i want to purchase my own scan tool. i know the cheapest one i can find is from harbor freight. i hear it works fine to get the codes and to clear them--but does it read all modules? (ABS/SRS)

does it really matter?

one from walmart is updatable..but would i need to update it for anything? as long as it can read the codes for my 2 cars, i'm good right (unless i buy a new vehicle)

autozone code reader? any good?

do any of you recommend a certian code reader?

If you have 100-150 bucks I would buy the better one and not the cheapy from Harbor Frieght (which I own).

If you have 100-150 bucks I would buy the better one and not the cheapy from Harbor Frieght (which I own).

I'm with Amigo. I paid $150+ a few years ago for an Actron that has a fiull display and allows you to see run time mode. This shows all values while the car is running. That has come in handy a few times. These things PAY for themselves the 2nd or 3rd time you use them. Next thing you know your co-workers are buying you lunch to go out in the parking lot to read a CEL code. Or to clear a code so that they can get an inspection sticker.
Spend the extra money. P.S., the ladies are very appreciative when you tell them the CEL code is something that won't make the car blow up next time they drive it.

And my Actron will not read ABS brake codes, not sure about SRS cause I've never tried.

And my Actron will not read ABS brake codes, not sure about SRS cause I've never tried.

Does it read manufacturer specific codes?

Joel

Does it read manufacturer specific codes?

Joel

Hi Joel,
That's a good question. Since I bought it I've never had any codes come up that weren't general ones. But the manual says it will read manufacturer codes, but will only display the code number, not the description. It's a Actron model 9615. I'd buy another one in a minute - only I'd buy one with a coin slot on it so I can charge my neighbors to use it. :p
Tom

good to know. thanks. i will look into those models then.

OK, let's say up to $100 for a code reader is no issue. The HF one is on sale this month for $39.95. Is the one at WallyWorld, an Innova 3100c for $98.73, that much better? What can I do with it that I can't do with the HF unit? WallyWorld also has the Innova 3070 for $68.73. How does it compare?

I'm gonna buy a code reader; I just need to pick one. Anybody have any experience with the Innova ones?

Thanks!

still looking for one--

i keep picking one for price--but then i see features of a higher prciced one. then i want that one.

autozone has a few that look good.

so does advanced auto --one of them they use themselves.

I have a Cevy Venture 2000 and was wondering which code reader I need. I want the one that will read the code and shut the service engine light off.

I have a Cevy Venture 2000 and was wondering which code reader I need. I want the one that will read the code and shut the service engine light off.

then really, any code reader will work. if you're not looking for top end units...the harbor frieght one works

Which one did you guys go with?

I'm thinking about purchasing the one from Advance.


http://www.partsamerica.com/productdetail.aspx?mfrcode=EQU&mfrpartnumber=3100


This one pulls generic and manufacturer codes according to the product description. If you look at the bottom of the ad, it has the users manual in .pdf.

For a generic code reader & check engine light resetter, you cant go wrong with the $40 HFT unit. Mine has paid for itself 20x over in the 2-3yrs I've owned it. The only way I'd pay more for one is if it scanned for pending codes or gave live data.

Joel