scanners-obd2
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2001
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For a basic code reader and to clear codes they are just fine. Watch for AZ or Advance to put them on sale though. From time to time I see them selling the Actron 9135 for less than 100 bucks. I am not sure about Sears stores. My local Sears I would doubt would have them, but it may be a catalog item.
Last edited by keith w; Nov 21, 2004 at 02:05 AM.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 324
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From: Southern USA
thanks...could you explain the diff. in a code reader and a scanner? i read somewhere in this forum i believe that there are 2 diff. devices. as long as it shows the actual code and not the flashing x no. of times that you got to count. i saw a couple of inexpensive ones on ebay, some off brand, but rather buy from a local retail type store unless theres a big price diff. i'm just getting one for a xmas gift in case i need it some day. (i'm sure i will) thanks....pr
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2001
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Yeah, the Actron I mentioned above shows the actual code and gives a brief description of it on the display. No flashing lights to count with these 
As far as what the difference is between a scanner and a code reader, I can give you my take on it. A lot of people call code readers...scanners, I think that is where some of the confusion comes in. A true scanner can do read basic DTC codes too, but it can do stuff like read actual sensor information while driving or freeze frame the data at the time of the trouble code to help diagnose the problem or whether or not a sensor has actually failed. Sometimes DTC codes that you read with a code reader can be a little misleading. Not wrong, mind you, just misleading if you don't really know what is going on. A simple vacuum leak might mask itself as something else leading you to believe there is a huge problem when in fact it may be a simple one. All that said, a basic code reader is still a great tool for any do-it-yourselfer
As far as what the difference is between a scanner and a code reader, I can give you my take on it. A lot of people call code readers...scanners, I think that is where some of the confusion comes in. A true scanner can do read basic DTC codes too, but it can do stuff like read actual sensor information while driving or freeze frame the data at the time of the trouble code to help diagnose the problem or whether or not a sensor has actually failed. Sometimes DTC codes that you read with a code reader can be a little misleading. Not wrong, mind you, just misleading if you don't really know what is going on. A simple vacuum leak might mask itself as something else leading you to believe there is a huge problem when in fact it may be a simple one. All that said, a basic code reader is still a great tool for any do-it-yourselfer
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
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I have an Actron CP9135 that has worked well, it was $99 at Advance Auto Parts.
Check here also for an interesting variation:
http://www.scangauge.com/
Check here also for an interesting variation:
http://www.scangauge.com/
New User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 17
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I have an autotap SCANNER. It tells me everything from LTFT levels to DTC's. And it costs $500. However I've seen code readers that just spit out the 5 digit DTC that cost $50. Look on Harbor Freight. They don't give you any info except the DTC, so you'll need to look up the description somewhere else. The scanner, I need to hook it up to my laptop; the code reader, is self contained: just plug it in the Diagnostic Port.
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2001
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From: Cypress, CA
Paul812: What Keithw says regarding the difference between a code reader and scanner is correct. There are several inexpensive code readers (CReader for one) that are less than $50 and will digitally display the error code(s) and turn the light off. The CReader comes with a booklet that describes the OBDII codes and their meanings and the codes are also available at: http://autorepair.about.com/cs/troub...l_obd_main.htm
The more expensive code readers such as the Actron 9135 for $100 provides the same information on the screen without having to look it up. Personally I have the Actron 9145 and have not been disappointed. Sure saves a lot of time bird-******* some of these little glitches,
Hope this is helpful.
Russ
The more expensive code readers such as the Actron 9135 for $100 provides the same information on the screen without having to look it up. Personally I have the Actron 9145 and have not been disappointed. Sure saves a lot of time bird-******* some of these little glitches,
Hope this is helpful.
Russ
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