Let's just say that I am not too happy with this product. First of all, if I select all the parameters for my car, such as year, engine type, 4th VIN number, etc, it doesnt even scan my car. I had to resort to typing in different years and parameters for this thing to even start communicating with my ECM. Second, as a compliment to my first problem, not all the data can be viewed under one profile. For example, if I want to view my TPS voltage, it has to be under an "88 5.7L" profile. If I want 02 voltage, I have to tell the scanner I have an "85 5.0" car.
I could live with all of the probs already mentioned. But here is my BIGGEST complaint! On page 6 of the user's manual, it states:
"On some vehicles in order to retreive data, the ignition timing is affected. If your idle speed is effected while monitoring, it is recommended that the vehicle is not driven while being scanned."
Guess what? This thing advances my timing so much, that i actually hear the pinging loud as day, and my knock sensor counts shoot to 255 (max count) within seconds. Of course, I mainly bought this thing for real time driving capture of 02 voltage at WOT, and for knock sensor readings. But I can't even use it while driving the car. What good is that? And if it wasnt for that little "warning" on page 6, I probably would call customer support for answers. But why?
I already know the answer. The answer is that I should of went for the Diacom. I already have the laptop. I know some of you have not had probs with this unit. Maybe it's specific to my year. I bought this thing several months ago, and barely had time to really play with it in the last week. I think ebay is gonna get a new item up pretty soon.

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1989 IROC-Z 5.7L

 

Omar,

Before you give up on the scanner, call Auto Xray @ (800) 593-9729 and talk to Ken. I'm sure they can rectify the problem.

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Willie

Supercharged 1987 305 IROC-Z, Daily-Driver, Emissions-Legal.
12.57 @ 111 mph.
12.04 @ 114 mph (50-hp nitrous).
http://members.optushome.com/au/downunder1/rides/willie/willie.html

1987 "20th Anniversary Commemorative Edition" Z28 Convertible -- Super Chevy Show Class Winner, 1998.

 

Omar, on the "Diagnotic" mode while scanning...on some engines it is impossible to get a reading without it being in "Diagnostic" mode. My Diacom does this on certain engines too. I found with my Diacom that only the newer cars with the faster baud rate ECMs would work in "Normal" mode. So, your problem is not unique to the Auto X-Ray, it is a function of the particular ECM you are scanning.

Also, with my Diacom, I have to enter the entire VIN# and there is usually 2-4 alternate engines available that I have to chose from (with one being the correct one). It appears that certain parts of the VIN# used by these scan tools was used by a variety of GM cars.

Do as Willie suggests as the problems you are speaking of also happen with other scan tools to a certain extent.

 

Thanks for the additional info, guys. I will give this another try then. Maybe it's the particular ECM? I am on my 3rd one in 11 years. I know 86-89 used the same ECM, and maybe i received an early one.

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1989 IROC-Z 5.7L

 

Gentlemen, I have a question concerning these scanners. I have a 90-92 Speed Density system in my 88 Monte SS. Is there a way to fully use one of these scanners in my application, since the VIN WILL NOT match my current engine? I desperately want to get one of these systems so I can perfrom diagnostic when ever needed. Help me out here Glenn and others.

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88 Monte SS 355 TPI/LT-4 HOT CAM/AFR Hydra-rev/ T-56 6-Speed

 

Drop me an e-mail and I'll give you a VIN# that will work.