ODBII-Engine Diagnostics

Many of us have problems with 'check engine' lights and 'codes' read out to us by dealers or others. Did you know that you can buy an interface card for your laptop computer which will read out these codes and clear them upon command for less than $100? It's great technology but you have to know a little about diagnosing the problem. A code in and of itself doesn't tell you what to do. You usually need the factory manuals to interpret the code and follow the troubleshooting procedure.

Check out the following web sites. I have no interest or experience with this particular merchant.

http://obddiagnostics.com/
http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/4Runner/tech/BR-3/

Some people are building in dash displays so they can see real time data as they drive down the road. That's pretty cool. Anyone have any personal experience with these tools?

wow, im glad someone found some inexpensive diagnostic tools. has anyone actually bought these or used them? do they warrenty the cables, and are they GUARANTEED not to mess up or accidently set off the airbags?? ive been looking for obd-II diagnostic equipment for a while, and havent had much luck. i wonder if this is what im looking for...