Wanting to add a code reader to my tool box anyone have a recommendation for a good reasonably priced code reader?

 

Hi,, Auto Zone, O'Reilly's, NAPA and others carry readers at different price ranges,,depends how good a reader you want and how much you pay. check out amazon.com too,,where I got mine,,$35 I think..its reads and stores codes and comes with a really good book on how to hook it up, read codes etc. Larry

 

Depends on what you want to do & how old the vehicles are, that you want to work on & scan the computers on, OBD-1, OBD-2, CAN, emissions equipped, domestic or foreign.

If you just want to pull & erase trouble codes on OBD-2 or newer vehicles, no need to buy a code reader, as most autoparts stores will scan the computer at no cost if the CEL is lit.

If you want to do more serious diagnostic work, like monitor live sensor PID feeds to the computer, then you'll need a hand held scantool. Some scantools also offer graphing of data, but are more expensive.

I have a hand held Actron CP-9150 kit with cables, that uses their CP-9145 scantool, that allows me to scan every domestic GM, Chrysler & Ford, from about 85 to present, so I have all of the older & newer family vehicles covered, form OBD-1, OBD-2 & the newer CAN equipped emissions vehicles. That puppy back in 05 was about $250, but they can be had for a lot less now. As has been said, if you just want to pull & erase codes on OBD-2 & CAN emissions equipped vehicles, then a code reader is all you need, just make sure it'll scan CAN equipped vehicles, some still don't.

Actron makes some OEM scantools, so their products don't have any problems shaking hands with the various mfgr's computers & they are easy to hook up & use & to date, I've not had any problems with my 05 model.

Then there is software & cables that let you use a laptop as a scantool & some of those programs are graphics rich, so if you like lots of data, or gauges, maybe look at whats available for your laptop.

So if your vehicles are the newer CAN emissions equipped vehicles, you need to make sure your code reader, or scantool, or laptop program will work with them.

More thoughts for pondering

 

For quick and dirty I bought a Can compliant from Harbor freight. It works good. For detail I have the obd-II software running on an old laptop. It works great and can read the enhanced codes plus the things like ABS and Traction control codes. Plus give you real time data while running down the road.

 

I have an Innova 3130 which is CAN capable also. Seems like I got it new in the box for $135 of Ebay. I think it list for around $300. So research what you want and then research prices for a best buy. I like the Innova.

 

Thanks for the info.

 

If all you want to do is read codes, the parts stores do that for free. If you want a read reader, make sure it has all the features you want. If it can't read live data, then no point in buying it when it can't do more than the free trip to the parts store.

Make sure it can read live sensor data, pending codes, freeze frame data, and can be updated.

 

Yeah the parts stores can read data. But they don't come to the house to read it and they don't read code much after 9:00 P.M. here. So for a few bucks you can have it as a conviences item read the code(s) come to a site like this and decide what your course of action is going to be. But I don't need much though process to buy a tool.

 

This is the one I am thinking about Buy Actron Pocket Scan Code Reader CP9125 at Advance Auto Parts_____

 

Mike, that one will probably do what you want. But there is more than just reading codes if you want it. The Innova and many more will pull up all kinds of information live to help diagnose different problems which is whjat I wanted. For instance a week after I got my Innova my daughter called saying her dash just went crazy in her 05 Ford Focus. No codes were thrown. I got the car from her and after 15-20 minutes of driving was able to determine that the car was getting voltage spikes up to 18-19v. Replaced the alternator. On that Focus alone I think it pulled up possible 80 different readouts on the live data streams. The last time I had a car serviced for a check engine light I think they charged $90 plus the repair. I could have easly done the repair myself with the code reader so the amount I paid doesn't bother me. If your fine without live data and probably not upgradable the Actron will work for you.

 

If a code reader is all you need & want, that'll work.
See if the 20% discount here is still valid, if so that'll make it an even better buy!
Welcome Back - Save 20% Off Your Next Order at Advance Auto Parts

 

Thanks for all the info guys I just picked up my code reader today I will let you know how I like it.