EVAP system and looking for a little advanced scan tool which can open and close evap vent solenoid or (other solenoid ) in future.

Which scan tool can perform this action?

[laser3kw]

If you are looking for a name, I can't help.
But, do a search for "bi-directional scan tools" and do some reading. There are alot of choices. Always consider future needs when buying.
And, as always, make sure it will do Saturns

[Macgyver]

My Autel can do it no problem - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LPIRY6E/

[TomM96]

The market for (automotive) 'diagnostic tools' is now split into

Professional/DIY

some Subscription services

hardware interface modules

SW packages which run on phone/tablet/PC
(and require separate hardware interface + phone/tablet/PC)

Integrated (complete) diagnostic tools, as Autel or TechII

The TechII originally had a price like the Autel, but 'clones' have been available for 15 years, with reasonable (but not guaranteed) performance. The TechII was the GM/OEM tool from the 1990s. Its interface became obsolete for cars made after 2013, i think; but it can still be used with some extra interface.

Some links to get an idea, if you've plenty time, follow.
It might be good to search for diagnostic tool reviews.

http://www.uobdii.com/
http://www.uobdii.com/wholesale/car-diagnostic-tool/
http://www.uobdii.com/wholesale/obd2-code-scanner/
http://www.uobdii.com/wholesale/car-...stic-software/

As noted above, many such tools have application limited to certain vehicle
brands.

This forum once had threads, as "PC scanners".... The results have not yet crowned a winner, in terms of value (to my knowledge).

[vikasevan]

Originally Posted by TomM96

The market for (automotive) 'diagnostic tools' is now split into


Integrated (complete) diagnostic tools, as Autel or TechII

The TechII originally had a price like the Autel, but 'clones' have been available for 15 years,

This forum once had threads, as "PC scanners".... The results have not yet crowned a winner, in terms of value (to my knowledge).

You said tech II clones ...what is the most reliable yet inexpensive source to buy this clone?
and once we buy clone..do we still need yearly subscription and can we get those updates on clone?

[fetchitfido]

For $120 you can get a VXDIAG VCX Nano.
It comes with a Virtual Machine on a DVD pretty much set to go for anything Tech II you need to do and if you're tech savvy there's expansion options available online.

Won't do you any good if you don't have a laptop, but no sub $500 standalone tool is going to do what you want even if it's used anyway (okay, sure...iffy on the used market bit).

[vikasevan]

Originally Posted by fetchitfido

For $120 you can get a VXDIAG VCX Nano.
It comes with a Virtual Machine on a DVD pretty much set to go for anything Tech II you need to do and if you're tech savvy there's expansion options available online.

Won't do you any good if you don't have a laptop, but no sub $500 standalone tool is going to do what you want even if it's used anyway (okay, sure...iffy on the used market bit).

Of course I have a laptop ..but I am little confused here...once I buy the device you suggested ...what else do I need? what it has to do with tech II?

[ultravioletnk]

Originally Posted by fetchitfido

For $120 you can get a VXDIAG VCX Nano.
It comes with a Virtual Machine on a DVD pretty much set to go for anything Tech II you need to do and if you're tech savvy there's expansion options available online.

Won't do you any good if you don't have a laptop, but no sub $500 standalone tool is going to do what you want even if it's used anyway (okay, sure...iffy on the used market bit).

i take it you have one of those tools?

[RobertGary1]

Originally Posted by vikasevan

Of course I have a laptop ..but I am little confused here...once I buy the device you suggested ...what else do I need? what it has to do with tech II?

Back in dinosaur days the tech II was a physical box that plugged into the port. Today GM uses Tech2Win which is software. It requires a MDI connector between the car and the PC. vxDiag sells the MDI and also offers a hacked version of the tech2win. It actually works well and does all the bidirectional stuff. However since the cable is a real MDI clone actual GM software works. So if you wanted to get the acdelco diy subscription for tech2win you could. And you can even buy a package for around $50 that lets you update software, replace computer modules etx for a single vehicle.

-Robert

[termite]

I recently got the XTOOL D7 scanner from Amazon for around $475. I first saw it demonstrated on The Car Care Nut YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tUBSwsZjU8 He has a link in the description to Amazon to purchase it. He also has a 10% Off Promo Code : XTOOLCODE
I was able to use it to diagnose a GM wrench code on my SC2. I also used it to program a new remote for my "01 Saturn which in the past I would have to go to the dealer. It has free updates for the first three years. It updates wirelessly to your network. Check out his demo!

[jbaron76]

Originally Posted by termite

I recently got the XTOOL D7 scanner from Amazon for around $475. I first saw it demonstrated on The Car Care Nut YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tUBSwsZjU8 He has a link in the description to Amazon to purchase it. He also has a 10% Off Promo Code : XTOOLCODE
I was able to use it to diagnose a GM wrench code on my SC2. I also used it to program a new remote for my "01 Saturn which in the past I would have to go to the dealer. It has free updates for the first three years. It updates wirelessly to your network. Check out his demo!

After the 3 years are up, do you have to pay just to use it, or is the fee just for keeping it updated?

[fdryer]

jbaron76, if your car is an L300 V6, you should read post #6 from fetchitfido suggesting VCX NANO at much lower cost. I have one and it requires either a laptop or pc with comm
cables. It's a clone of GMs Tech II scantool. Decoded my wrench codes and programmed spare remotes. It's bi-directional; can send commands like test the instrument panel by turning on every indicator and move gauge needles. It can do more. No updating needed.