Scanner for Dodge Caravan?

That greatly depends on your own capabilities to use the features and take advantage of the more advanced scanners. Do you want just a generic OBD2 code reader, or one that will be ODB 1 & 2 capable to work on other older vehicles. Do you want a scanner that will read generic AND manufacturer enhanced codes, and read the various sensors and performance parameters on only ONE manufacturers vehicle lines, or across most domestic vehicle platforms? Do you need the capability to read ABS codes, electronic transmission codes (Chrysler minivan 4 speed trannys), air bag system codes, body computer codes, etc. etc. It really depends on how deep and how expensive you want to go. What is YOUR level of expertise? Beginner, intermediate, hard-core DIY? An inexpensive Actron code reader is roughly $70. The top-of-the-line DRB III scanner the Chrysler techs use is many thousands......

MY 2006 Caravan light was on, took it to Auto Value to scan. Their $600 scanner could not scan the ABS sensors, guy told me the $600 scanner can, but was not set up to scan ABS brakes.

Basically I just want a scan tool for my 2006 Dodge Caravan.

Thanks in advance Denny B

Denny...........you still haven't told us what features you want. It's like saying what kind of car should I buy? Do you just want it to read generic codes? Or DO you want it to read ABS codes too? Maybe you should just take the van to someone that has a scanner with better capabilities than Autovalue and get them to read the codes for free, or possibly for a small fee. That would be much cheaper than buying anything. I'm assuming that you don't personally have the capability yourself to fix the problem even if you knew what the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) were anyway (no offense intended).Besides, the codes are only a starting point. They don't pinpoint what's necessarily wrong, just the system that's being affected and what might be wrong.. You'd have to have a fairly sophisticated scanner to read everything on a 2006 Dodge Caravan. They have Powertrain control modules, transmission control modules, body control modules, ABS controllers, air bag controllers, etc., etc. If you want a cheap code reader or scanner go down to Wal-mart, or Harbor Freight if you have one in your city. Read the features on the box. Buy one and try it. If you don't like it or don't understand what it's telling you return it for a refund.

All the vehicles I have owned I have been the mechanic on them. Prior to my present vehicle my last vehicle was a 1981 Ford Fairmont, that was my daily driver, that I kept running for 24 years. As you know it did not have the electronics my 2006 Caravan has. Basically what I have already started is getting used to working on the Caravan. I already have the two set Service Manuals from Chrysler. Being an electronic serviceman I know my Fluke Multimeter, Oscilloscope, Signal Genarator etc. cannot repair the TV, VCR, DVD player, stereo, car amp I may be working on. However they do help me with many areas I am trying to trace out with the skills I have as a serviceman.

I would assume that an automobile scanner can help assist a Saturday mechanic with today's cars obviously with the knowledge he has how cars work.

The problem with my Caravan ABS light staying on was the Left Rear Speed Sensor which the Dodge dealer determined. My vehicle is covered by warranty for now, however I want to learn as much as I can so I can work on my vehicle myself as I have always done with my vehicles.

Denny B

OK, if you're in to electronics that tells me your a "techie" hands-on person who wants to get in somewhat deep and learn automotive computerized control systems. First thing you need to do is buy a good book on vehicle control systems and read it. I don't have a good recommendation but someone out there will chime in (hopefully). Second, you either need a standalone OBD-II/CAN scanner similar to an Auto-Xray EZ-Scan AX4000 ($330), or equivalent, or a laptop PC based scanner program (if you already have a laptop) like Autoenginuity, which is more money but greatly expandable and a fantastic tool from what I hear and read. For about $500 you can have the basic Autoenginuity scan tool system AND the full expansion module for all enhanced Chrysler codes and systems. Probably more than you need in a scanner, but you did say you were a Fluke man so what's a few hundred bucks? :-)

Denny,

With scantools, there's 2 ways you go, ultra cheap (the crap OBD - II readers at any auto parts store) or a professional scantool like the Genisys here:

Yes and no. The cheap scantools can tell you what emissions-related parts have failed - which are going to be covered under warranty for a LONG time, so you have years to wait before you will need to test that.

The problem with the expensive scantools is that they cost so much that they aren't worth buying for a DIYer.

For what an expensive scantool that would be worth having would cost, you could probably pay for about 50 trips to the dealer to have them plug in their Chrysler scantool and tell you -exactly- what the problem is.

Even if you own this Caravan until the wheels drop off, I very much doubt that you will see the CEL (check engine light) appear 50 times during the life of the vehicle -after- it's out from under the warranty.

Remember the dealer has to pay every year for a service contract that keeps the firmware in their expensive scantool updated.

There is no law that says you can't drive your car into the dealer, pay them the diagnostic fee to plug in their scantool, then drive the vehicle home and repair it yourself. And that is really the most cost-effective way to do it.

Ted