What features are important for OBD code readers, and what are not? There's obviously

[Mithridates]

a huge gulf in price between low end OBD readers that might cost $50, and those that cost hundreds of dollars.

[way2old]

Depends on if you want a code reader, Global OBD II scanner, Manufacturer capable scan tool or Manufacturer specific scan tools? The price is according to what you want. So, What do you want?

[Mithridates]

Originally Posted by way2old

Depends on if you want a code reader, Global OBD II scanner, Manufacturer capable scan tool or Manufacturer specific scan tools? The price is according to what you want. So, What do you want?

I'm looking for a global OBD II scanner. I've seen products costing hundreds that that claim to report live data, and products in the $100 range claiming to provide freeze frame data. Is this data useful for the average shade tree mechanic?

[shorod]

Finding a scan tool that provides freeze frame data is not all that difficult to find. Having the datastream data can be very beneficial, even to the average shade tree, but only if you plan to understand what the data means (assuming you don't already know). What you probably don't want to do is spend the $100 now, then 6 months from now realize that you need the freeze frame data and decide to then purchase the more expensive tool.

If you think you'll want to read ABS, Airbag, Transmission, Body Control Unit, etc. data along with manufacturer-specific data, then you're looking at an even larger investment for a professional grade scan tool. You won't be able to get one of these from your neighborhood parts store. You could pick one up from your neighborhood tool truck guy (Cornwell, Mac, Matco, Snap-On) or from one of several online sources.

-Rod

[plymouthsrock]

I bought a low cost scan tool that reads live data, but the refresh rates are slow, which can be frustrating.

[way2old]

A good all purpose tool for the DIY thyat is going to do other repairs for cash, is the Nemesis. It costs around 900$ along with a yearly update fee. That is another thing to figure in to the cost of the tool. The Nemesis will read the ABS, PCM, Air bag, Foreign and Domestic. Update is around 450$ yearly. So on second thought, it may not be such a good tool for the DIY.

[shorod]

But with the Nemesis and big brother Genisys, the yearly update is not mandatory. You can also pick one up from the online auction site for around half of new cost. Currently I'm still running the 2004 software on my Genisys with no issues. Not that my wife has a 2010 I'm going to wait until next year, then upgrade to the latest OS, get the new smart cable, etc. and it will cost me around $900 but I've received many years of service from the initial purchase with the 2004 software.

-Rod

[big white bufflo]

i do alot of repair work and find the actron scanner very good for the money less than 400 $ get you updatable, live data freze frame and all the plugs for cars back to the 80 ' s

[way2old]

Hey Rod. Buy the new one next year and you will get the updates you need for about the same price you are paying for the cables and update. he Nemesis can be had for a reasonable price from auction sites and it will be updated to 2010 with the CAN enabled software.

[shorod]

I'm been considering that. It's sometimes not cost effective to update these compared with the cost to trade it in. I need to be sure though that the new EVO version is compatible with the current 4-channel scope module I have for it though.

-Rod