OBD II code reader on sale for $30 bucks

[ericn1300]

Harbor freight has and obd II reader on sale. Autozone still reads codes for free but won't clear them anymore. My Pontiac set a cps code once about 4 months ago and i know it won't pass the emission test unless i clear it. The shops around here charge $40 to $70 bucks to do it so it will pay for itself the first time i use it. Anbody have one of these, and can i find one cheaper somewhere else?

link here:
http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/...4_retailA.html

[Chris Stewart]

That looks like a fairly swinging deal Eric. Most of the time, all we want is a code to start trying to fix and discuss the problem. To get a code and be able to reset the DTC at a reasonable price is what most of us are looking for. The one you show is certainly reasonably priced.
Harbor Freight shows another code reader with a downloadable manual. I downloaded it and the codes displayed are generic.
For example, the P1870 DTC for Transmission Component Slipping in a GM application is shown as Transmission Module Unstable...quite a difference, so that has to be considered too.
However the P0216 Injector Pump Timing Failure in the Dodge/Cummins application is Injector Timing Control Circuit Malfunction...pretty close.
My favorite, the P0300 codes are right on the money with P0301 being #1 Cylinder Misfire.
I found no ABS codes so that will have to be considered too.

[ericn1300]

true, the code listings are generic but it's a starting point. i just put your example "the P1870 DTC for Transmission Component Slipping in a GM application is shown as Transmission Module Unstable...quite a difference" in a google search using just "P1870 DTC" as my search phrase and got over 40 hits that included service manual descriptions and GM service bulletins

i think the lack of ABS codes is because they are manufacturor specific due to all of the different types of ABS systems out there. i've never had an ABS code set, and even if i did it wouldn't cause me to fail the emmision test. the first 1,000 codes are generic to all makes.

[ericn1300]

I bought one and tried it out today, pretty basic code reader with erase. no real time scanning like the more expensive units. easy to use. heavy duty cord long enough to place the unit on the car seat. both the connector and unit are screwed together so you can repair or replace the cable, i hate those molded cable connectors and units. small enough to toss in glove box so i have it with me if a code sets.

i only had one code set, so i'm not sure but i think the erase clears all codes stored. i didn't see a way to clear codes one at a time in the manual. and remmember that the PCM has to record at least 5 drive cycles with out errors to pass the emission testing after erasing.

all in all, i think it was worth the price, but i'd still like to get a setup for my laptop so i can do real time monitoring of the system inputs. it might not be right for you, though, Chris. the back lable says "keep out of reach of children"

[Chris Stewart]

If I've started my 2nd childhood at 50, will I go through the terrible 2's again at 52?

[skier-24]

I have the C-reader and it does what it is supposed to do. The book also has more codes listed than my Haynes manuals.

[ericn1300]

Originally Posted by Chris Stewart

If I've started my 2nd childhood at 50, will I go through the terrible 2's again at 52?

LOL, my load leveler says i've been acting like a 16yr old since i tuned 50. that's probably worse than the terrible 2's. at least you can give a 2yr old a time out.