I'd like to get a new code reader. What's the best one to get for the money? I've had the really cheap ones a few years back. Don't want that type again but don't want to mortgage the house for a new one, either. Any experiences/suggestions?? Thanks in advance.
Pilgrim

 

am not a mechanic, but recently have cause to retrieve hex codes from vehicle, found aout that none of my regular mechanic/electrical friends/sources had a reader that could definitively read my early '05 diesel van. whether these codes are necessary to diagnose newer rigs, i don't know.

 

I bought an Actron OBD11 autoscanner from (IIRC) Advance Auto Parts, about $150 or so and it's saved me a fortune in garage bills. Much better than the "pocket" scanners and works flawlessly.

 

I have used an Actron for the OBD I systems for several years, and it does a pretty good job. May not be a nice as the OTC units, but it does what I need. I will be buying another to get upgraded to the OBD II systems when money allows...

 

I have two actrons. they work great.

 

I have an Actron CP 9145 that works very well. While it is set up for OBD II I purchased the accessory cable for our pre - 96 Rangers that use OBD I EEC IV. No complaints from me.
As I recall it was around $175. and the EEC IV cable was $30 + -.
Russ

 

I also have an Actron, but it's now a paperweight because my '04 F150 uses CANBus data linking. Even though it all says "OBD-II", it won't read.

But it did help me clear some codes on my nephew's '98 'Yota while he was travelling through the area, so it occassionally comes in handy (I never get rid of tools or toys!)

 

I bought a Snap-On 2500 for 100.00US at a pawn shop. It had Ford, GM and Chrysler fast track readers.

I looked for one for several months till the right one showed up.

 

If you're scanning EEC-IV only, try to get one of the Ford testers off of E-Bay.

For EEC-V, get something that allows you to scan the manufacturer specific diagnostic codes so you can troubleshoot the ABS and airbag systems as well. As Muffinman proved, you can get such a scanner for a decent price provided you look around.

 

I bought a Creader OBDII code reader on eBay Motors for ~$30 plus shipping. Harbor Freight sells them for $49.95 and sometimes on sale for $39.95. Good for the DIYer, I'm very happy with it.

 

I bought a Autoxray 5000 from toolparadise.com for I think $325.00 does about anything on road except european...internet updateable and alot of other features and it comes with all the cables I work on a bunce of different cars and trucks from Ford GM and Dodge so I needed a all in one scanner I very happy with it so and its payed for itself already...

 

I have an AutoXray EZ-2000 and for under $200 it was okay and the best value I could find new. It will not work with pre 1996 foreign vehicles though most ads claim so. The AutoTap stuff looks great if you can afford the laptop.