Scanners/Code Readers ??
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 567
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From: Wellington, KS
Scanners/Code Readers ??
I have no experience with the code readers, and sure am considering getting one. I see the Actron and Innova brands. Can someone recommend one of these that would be a good code reader that will tell you what the fault is, and allow you to reset it. Perhaps one of the cheaper Harbor Freight tools would be OK, but I'd spend a little more money if it's worth it. Anyhow, I'm sure some our members here could give some good advice.
No problems with my truck YET, but maybe I'm next. I'd rather have one with me when and if it's my turn.............
Jim
No problems with my truck YET, but maybe I'm next. I'd rather have one with me when and if it's my turn.............
Jim
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: Hermitage, TN
I have an Autel Autolink 309 that I got from Amoazon for around $50. It does everything you're looking for without breaking the bank and is perfect for the average Joe just needing to clear codes. It gives the code and description for that code. It will also give you emissions ready status showing which systems are ready or not. Handy if you have emissions where you live. I have used it for an Expedition, F150, BMW, and a neighbors Volvo. It also allows for live data monitoring although I haven't used that feature.
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 567
Likes: 0
From: Wellington, KS
Thanks guys. As you can see my truck is a chassis cab, so I know there are differences between our engines. I turned 30K just as we got home from Califonia, so maybe I'm a little early in experiencing some of these sensor/exhaust failures. I definitely want one of these tools that will give me the fault code, tell me what that code is, and finally reset it after I have a chance to fix the problem. Are the Actron and Innova brands more expensive than you need?
I have a son with a 2000 Tahoe. It seems to always have a check engine light on and we make a lot of trips to O'Reillys to get the codes. Would one tool work on my truck and his car? Since I don't know anything about these tools, I'm sure glad we have members here who will help you.
Thanks for the help!!!!!!!
Jim
I have a son with a 2000 Tahoe. It seems to always have a check engine light on and we make a lot of trips to O'Reillys to get the codes. Would one tool work on my truck and his car? Since I don't know anything about these tools, I'm sure glad we have members here who will help you.
Thanks for the help!!!!!!!
Jim
More Turbo
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 596
Likes: 23
From: Watson
If you have any old Android OS phone or tablet laying around, you could grab their Torque app off the marketplace ($7 or so last I heard) and an ELM327 bluetooth OBD thingie (bout $11 on Amazon/Ebay) and have your own code reader/clearer, plus a whole lot more, for under $20.
I've been using my old Droid phone for a couple years now on multiple vehicles, with that little Elm box, it's the best $20 I ever spent. It displays my trucks EGTs and a whole lot more info I'm still finding.
I've been using my old Droid phone for a couple years now on multiple vehicles, with that little Elm box, it's the best $20 I ever spent. It displays my trucks EGTs and a whole lot more info I'm still finding.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 18,787
Likes: 30
From: Melbourne, Aus
I would second the bluetooth adapter/app. It does everything the other cheap code readers do, but is cheaper and smaller (download the app onto your phone, as long as you have the adapter with you - can always check codes)
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 567
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From: Wellington, KS
Wow, you guys are younger and much more electronic savy than I am. I have a cell phone but it only receives phone calls I don't text or anything else. So, we have to keep it simple for this old man!!!
I need something that will just plug in to the place under the dash, tell me what the problem is and hope I can fix it. I'm pretty good mechanically but I know nothing about how to use a phone to do anything other than make a call. My wife is the iphone/ipad user, I'm the oil change, car washer, and sometimes fix it guy.
So, a scanner(no phone) would be a better idea for me. Any suggestions there............
Jim
I need something that will just plug in to the place under the dash, tell me what the problem is and hope I can fix it. I'm pretty good mechanically but I know nothing about how to use a phone to do anything other than make a call. My wife is the iphone/ipad user, I'm the oil change, car washer, and sometimes fix it guy.
So, a scanner(no phone) would be a better idea for me. Any suggestions there............
Jim
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,180
Likes: 83
From: Georgia
I have an Innova and love it..the only thing I didn't get while ordering it, was the ability to scan ABS codes. It happened because I wasn't paying attention while ordering! Mine was around $175. I've had it about 2.5 years and it has paid for itself many times over.
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