Ilink 400 full system scan tool
#31
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 270

I looked at their web site and I'm completely unimpressed with ThinkCar. Seems a typical Bluetooth OBD app - tons of these out there - only a few do enhanced GM PIDs (sensor/data monitoring) and even fewer have all the useful specific PIDs for a Blazer such as cam sensor retard. Specifically these are Car Gauge Pro (98+ blazer only - includes enhanced PIDs), Dash Command w/enhanced GM PID purchase (all years Blazer), Blue Driver (I have not personally reviewed but seems to work for iPhone users). Car Gauge Pro and Dash Command requires a separate Bluetooth OBD2 adapter to be purchased - recommend BAFX one as sold on Amazon. The rest have big promises, little susbstance. However, please be advised that none of the Bluetooth apps do Brake Bleeding or Crank Sensor Relearns, which is what this thread about the Ilink400 is really about.
At $300+ you can buy Windows software that will do the Crank Sensor Relearn, but the brake bleeding is not supported on HP Tuners anyways. Don't know about the others. HP Tuners, Autoenginuity, EFI live.
At $150 you can buy Windows software Scan XL Pro that pretty much equals the functions of Dash Command - same company - different platform - don't have to buy the Enhanced GM PIDs for each vehicle.
Some people love their $350 Chinese Tech 2 and claim is works just like the GM Tech 2. I have zero experience with either one. But I can say that I imagine it would be very easy to get lost in a Tech 2, as they do so many things.
So I was quite excited to find the Ilink400 would do both brake bleeding and things like the crank sensor relearn and HVAC. The handheld scanner I bought and returned before buying mine would only do the brake bleeding + simplest generic OBD2 PIDs.
For casual Blazer diagnostics, for under $50 I recommend Dash Command or Car Gauge Pro (Car Gauge Pro does more on 1998+ Blazers, but not as intuitive to use and is poorly documented). If you feel the need for crank sensor relearn or brake bleeding or more bi-directional control, then for under $150 the the Ilink400 seems made to order. I like them ALL and find uses for each!!! The only one that does it all is the factory Tech 2.
At $300+ you can buy Windows software that will do the Crank Sensor Relearn, but the brake bleeding is not supported on HP Tuners anyways. Don't know about the others. HP Tuners, Autoenginuity, EFI live.
At $150 you can buy Windows software Scan XL Pro that pretty much equals the functions of Dash Command - same company - different platform - don't have to buy the Enhanced GM PIDs for each vehicle.
Some people love their $350 Chinese Tech 2 and claim is works just like the GM Tech 2. I have zero experience with either one. But I can say that I imagine it would be very easy to get lost in a Tech 2, as they do so many things.
So I was quite excited to find the Ilink400 would do both brake bleeding and things like the crank sensor relearn and HVAC. The handheld scanner I bought and returned before buying mine would only do the brake bleeding + simplest generic OBD2 PIDs.
For casual Blazer diagnostics, for under $50 I recommend Dash Command or Car Gauge Pro (Car Gauge Pro does more on 1998+ Blazers, but not as intuitive to use and is poorly documented). If you feel the need for crank sensor relearn or brake bleeding or more bi-directional control, then for under $150 the the Ilink400 seems made to order. I like them ALL and find uses for each!!! The only one that does it all is the factory Tech 2.
As far as the engine, I tried to replace just about everything I know to go wrong with these things. While I had everything taken apart (well, not everything, the heads stayed on) I installed a CPI cam in it, new upgraded GM spider, aluminum distributor and a few other things. I set up the cam retard with the car gauge pro app, and got it down under 1.
I’ve never got to use a Tech2 but I’m still curious about it. If I buy one I’ll keep everyone posted on its ease of use.
The only other thing I’m considering is perhaps picking up HP Tuners and seeing if I can get the tune a little better. The stock PCM seems to handle the mild factory cam ok, but each time I take a look at the long term fuel trims they’re in the +6 to +7 range.
#32
Moderator
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: North Central Indiana
Posts: 3,049

Ilink400 - just figured out the TCCM IS reachable using the Ilink400, but you find it under Powertrain (also Cruise Control is found under powertrain). Looks like you can monitor the status of various switches and their positions + much more. Found this when working on my Avalanche cruise control. Brake switch was not working and you could see the status of all the cruise control switches. It's a great little handheld.
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