I have a 97 xj and i need an OBD tool..the problem is i don't know which one to get..can't get it to AutoZone for the free check..besides i want my own

 

You need an OBD II code reader. Everything 96 and later uses OBD II. I picked one up from Harbor Freight, forget the price but it was years ago and continues to work fine. Make sure you get one that can also clear codes, some of them are just readers and won't remove the code after it has been read.

 

Great thanks very much..

 

A lot of folks are using the BAFX unit with Torque, wihch is a FREE Android app.

I have never been able to get Torque to save logs for me, and there is no help forum. At least, not one that's usable.

I got the adapter. Their software is great - both for Android and PC, and it comes with the purchase.

 

I use the Torque software on my cheap obd bt scanner and on my OBDLink scantool also bought a wired Autel scanner just to make it faster without having to wait for connection.

 

???
Wait for a connection? I haven't seen any difference that matters. Seconds, maybe.

 

Phone I had at the time had sporadic Bluetooth issues not to mention hard to see sometimes in the sun.

 

The OBD Fusion app on my phone in conjunction with a OBD II BlueTooth reader works well for me. I've been able to read and clear codes on my XJ as well as others. Shows real time engine data and MPG if you leave it plugged in.

 

All of the scanners guys listed are worth considering, especially Torque Pro.

You might also consider an older Snap On Scanner as they offer more capabilities than most of the other scanners out there, and they've become pretty inexpensive nowadays. People talk about them here from time to time. Here's a run down of the models and capabilities, so guys might be able to consider if one is right for their needs or not. I have used them on Jeeps and other vehicles, so this comes from my experience.

The Snap On scanner model progression looks like this (from older obsolete scanners to newer): MT2500 (red 'Brick') -> Solus -> Solus Pro -> Solus Ultra (current, but end of road could be soon) -> Solus Edge (current). [not complete list of Snap On scanners]. A lot of guys pick up an old Snap On 'Brick' scanner ...model MT2500, which work great for older Jeeps from Renix era ECM's up to 2004's (depending how late cartridges yer scanner has). Back in the day these were the industry standard and they still work great on 80's-2000-ish vehicles (with the right cartridges). Really, once ya get past 2000-2004, a guy should probably forget the 'brick' scanner and get a Solus Pro or Ultra.

The major thing Snap On scanners offer is inbi-directional controls that most other scanners, especially 'free' scanners don't offer (by 'bi-directional' you can use the scanner to 'trip' certain input/outputs, and perform certain tests), The Bricks can perform Transmission, Airbag and ABS readings and functional tests. You can pick up a used MT2500 (red 'brick') kit for $150 nowadays with the necessary cables/connectors and stuff, which is a steal. And Solus Pro's have dropped in price quite a bit too. A good investment if you do a fair amount of engine work and troublshooting.

If you have other newer DD vehicles that you work on ...and a larger budget, one should consider boning up to a newer S/O scanner like a Solus Pro or Ultra, which have even newer software and thus more capabilities and bi-directional controls for modern cars and trucks. Solus Pro scanners (newer than the ole 'brick') can be bought with v12 software in the $275 range nowadays on ebay. These have a larger screen than the older bricks and more capability. To Snap On's credit, when they add updates and increase capabilities to their software, they usually go back and make those improvements retroactively. But for older Jeeps, I personally don't see any difference in capability in 1999 and older Jeeps between the latest SO scanners and the ole Bricks. Therefore a 'brick' scanner with 1999 and older software can do most of what a newer scanner would on an older Jeep.

But with newer scanners and newer scanner software, on newer vehicles, the scanners can do a lot more such as: program new radios, fobs, modules, resets, gauge-sweeps, Trans solenoid cycling, HVAC module testing, ABS, ABS pump cycling (for brake bleeding) and more. With the Solus Ultra, there's no need for Personality Keys, as there is with previous SO scanners (you DO need 'keys' for the Solus Pro and MT2500 (certain OBDII applications)). But the keys aren't really a problem to use either if they come in your 'kit'.

A good guide for evaluating a S/O scanner is ...whatever the version of scanner software is, usually they will scan vehicles up to the year before the number (e.g. v14.2 can scan vehicles from 1981 to 2013, v17.2 can scan up to 2016 cars and trucks). Remember, a newer scanner can only show data readings and perform bi-directional control that are available by the mfgr on the vehicle yer working on. Older ECMs on vehicles like 90's Jeeps didn't have as many readings or bi-directional features as newer vehicle PCMs/BCM's do.

Newer SO scanners have sexy large LCD screens but the old Brick scanners display almost as much info. The Bricks show 4 lines ...the bottom 3 lines scroll and show *two* columns of data (the top row doesn't scroll but shows RPMs, O2 readings). So that gives ya a total of 8 readings on one small screen. The newer Solus Ultra has a 7" LCD touchscreen but displays in ONE column and gives ya ..8 readings from top to bottom. About the same. The Brick scanner action is almost instant on older vehicles as you scroll through the menus and readings, however, the Ultra lags some. My point is, on older vehicles, the MT2500 brick scanner still has some utility. For a Jeep your year, red brick cartridges up to 1999, which are plentiful and inexpensive, would work fine. They should also work to read transmission readings, ABS and Airbag too.

The benefit of the newer Snap On Solus Pro and Solus Ultra scanners (newer versions than the red 'brick'), is they can also perform graphing and save it to a card. Helpful for working out fuel injector issues. But for home use, I never really use graphing. SO scanners work with GM/Ford/Asian/European vehicle too back to 1980. At the end of the day, if your budget can support it, I would recommend as new of a Snap On scanner with as late of software you can afford. A Solus Ultra will do everything a Solus Pro can do (and more), and a Solus Pro can do all and more as a red brick (MT2500) scanner.

Well, there's a quick overview for you and others. Hope it helps.

Good luck!

 

I use OBDLink MX bluetooth on my GC and my Dart.