what code reader to buy?

Hey-
I want to buy a code reader. No autocraft anywhere near my home. What is the best deal? What is the reader that you are using if you have one?

Thanks.

Hey-
I want to buy a code reader. No autocraft anywhere near my home. What is the best deal? What is the reader that you are using if you have one?

Thanks.


Hello

I have a PC based code reader. Here is the link: http://obddiagnostics.com/

You can buy the interface complete or in various stages of being completed. Depending on how much work and part gathering you want to do.

Also, any computer programers out there that know what signal a computer would need to read ABS codes and trannie codes? I would like to get the above interface to be able to read ABS and trannie codes.

Regards

Dan

What a coincidence, i have that too. I love the analog guages... Anyway, if you want a good, cheap code scanner, i recommend autozone's under $100 scanner and Check Engine Light clearer. I mainly use a GM Tech II, Ford Rotunda, Or Chrysler DRB II, but these are very pricey....

I've got the Actron CP9135, runs around $100. Pretty simple code reader but will also tell you the status of the OBDII monitors. Actron came out with a smaller model CP9125 recently that sells for $75 or less. Cheapest one I've seen is the CReader at Harbor Freight, runs around $39 on sale.

I have a ‘93 Taurus and a ‘96 Windstar, I’ve been contemplating purchasing an Auto X-Ray Code Reader EZ-READ 2000 that cost $199.00 from most any auto parts store such as AutoZone, Advanced Auto, O’Reilly. Below is a product description:

The EZ-READ Advanced Code Reader is the most user-friendly, cost-efficient, and portable OBD-I & OBDII Code Reader available. With an EZ-READ 2000 users can access the same information dealers use on '83 and newer Domestic and '96 and newer Import vehicles. Comprehensive features include: show trouble and pending codes in English, resets check engine light. It's affordability, and abundant features make the EZREAD 2000 the ideal personal tool kit for DIYer's.

FEATURES

* Supports multiple trouble code requests, generic codes (mode 3), pending codes (mode 7), enhanced codes
* On screen display of OBD-I trouble codes, OBD-II generic and OBD-II manufacturer specific codes.
* Displays Readiness Test Status
* Reset Check Engine Lights
* Internet Upgradeable

VEHICLE COVERAGE

* GM '82 - Current Year (12 & 16 pin ALDL and OBD-II)
* Ford '83 - Current Year (EEC IV and OBD-II)
* Chrysler '83 - Current Year (SCI and OBD-II)
* Jeep '91- Current Year (SCI and OBD-II)
* Toyota '96 - Current Year (OBD-II)
* Honda '96 - Current Year (OBD-II)
* NISSAN '96 - Current Year (OBD-II)
* All other Asian and European '96 - Current Year (OBD-II)

CONTENTS

* 2000 Code reader
* GM OBD-I Cable
* Ford OBD-I Cable
* Chrysler OBD-I Cable
* OBD-II Cable
* Case
* Users Manual
* Reg. Card
* Box Sleeve

Has anyone used the EZ-READ 2000 ? It looks like it covers quite a few model years/vehicles. Im curious to hear from someone that owns one.....

A good OBDII scanner should work on ANY 1996 and newer car sold in the USA....regardless of where it was bought. The OBDII standard is a Federal Requirement. I know that most people on this forum know this....but I thought it worth mentioning. The generic OBDII codes would be the engine / emission items.....Like Oxygen sensors, misfire, lean codes...and such.... Most anything that will light up your check engine light.

There are a LOT of other codes that are manufacturer / vehicle specific.... These would include Transmission and ABS (I think) codes.
This is where it gets tricky.

I've had this one for a few years: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=46030 Super simple. Plug it in, read the code number & look it up in the included book. Let it cycle 4x and it clears out any codes. You can usually catch it for $39.

G/luck
Joel

I also have the scanner from http://obddiagnostics.com/ . It connects to your pc and you load the software on your PC. Works great.