OBDII Software

[k2500]

Just bought a 2004 Trailblazer for my wife and was looking for suggestions on what software to get to read codes. Not looking at tuning just yet, but maybe soon. Also, is there a recommendation on a cable for OBDII, I have read that some of the newer computers can be picky about communicating with laptops. Thanks in advance.

[Montecarlodrag]

The cheapest scanner hardware capable of being upgraded later to tuning software is Hptuners VCM scanner.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-Tuners-VCM-Scanner-Standard-With-2-GM-Credits-/181448207619?pt=Race_Car_Parts&hash=item2a3f27ed03&vxp=mtr

If you don't want to to spend that much, buy a ELM327 interface and get a free scanner software. It will do the job.
However, if you want to have a better scanner with more capabilities than a simple code reader, you need a good software and they cost around $150

[k2500]

Thanks for the reply. I would really like to get HPtuner software, just not in the budget at this time, something to save up for though. A friend at work told me about ScanTool, http://www.scantool.net/obdlink-mx.html so I thought I would give it a try. Ordered it this morning.

[Montecarlodrag]

Good choice, I have a MX and it works great, much better than the cheap chinese elm327 clones.
Coupled with a good software it is a powerful tool

[EagleMark]

Little more money then most want to spend but Scan XL Pro along with the GM Enhanced Pids. It's the perfect match to data needed for TunerCat OBDII.

It's set up to build maps and history tables, 1/4 mile runs from logs. Lots of good tricks!