AutoXray AX7000 Tech, half baked product - UPDATE!
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half baked product - UPDATE!
UPDATED:
Below is my unedited original review. Since written, they have released a software update that addresses a lot of the issues I had experienced. There is now most of the GM enhanced data available, but there are still a few glitches here and there. Freeze frame data from GM vehicles does not work. It will provide the correct code on the FF, but the captured data values are non-sensical. The TCC duty cycle % is not right, the PCS solenoid duty cycle % is not right, and a few others. Most of the data is valid, but keep in mind that this appears to still be “beta” class software on the tool.
ORIGINAL:
This unit does not include the GM enhanced data for OBD-II you can only see the generic OBD-II info, which does NOT include the transmission parameters, misfire data, or TCC PWM data.
I have been in contact with their support dept, and was advised to try a different year of vehicle none of which worked. The tech also stated that there would be a software update released in the next few weeks; I do not know that I will wait that long.
The vehicle I am working with is a 1997 Olds Bravada. Not exotic, but simply a gussied up S-10 Blazer. I have ran it as both an S and a T series truck with no luck as the Bravada is not listed specifically. Likewise selecting, as advised by the techs 1996 and 1998, I either get an error with no data, or the same garbage data when 1997 is selected.
If I select the manufacturer specific data, I get info in line with the other reviewer with the 454 in the 99 truck. My cam retard was like 6700 degrees. The ignition voltage is 10.6v when running or not, also stays rock steady at 10.6V even during cranking. Any tech would be able to tell you if voltage @ rest is 10.6, it will drop below 10.6 while cranking. ECT is 103 degrees no matter what. The throttle position is set at 2v or 41.8% no matter what you do. If you select the vehicle as generic OBD-II you get correct voltages, temps and TPS values, but as stated above, you do NOT get transmission or other enhanced info.
Enhanced GM specific info is the reason I bought this tool. At this time it cannot deliver on the advertised promises.
Update (2/7/2012):
The featured review for this product, AutoXray AX7000 Tech Scan Diagnostic Code Scanner with Live, Record and Playback Sensor Data Capability and SD Card Slot for Upgrades Automotive Dec 18, 2008, was written by Jason Wilson.
The average rating for this item is out of 5 stars, according to 3 reviews.
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Tags: actron, automotive, automotive test equipment, autoxray, car diagnostic tool, code readers, diagnostic code reader, engine analyzers, obd2 can scanner, scan tool, scan tools
Posted on: August 21, 2010
Filed under: Reviews
Reviews (2)
The geeks shall inherit the earth
July 11th, 2010 at 4:21 am
Good tool
I bought this tool because I needed both OBDI and OBDII capabilities for my cars. For my older pre-1996 OBDI cars this tool not only reads diagnostic trouble codes but also streams live powertrain data (PID) such as throttle position, rpm, manifold pressure, coolant temperature, closed vs open loop mode, oxygen sensor voltage swings, short and long term fuel trim, and so on. Most tools will show these data for OBDII but this tool also shows these data for OBDI, which sets this tool apart in my opinion. I am waiting for the add-on SD cards to be released so I can retrieve enhanced (manufacturer specific) data streams (PID) for my OBDII Honda, not just the EPA-mandated generic data streams. Even without the SD card it shows enhanced (manufacturer specific) diagnostic trouble codes and generic stream data for import vehicles. So I think this tool shows great promise in terms of flexibility and upgrade-ability, and it has performed well on my cars so far. The boot code and program firmware can be upgraded over the internet through a USB cable to the PC using the recently released “Scanning Suite” software, which can be downloaded at no additional cost. I had trouble updating the firmware at first, getting the message “cannot connect to device” and had to call the SPX helpline. They were extremely helpful and solved the problem. It turns out that after you put the tool into “program mode” in prepration for the firmware update, you need to press ENTER. That causes the tool to power down. Then when you turn it back on, it boots up in program mode and the firmware upgrade can proceed. The tool and assorted cables are sturdily built, and would stand up to professional use I would think. Successfully captures and displays approximately 40 frames of OBDII engine PID data from my Honda.
UPDATE: I assembled myself a new computer based on the Windows 7 64-bit operating system, and found that I can’t update the scan tool using the Autoxray PC software “Scanning Suite” because they do not yet have 64-bit drivers. However, they told me they are working on this (maybe as part of updates to Scanning Suite?).
Jason Wilson
July 13th, 2010 at 3:33 pm
half baked product - UPDATE!
Rated 3 stars.
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