Code Readers. What Do You Use & Recommend?

[mimalmo]

My wife's 2004 Suburban is showing the dreaded CEL. I was going to have my local shop pull the code but they want $45 and can't do it until Friday so I started looking at code readers.

I was thinking it would be nice if I could find an affordable one that would work for her truck but also work for my car should it ever need it.

[Oli77]

I got an Actron from Amazon. Worked on the bimmer and the toyota sienna. I am not sure about the model number but Dane's has one and will post that info soon. Also, I have never seen it work "in action" because neither of my car has a light on (no code to read I guess).

[Newjack]

I bought a cheap actron scanner at Auto Zone a few months back when I needed to diagnose which cylinder in my old Ford was misfiring. It was something like $50for the super basic model, it just displays codes. That's all you really need. Just leave it in the car so whenever you need it you have it.

The link below is exactly what I bought and it works great.

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&authuser=0&cp=8&gs_id=74&xhr=t&q=actron+scanner&safe=off&um=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=1280&bih=679&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=11062109747292824791&sa=X&ei=PQkKTr_nCqyr0AGn2Lln&ved=0CHcQ8wIwBQ

[mimalmo]

A local auto parts store sells that one and if it will work decently I might just buy it. Especially since it basically costs about as much as a scan at the shop that I was going to bring my Suburban to.

[Mtnman]

damn. in Asheville, scans are still free.

[billschusteriv]

I picked up a Actron AutoScanner Plus OBD II Scan Tool from Advance Auto (http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_AutoScanner-Plus-OBD-II-Scan-Tool-Actron_99994273-P_N3389_T%7CGRP2018_____) one day on my way to work when my car popped the Service Engine Soon light. I wanted to pull the trigger on one and just procrastinated until I had a real reason to buy it. It now lives in the compartment above my Mobility Spare.


Auto Scanner Plus is a revolutionary trilingual Scan Tool that provides multiple scan tool functions in a single tool. The tool features Code Connect, which is a comprehensive database of over 3 million verified fixes for the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) that cause the check engine light to illuminate. At the touch of the Code Connect Hot Key, the most probable solutions to the vehicle problem are displayed. The tool will record and play back live engine data and graph it. Auto Scanner Plus is also an anti-lock brake code reader for most 1996 and newer GM, Ford and Chrysler vehicles.

Product Features:
•Tool contains Code Connect, a comprehensive database of over 3 million confirmed fixes; one push of the Code Connect Hot Key will display the most likely fix for the Trouble Code displayed
•Recommended for use with OBD II compliant vehicles made in 1996 or later; scan tool is CAN compliant and reads and erases ABS codes and is upgradable to OBD I functionality
•Trilingual menu and code definitions; Code Connect is in English only
•Reads and erases DTCs; turns off check engine light; monitors status and I/M readiness to determine whether the vehicle is ready for an emissions test
•Records and plays back live engine data; displays a freeze frame data snapshot of vehicle's operating conditions at time of fault
•Optional battery feature for information retention and review when disconnected from vehicle; USB port for downloading tool updates

[Ryans323i]

damn. in Asheville, scans are still free.

That's what I was going to say. Advance Auto Parts scans any check engine light for free, but they aren't allowed to reset them.

[mimalmo]

Yes, Advance does do a scan for free (and there is an Advance location not far from me) but like I said, I just like the idea of having one for future use.

[danewilson77]

Eli....this is the one I have. It does everything I need it to.....and has been used on many different makes of vehicles. Won't bust yer wallet either.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/IMG_20110114_211320-1.jpg

[mimalmo]

Which model is that Dane?

[danewilson77]

CP.......................?

I will figure it out. Hang tight.

[danewilson77]

I think I have the CP 9175.....

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FJS8O6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=zhpcom-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=B000FJS8O6

[danewilson77]

I remember it being around $100.00

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5574947307&toolid=10001&campid=5336776893&customid=&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fshop.ebay.com%2Fi.html%3F_from%3 DR40%26_trksid%3Dp5197.m570.l1313%26_nkw%3Dcp9175% 26_sacat%3DSee-All-Categories

[mimalmo]

Thanks!

[danewilson77]

Just a gentle reminder that Ebay is an affiliate.

[///mattleegeee]

I love my scanguage2
Leave it plugged in 24/7 and can do all types of dance moves and back flips

[slowCoupe]

Last year I got this scanner, very happy with it.

http://www.diydiagnostics.com/proSeriesReader.html

Pulls engine and transmission codes, live data, pending info, etc. Runs on a single 9V battery. They shipped fast, I think I had it two days after ordering.

[prowlerflyer]

Last year I got this scanner, very happy with it.

http://www.diydiagnostics.com/proSeriesReader.html

Pulls engine and transmission codes, live data, pending info, etc. Runs on a single 9V battery. They shipped fast, I think I had it two days after ordering.

Do we need the CAN scanner or the standard one?

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

[telijah]

Do we need the CAN scanner or the standard one?

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

The E46 does not "require" a CAN scanner, but I do not even know if the CAN scanners would work on the E46...

[RITmusic2k]

I love my scanguage2
Leave it plugged in 24/7 and can do all types of dance moves and back flips

I'll second this. It's a bit more money than just a code reader ($150ish on eBay) but there are all sorts of dandy tricks you can do with it.

My review of the Scangauge II (http://www.standardshift.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=11427)

[M3TA5IN]

On a GM you should be able to just turn the key 3 times until the odometer comes up, third time it will display your codes...

[Db4popov]

I'll second this. It's a bit more money than just a code reader ($150ish on eBay) but there are all sorts of dandy tricks you can do with it.

My review of the Scangauge II (http://www.standardshift.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=11427)

That review was a great read. Thanks.

[AzkotikBMW]

I remember it being around $100.00

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5574947307&toolid=10001&campid=5336776893&customid=&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fshop.ebay.com%2Fi.html%3F_from%3 DR40%26_trksid%3Dp5197.m570.l1313%26_nkw%3Dcp9175% 26_sacat%3DSee-All-Categories


Probably a stupid question, but will this one get all the BMW specific codes also?

[danewilson77]

Probably a stupid question, but will this one get all the BMW specific codes also?

Not positive. I'll have to look.

Sent from SIGFest 2012, via TTv1.5.4

[AzkotikBMW]

Not positive. I'll have to look.

Sent from SIGFest 2012, via TTv1.5.4

Have you gotten around to look into this, Dane?

[danewilson77]

I'll bump this up...since I have changed.

Using the Amazon affiliate link....of course :)

Good value at $99, I think.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/ActronCP9575.jpg

Web Price $144.99 USD

Trilingual OBD II & CAN Scan Tool

Introducing the next generation of scan tools. Get Professional Grade scan tool features at a code reader price. Now, more affordable than ever for LIVE data. Live Data allows the user to view vehicle sensor, switch and relay inputs in real time, while the engine is running. This information helps pinpoint the problem components for a faster diagnosis.

Includes the ability to display generic and manufacturer specific codes and definitions, 6 modes of OBD II data, trilingual, freeze frame, State OBD check (emissions), drive cycle mode and more.

All the power of a scan tool, at the price of a code reader.


OBD II information available:

Read and display LIVE engine data

Displays OBD II generic and manufacturer specific definitions on screen

Read and display MIL status

Read and erase diagnostic trouble codes

Shows visual indicator when the tool is trying to communicate and retrieve data from an OBD II vehicle.

Read and display I/M monitors (emissions)

Read and display pending DTCs

Read and display freeze frame data (snapshot of vehicle data at the time of the fault)

Read and display VIN number, CVN and Cal ID

Display State OBD check

Display OBD II Drive Cycle Mode
Other Features & Benefits:

Field updateable via USB port

CE certification

Trilingual menu, manual and definitions (English, Spanish, French)

System setup menu includes language setup, unit of measure, display test, keypad test, memory test, tool information and program mode
General Benefits:

Convenient size, can operate with one hand

Diagnose and maintain vehicle

LIVE real-time data

Over 15,000 generic and manufacturer specific code definitions

Compatible with ALL 1996 and newer vehicles (OBD II & CAN)

Reset MIL and turn off Check Engine Light

Backlit display

[telijah]

Ah, saw this in the What Did You Buy Today thread and thought "But Dane already had one of those...". Nice, the ability to update via USB and Live Data are cool touches.