1999-2009 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
[Main 95 Bulletin Board | BBFAQ |
Prev by Date | Next by Date | Post Followup ]
Member Login / Signup - Members see fewer ads. - Latest Member Gallery Photos
Tech 2 Posted by Larry West [Email] (#1140) [Profile/Gallery] (more from Larry West) on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 07:48:22 In Reply to: Re: Best OBDII Scanner?, thorsen, Sun, 12 Oct 2008 19:25:23 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
Tech 2 will be the overall best option. With it, you can read codes, do diagnostics, clear codes, set preferences (like headlight modes, DRLs, rear seat heater timeout), marry & divorce radios & CD changers, etc. You can also potentially mess things up with your car if you are not careful.
You can get them on ebay, but they are still pretty expensive. but the thing you really need is the Saab-specific card, that includes all the programming items for Saabs back to the 9000 & certain C900s (for the 9000 & 900, you also need the Saab-specific cable adapter, because many of those do not have an OBD II connector).
Updates are always good to get, but in reality, if you're only working on one specific year of the 9-5, you only need the card updated so that it includes that year. Occasionally, there may be updates needed through a recall or campaign, but that is rare. My mechanic actually keeps one Tech 2 programmed to earlier software, because the ability to change certain things was removed in later software versions.
CAN ability is not needed on the 9-5, at least through 2002, possibly later. The 9-3 SS, OTOH, needs the CANdi box to work.
But the most cost-effective method is to get friendly with your local Saab independent. They might check your codes for free...
_______________________________________ Current: 2002 9-5 Aero Kombi Cosmic Blue 2000 9-5 SE sedan, Imola Red 1990 900S Rose Quartz, Auto Past: 1999 9-5 LPT Combi 1999 9-5 LPT sedan 2002 9-5 Arc 1990 900 5-speed 1986 900 turbo Convertible 1991 9000 turbo 1980 99 GLi 1986 900 turbo 1986 900 S 1991 900 turbo 1984 900 turbo 1976 99 GL
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.