"REAL" Scantool

[MiscellaneousDave]

one thing you can do is use a power probe to force things or substitute loads with lights.  The greatest percentage of problems are simple test/ bidirectional misfire, evap was. I think the bigger problems most people wouldn't know how or have the extra special tools above a real scanner.

I feel stupid right now, but I am not sure what you mean about the power probe.  

I agree about bi-directional tests and that is basically impossible without a higher dollar tool.

[delpha80]

A power probe is a name brand of a tool, there are knock offs now. But the tool connects to both power and ground and can supply both power and ground with a button. So if you think your purge valve is bad you can power or ground it whichever it needs and turn it on to check operations. If you are into diagnose problems check out south main auto.

[MiscellaneousDave]

A power probe is a name brand of a tool, there are knock offs now. But the tool connects to both power and ground and can supply both power and ground with a button. So if you think your purge valve is bad you can power or ground it whichever it needs and turn it on to check operations.  If you are into diagnose problems check out south main auto.

That is pretty cool, and I assume a power probe can help you with to determine if a purge valve is operating at all, but what if it was only opening/closing to 80%?  You would need a tool to see that.