OBDII Code reader
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Birmingham, AL
OBDII Code reader
I was thinking about purchasing an OBDII code reader for my 99EB. I looked on ebay and their are alot of them out there in a large price range. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I should look for when purchasing one of these? I'm just going to use it help me fix or diagnose things as they pop up. thanks
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2004
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I agree with "zarillus". But if you insist on buying your own, the compact low-priced Actron CP9135 seems to be the weapon of choice. I see them routinely on sale at PepBoys for $99.99. There are a lot on eBay, but shipping will bring the cost to OVER $100. My pessimistic alter ego tells me that deep discounts and plentiful eBay quantities might suggest retailers can't unload them and/or buyers may not be happy with them. Perhaps someone else will offer their opinion.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Louisiana
I bought one of the Actron ones for $75 used. It came in real handy diagnosing a persistant code because I would fix something, reset the code and see if it came back. I'd hate to go to Autozone every day or 2 having them reset the codes. And there lies another problem. The code reader is just that, a reader. Does nothing to determine your problem. Just gives a symptom. And like a doctor you have to figure out what those symptoms are telling you in order to find the cure. Took me a year (I wasn't too persistant) and $100 dollars in unneeded parts (I now have a completely brand new emissions sensor system) before I tracked down the real problem...a cracked EGR purge canister.
The best thing would be a reader and diagnostic tool. A bit more expensive but it will read the data and determine the cause so you can pinpiont a fix.
The best thing would be a reader and diagnostic tool. A bit more expensive but it will read the data and determine the cause so you can pinpiont a fix.
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 277
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From: NY
If you live in NY don't count on them reseting your codes. There is some new law that will not allow them to clear your ECM. It has to do with the new inspection procedure they are coming out with. That is one of the reasons I want to buy one for myself.
Mark
99 XLT 4x4
Mark
99 XLT 4x4
New User
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Mobile, Al.
I found a website (www.obddiagnostics.com) that offers a free program to download that will read all trouble codes as well as real time data. If you have a laptop, you need to order the interface (Serial Port) from the web site. It is $88.00 including shipping & handling. I got mine about a week ago and have diagnosed four different vehicles already. Like the Actron unit, it supports all protocols. I particularly like the real-time data (O2 Sensors). If you don't have a laptop, then your somewhat out of luck. The Actron would then be your best bet.
55 F100 Custom
01 Expy XLT
55 F100 Custom
01 Expy XLT
Last edited by Alive55; Aug 20, 2004 at 08:44 PM.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: All over Texas
I'd suggest the Superchip microtuner. Not only do you get added performance and other specific settings for shift points/firmness, but also a complete code reader.
Otherwise, I'd probably get the autotap program.
Mark, disconnect your battery. This will clear the PCM of codes. Now it there is a persistent problem, then the cel will return.
Otherwise, I'd probably get the autotap program.
Mark, disconnect your battery. This will clear the PCM of codes. Now it there is a persistent problem, then the cel will return.
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What's the difference between a diagnostic tool and a code reader?
You mean once I buy a code reader- run it get a code- then code refers to a list of symptoms- then from these symptoms I need to "guess" what the cause is?
You mean once I buy a code reader- run it get a code- then code refers to a list of symptoms- then from these symptoms I need to "guess" what the cause is?
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