What portable code scanner/reader are you using for diagnostics?
Anyone using one that not only covers the up to date OBD-2 but also
the older OBD-1 systems as well?

For OBD 2, the only way to go is with a Bluetooth adapter for the port ($20) and the Torque app for a smart phone ($5). Can't help with the OBD 1.

FWIW, if you don't mind offshore stuff, Foxwell is having a Chinese National Day Sale.
FoxwellTool.com - Original Foxwell Brand Eshop

Very nice stuff. I LOVE the battery tester, just recently bought the TPMS / RFE tool at the last sale, and am awaiting NT624 OBD2 for $209 30% off. It will complement an older Action I currently use. You can see additional reviews on Amazon. From my perspective, very easy to use and lots of neat features,
Ron

The price has come down dramatically lately.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUPER-Mini-Bluet...e-/332386222310

There are OBD1/OBD2 cable adapters for some makes.

I'm no expert but I'm using this one. The price includes the software. I don't think it works on OBD one. It's so simple even I can use it!!

https://www.amazon.com/ScanTool-425801-O...ag=scantonet-20

It's a lot more than $5.79 but I'm old and I like using my laptop.

With this software you can read not only codes but anything/everything that's in the on board computer.

OBD 1 is a complete mess, I'd go on E-bay and look for an old Snap-On red brick if you really have to work on 22+ MY old cars. Most only have flash codes even with a scanner, so a jumper wire is as good as a scanner and a lot cheaper. Getting accurate test procedures is harder, but Mitchell and Alldata have online subscriptions.

I'm using the now discontinued ElmScan 5 USB. ScanTool.net has OBDII scanners for both smart phones and PCs & laptops.
https://www.scantool.net/scan-tools/

I don't think you'll find a scanner for both OBDI and OBDII as those often use different protocols and plugs. OBDI scanners are vehicle-specific unlike the standardized OBDII system.
http://www.aldlcable.com/

I have had the orange one for 15+ years and it does the job but does not do ABS brakes.

Then I had a ABS light come on, on our 2007 300. For 99 bucks I got this new one from O reillys. It told me which ABS sensor was setting off the dash light on our old 300. Since then I have used it on 3 other cars since and works nice. Nope it does not do OBD 1.

My 2 cents and was worth 99 bucks to me.

I bought the one below and it has done everything I needed. Indicates the errors and lets you reset as needed.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-BAFX-ELM327-...r-/251488093341

I'm still able to use my old Snapper mt2500 on the stuff around here. It handles 2001 and older, but not too many asian cars. I've used it on 2003 car or two, when in generic mode. I'm hearing that there are many cheap newer scanners that cover lot of autos and light trucks too.

X2, the Torque app on a GPS smart phone doubles as a performance tool calculating 1/8 and 1/4 mile times and acceleration in Gs. Also great for real time measurements on temps, mileage, battery voltage, RPM, etc. And logs them.

I bought one from sears, reads abs codes on our 2008,2009 cars.
tried it on our 2012, no dice!
Dealership parts man told me all that changed in 2011.
So if you've got 2011- make sure you ask first.

For OBD-I I have been using an Actron Scantool with the Chrysler 1989 to 1995 cartridge. There are Ford GM and Generic OBD-II cartridges and model specific cables for it that i do not have.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=ac...10&_sacat=0


Major limitation is only five lines of sensor readout on the small screen. Will test most OBD-I Chrysler actuators. I wish this Chrysler cartridge had the percent cylinder power balance test routine like the Ford cartridge has.