Recommend me a diagnostic code reader

domstriker

domstriker

New member
I'm looking for an affordable code reader. I figure there are plenty of guys on here that have one but I couldn't find any specific brands using search.


Anyone have an Equus 3150? What about the Actron CP 9125?
 
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I bought a cheap one a while back. I think it was from the local auto store or Harbor Freight--don't remember.

Anything cheap that can plug into your OBDII port should be good for general stuff.
 
i got a actron one. its pretty basic but it works well and has a explaination of the codes. it was like $50 a couple years ago new on ebay. :)
 
The Scan gauge is an In-cab tool that allows you to monitor all the stuf like mpg, oil pressure, rpm mileage etc etc. but it also is a Code reader. Of course the OP said cheap and around the $150 mark probably doesnt fall into that category. I do really like mine.
 
I've been lookin to buy one too. Right now, Advance has all their Actrons on sale for 50% off. Don't know anything about them.
 
Unless you're going to use all the features of Scangauge II on a consistent basis, I wouldn't spring for one. It's interesting in that it gives you access to additional sensors, calculates MPG, etc., but you're a lot better off $$$-wise just getting a dedicated scan tool if that's all you're really going to use it for.
 
domstriker said:
Does it have a USB cable to hook up to your computer?
Click to expand...

Yes but I've only used it maybe once. I forget what it does when hooked up other then power the unit to show you the codes it just got. I usually just get the codes and then look them up online.
 
kball said:
Yes but I've only used it maybe once. I forget what it does when hooked up other then power the unit to show you the codes it just got. I usually just get the codes and then look them up online.
Click to expand...

Hooking up to the computer via USB allows updates if necessary. So I take it that your reader only displays the numerical code?
 
domstriker said:
Hooking up to the computer via USB allows updates if necessary. So I take it that your reader only displays the numerical code?
Click to expand...

This is a screen shot. For $46 you have to do a little manual research I guess...
 

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I recommend a scanner interface that hooks up to a laptop. Setup is not quite as easy, but you can get a lot more info than you can from a handheld. I have an ancient BR-3 but there are more modern USB models available for less $$.

Here's a screen shot from mine:
main.JPG


You can also get live graphing of O2/AF sensor output so you can see if they need to be replaced--you can't tell for sure with some of the DTC's. You can also see if tests are complete so that you are good to hit the DMV and get freeze frame data to go with the DTC codes.
 
TheDurk said:
I recommend a scanner interface that hooks up to a laptop. Setup is not quite as easy, but you can get a lot more info than you can from a handheld. I have an ancient BR-3 but there are more modern USB models available for less $$.

Here's a screen shot from mine:
main.JPG


You can also get live graphing of O2/AF sensor output so you can see if they need to be replaced--you can't tell for sure with some of the DTC's. You can also see if tests are complete so that you are good to hit the DMV and get freeze frame data to go with the DTC codes.
Click to expand...

That's badass...I'm guessing that with live graphing capability, it's easier to diagnose which O2 sensor is causing the problems..
 
domstriker said:
That's badass...I'm guessing that with live graphing capability, it's easier to diagnose which O2 sensor is causing the problems..
Click to expand...

Well, the DTC codes you get from a handheld will tell you if it MAY be either the front or the rear. The rear sets P0420 plus the other codes specific to the rear. The front is involved in all the others. What the graph tells you is if it IS the sensor, or the problem is in some other component.
 
$20 at Costco

If you just want to read codes, Costco has a CodeKey OBDII & CAN Diagnostic trouble code reader for $19.97. Costco Item #375265.
I bought a scanner off Amazon for $23, otherwise I'd have bought this.
Beats the hell out of swinging by Auto Zone all the time.
 
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