OBD2 fault code Reader...which 1 to buy

[fireman2203]

I live in the uk and in my spare time i service and repair cars. Its time i brought a code reader but i dont want to shell out a lot of money. Most cars i can reset the service light using the trip meter method but i really need to be able to get the fault codes on none runners etc.

I really dont know what way to go here as you can see you can buy cheap code readers from uk ebay like this

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DIY-DIAGNOSTIC...cm dZViewItem


or a cable like this and run it off my lappy with relevent software


http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VAG-COM-COMPAT...cmdZ ViewItem

Can you offer any advice

[mazdatech177]

youll want a reader that will do obd2 and is also CAN (controller area network) friendly. in case you are wondering CAN is basically just all the control modules in your car talking to each other all the time. youll be resetting a lot of U**** codes because people try to use the wrong equipment. youll also need something that will not only pull codes, but also let you look at freeze frame data (a snapshot of what the conditions of the engine were when the fault happened). you will also be able to monitor all the live action goings-on with the car.... make sure it will let you monitor the vital PIDs (parameter identification). cause what good is finding out you have a p0171 if you cant monitor your 02 sensors and your fuel trims while you perform a carburetor cleaner enrichment test

[fireman2203]

many thanks for getting back to me.can you give me a link to the sort of kit i would need to buy so i can see it and what it will cost