Scan tools worth the investment?

S

Scott Brisson

New Member
Apr 13, 2019
3
Mpls, MN
Boat Info
2002 Bow Rider 220
Engines
Mercruiser 5.0L Alpha 1
I have a new (to me) 2002 Bow Rider 220 with Mercruiser 5.0L Alpha 1...had it out for the first time and I got the soft alarm (2 beeps per minute). I checked online and it could be 1 of 36 things. All the shops I've called are a couple weeks out. My question is, has anyone purchased a scan tool and are they worth the investment?
 
We have the Rinda software. Vey good package and typically pays for itself after 2 issues.
 
The only one I've really found is the Rinda ones...Not sure if I want to spend that much on the front end...are there other less expensive tools?
 
I had a problem with my boat going into guardian mode shortly after i bought it. I called a few marinas for help and the only one to get back to me told me it would cost me $300 for him to come to my boat and use the scanner. I bought the rinda scanner, scanned the motor myself and it turned out i needed to replace a $35 sensor. So now the boat is fixed for just $35 and I own the scanner also for future problems. I'm sure if I had the mechanic come it would have cost far more than I paid for the Rinda and the sensor.
 
Scott, Won't work for mine, but any chance you have MEFI-4?
Found the Rinda Codemate for $100 online. But only works for MEFI-1-4.

Also, OBD Diagnostics (http://aldlcable.com) has software and cables in the $350 range for MEFI-5.
 
One more possibility, VesselViewMobile - $225 from Mercury, says it starts with 03, though:
https://www.mercurymarine.com/en/us/gauges-and-controls/gauges-displays/vesselview-mobile/

upload_2019-6-7_13-44-59.png


EDIT: I was able to find a Merc dealer with bulk pricing on Ebay. $175 free shipping. I went ahead and ordered.
 
Last edited:
Just to wrap this up with an experience, I rented a Rinda scan tool off of E-Bay for $75 (600 deposit). Kept it for a week and worked on both engines. Very cool service. That was before I had the Fox Gateways. Now I have 99% of the info all the time.
You can make a codemate for a paperclip and a 12v LED, but that is only for MEFI-1 thru 4B
 
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