What kind of hardware does it take to read diagnostic code? Can it be done with a laptop computer? Where do you plug in? Where do you get the software and how do you understand what the codes mean?

 

The codes can be read with a code scanner. There are several around. I've used the Actron 9135 with good results. It reads any OBD II compliant vehicle, foreign and domestic. For most vehicles, it will tell you the code and what it means on the display. You can also post the code in these forums and somebody will know what it is. There is diagnostic port under the dash where you plug it in. You could download the codes from Actron also. I got mine at Sears for $140. There are cheaper scanners that read just Ford, just Chevy, etc. I suppose you could use a laptop if you had the diagnostic connector and some software, but an all-in-one unit is probably cheaper in the long run. Any auto parts store will have code scanners of some sort. Some will scan the codes for you for free.

 

First most autoparts stores like autozone will read and clear an ODB II code for you. But goto www.harborfreight.com look for item number ITEM 46030-1VGA If you have a harbor freight near you they are 49 in the store but I told them it was 39 on the internet and they adjusted the price for me in the store. It works great for me, and it reads all 96 and newer cars. I also see them selling on ebay for like 40-60 all the time. The way it works is you start the engine, plug it in and it will display the code(s) very slowly 4 times, if you want clear it wait until after the 4th time and it clears it, if you don't want to clear it then unplug it before the forth time is finished. I comes with a book that has all the codes and you just have to look it up. I made a copy of my book because it doesn't say where to get antother one and without it you are kind of screwed.

 

I saw a CarChip at Autozone for $130 (the CarChipE/X, which is the better model of the two) and picked it up a few weeks ago. It plugs into the ODBII port under the dash and stays there and logs the engine parameters that I chose for up to 300 hours. Whenever you want to look at the data you take the chip out of the port and bring it inside and use the computer interface cable and download it. Reset it. Select new parameters etc. Each trip is logged separately and it graphs out the parameters. Pretty cool toy, but also want to check these parameters so that I can learn what my engine is normally doing.

It also, of course, returns DTC codes and can clear them, as well as recording data if you crash. www.carchip.com I saw some a little cheaper on ebay than in Autozone.

 

You could go with the Diablo Preditor 400 bucks it reads the codes hooks up to a computer and gives you the ability to add hp change fuel and timing. I have one and i like it. You can also data log while you are driving download to computer and analize it.

 

Autotap scanner for PC or palm, is about the best bang for your buck IMHO. $300. gives you standard generic obdII for $200., plus the ford extended codes for $100. This allows you to read voltages at the relays, sensors, switches, and troubleshoot your system the way ford techs do.