You actually can data log quite a bit with a handheld SCT and a laptop. I've done it numerous times. The auto-engenuity is actually quite a bit better than that though, you can do injector buzz tests and contribution tests with it, which to me is worth it alone. You can get it for around $385 if I remember right.

 

not bad.... whats a contribution test?.. my check engine light came on after I disconnected my EGR solinoid last month, the check engine light comes on and off on my wifes 07 jeep the dealer says there are not any problems and gets no trouble codes when they hook up their computer? so I'd like to get a scanner to see for my self whats going on. where can I locate the auto enginuity or sct so I can read up on them. to see whats what.

 

SCT is just the programmer, but reading codes is just a good side benefit.

Here's the autoenginuity...
AutoEnginuity® - OBD2 Scan Tool - Professional PC and PDA Diagnostics

I believe contribution and buzz tests are just different sayings for the same test. When you turn the key in the morning and hear the "buzzing" that is your injectors. You can use the autoenginuity to go through and buzz individual injectors to actually pinpoint if you have one that is acting up. I've thought about getting it. Looks like a nice package. My only concern is not knowing how to use it properly! Seems like there is a LOT of stuff you can test.

 

thank you I just put it into my favorites so I can read alittle more about it this weekend. it looks like it will cover all my concerns?

 

A contribution test shuts off one injector at a time and measures how much is needed to compensate. Then it compares those numbers to identify any that did not need (much)compensation. As in nothing to compensate for if it is already dead. Atleast this is how it works on a 7.3.

 

Thanks for explaining it!

 

cool hopefully I won't need that option, but the idea of troubleshooting my truck and my wifes car sounds appealling. the sct looks pretty cool but it's only for the truck,altough monitering my EGT's and water temp along with all of the other neet stuff it does sounds pretty good too. thanks for the input.

 

You can still datalog other vehicles with the SCT as far as I know. There are tons of options on there, and clearly some of them are not for diesel trucks, which tells me you should be able to do any other vehicle. It might be Ford specific only.

Also the autoenginuity for the trucks, you will want to get the "prolink data connector" in order to take full advantage of the 6.0 readings.

There is also something known as the "Ford bundle" that you can get with it. Not sure what it entails, just know I've read about it.

 

I thought the SCT was a unit that mounts to the dash? or is it hand held. how does the programing work to be able to use it on two different vehicles, from what I understand the auto enginuity has several different programs already installed into it? I'm open I haven't bought anything yet,... so I'll keep doing my home work. thanks for the info.

 

The livewire from SCT is dash mount. The handheld units they sell now are the Xcal3 which holds three custom tunes only, and the SF3 which holds 3 canned tunes and 3 custom tunes.

You can only program one truck at a time, but you can still use it to datalog without issue.

Don't get me wrong, the autenginuity would be far more advanced and is sure to be able to get you more info, but the SCT can actually access quite a bit.