ZebRuaj
New member
So I was contacted thru T4R.org to receive and review this product.
The scanner itself is available through a few online retailers ranging from $24-$34 depending on where you are buying it. The scanner was tested on my G35 as there is an active CEL code.
The scanner is packaged in a plastic shell, which includes an attached 3.5 ft OBD2 cord and a mini USB cord. Yes, a dated mini USB not micro, but the cord itself only serves one purpose that I found, and that is to update the firmware. It is about the size of the original classic Ipod for a size reference, with a 2.4" "color" display, but don't expect 2017 quality. Think more of 2005 Moto Razr flip phone quality, which is fine as you don't expect to be doing too much with this scanner. As there's no internal power source, the scanner is pretty light and does feel like it'll break pretty easily. It's a hard blue and black shell with 6 rubber buttons: Back, Up, Down, Left, Right, Enter. Through my brief usage, I found that the buttons can be unresponsive at times, but that may be because the scanner is trying to read data/change information. On the bottom of the unit is an access door to plug in the mini USB cord.
Upon opening the scanner and a quick Google'ing, I found another review to go to this link which seems like the parent Chinese company of the scanner. I downloaded the updater, extracted the file and installed on my laptop. Plugged in the scanner and updated the firmware. This is when I found out the scanner itself has no self sustaining power/battery. It requires USB power or OBD2 power to turn itself on, so you can't play with the unit unless plugged in. One will also have to remember what the CEL code is or the data you pull up through the scanner as the display will power off as soon as you uplug the scanner.
Although the parent company advertises the scanner themselves as an entry level scanner, it does provide some options rarely seen for the price point, such as:
- I/M Readiness: Gives you an idea if your sensors are up to par to pass vehicle inspection.
- Freeze Frame: I couldn't get this to work as none of my vehicles provided any data?
- Data Stream and Data Graphing: Provide live vehicle data to monitor or trouble shoot.
- Vehicle Information: Shows the VIN
One does have to remember that each vehicle provides different accessible data, so the information available to the scanner will vary by vehicle (ex: the scanner read 24 different live data points on the G35, while the 4Runner showed 48).
The scanner also has a DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) bank which allows you to search up a code without needing the CEL throwing the code. It only provides a quick description but can be useful. Kind of a neat/gimmicky feature, but I can see where it may come handy. You'll still have to Google the fix.
The scanner will read imperial and metric units, so do set it up prior to use. It's pretty much the only tool setting you have.
It's a neat little unit, and received free in return for a review, one can't complain. It connects and gathers/shows information rather quickly. It's an affordable tool to throw into the glove box or tool box to have around. It does beat going down to the local auto parts store to get a code read, but keep in mind it only reads engine codes. If your vehicle is throwing transmission or ABS codes, you'll need something/someone with a more powerful unit to get those trouble codes.
A few cons to think about:
-No owners manual. Couldn't find one online either.
-No internal power source. Needs to be plugged in to power up.
My other OBD2 scanner is a cheap OBD2 bluetooth dongle (less than $10) and the Torque Pro app ($4.95 on Android market). Will the Creader 4001 replace Torque Pro? Probably not. Torque Pro provides similar data and abilities, but is customizable to my needs, easier to use as its App based, and ready on they fly. I'm still glad to have it and will put it to use when I'm on call to help out family or friends, or when my bluetooth dongle is left behind.
The Creader 4001 will still serve well in the garage/tool box for DIYers and owners with problem cars who want CEL codes read and vehicle data displayed to monitor, as the product description on the box kindly and accurately advertises. It's definitely worth considering over the others for the extras it provides at this low and affordable price point.
As with any tool, its only as good as the person using it.
The scanner itself is available through a few online retailers ranging from $24-$34 depending on where you are buying it. The scanner was tested on my G35 as there is an active CEL code.
The scanner is packaged in a plastic shell, which includes an attached 3.5 ft OBD2 cord and a mini USB cord. Yes, a dated mini USB not micro, but the cord itself only serves one purpose that I found, and that is to update the firmware. It is about the size of the original classic Ipod for a size reference, with a 2.4" "color" display, but don't expect 2017 quality. Think more of 2005 Moto Razr flip phone quality, which is fine as you don't expect to be doing too much with this scanner. As there's no internal power source, the scanner is pretty light and does feel like it'll break pretty easily. It's a hard blue and black shell with 6 rubber buttons: Back, Up, Down, Left, Right, Enter. Through my brief usage, I found that the buttons can be unresponsive at times, but that may be because the scanner is trying to read data/change information. On the bottom of the unit is an access door to plug in the mini USB cord.
Upon opening the scanner and a quick Google'ing, I found another review to go to this link which seems like the parent Chinese company of the scanner. I downloaded the updater, extracted the file and installed on my laptop. Plugged in the scanner and updated the firmware. This is when I found out the scanner itself has no self sustaining power/battery. It requires USB power or OBD2 power to turn itself on, so you can't play with the unit unless plugged in. One will also have to remember what the CEL code is or the data you pull up through the scanner as the display will power off as soon as you uplug the scanner.
Although the parent company advertises the scanner themselves as an entry level scanner, it does provide some options rarely seen for the price point, such as:
- I/M Readiness: Gives you an idea if your sensors are up to par to pass vehicle inspection.
- Freeze Frame: I couldn't get this to work as none of my vehicles provided any data?
- Data Stream and Data Graphing: Provide live vehicle data to monitor or trouble shoot.
- Vehicle Information: Shows the VIN
One does have to remember that each vehicle provides different accessible data, so the information available to the scanner will vary by vehicle (ex: the scanner read 24 different live data points on the G35, while the 4Runner showed 48).
The scanner also has a DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) bank which allows you to search up a code without needing the CEL throwing the code. It only provides a quick description but can be useful. Kind of a neat/gimmicky feature, but I can see where it may come handy. You'll still have to Google the fix.
The scanner will read imperial and metric units, so do set it up prior to use. It's pretty much the only tool setting you have.
It's a neat little unit, and received free in return for a review, one can't complain. It connects and gathers/shows information rather quickly. It's an affordable tool to throw into the glove box or tool box to have around. It does beat going down to the local auto parts store to get a code read, but keep in mind it only reads engine codes. If your vehicle is throwing transmission or ABS codes, you'll need something/someone with a more powerful unit to get those trouble codes.
A few cons to think about:
-No owners manual. Couldn't find one online either.
-No internal power source. Needs to be plugged in to power up.
My other OBD2 scanner is a cheap OBD2 bluetooth dongle (less than $10) and the Torque Pro app ($4.95 on Android market). Will the Creader 4001 replace Torque Pro? Probably not. Torque Pro provides similar data and abilities, but is customizable to my needs, easier to use as its App based, and ready on they fly. I'm still glad to have it and will put it to use when I'm on call to help out family or friends, or when my bluetooth dongle is left behind.
The Creader 4001 will still serve well in the garage/tool box for DIYers and owners with problem cars who want CEL codes read and vehicle data displayed to monitor, as the product description on the box kindly and accurately advertises. It's definitely worth considering over the others for the extras it provides at this low and affordable price point.
As with any tool, its only as good as the person using it.
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