automotive code readers
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 229
Likes: 0
From: Canada
automotive code readers
I'd like to get a new code reader. What's the best one to get for the money? I've had the really cheap ones a few years back. Don't want that type again but don't want to mortgage the house for a new one, either. Any experiences/suggestions?? Thanks in advance.
Pilgrim
Pilgrim
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 330
Likes: 0
From: arcata, ca
am not a mechanic, but recently have cause to retrieve hex codes from vehicle, found aout that none of my regular mechanic/electrical friends/sources had a reader that could definitively read my early '05 diesel van. whether these codes are necessary to diagnose newer rigs, i don't know.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
Likes: 3
From: Marengo, Iowa
I have used an Actron for the OBD I systems for several years, and it does a pretty good job. May not be a nice as the OTC units, but it does what I need. I will be buying another to get upgraded to the OBD II systems when money allows...
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 724
Likes: 0
From: Cypress, CA
I have an Actron CP 9145 that works very well. While it is set up for OBD II I purchased the accessory cable for our pre - 96 Rangers that use OBD I EEC IV. No complaints from me.
As I recall it was around $175. and the EEC IV cable was $30 + -.
Russ
As I recall it was around $175. and the EEC IV cable was $30 + -.
Russ
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 752
Likes: 0
From: Marple Township, PA
I also have an Actron, but it's now a paperweight because my '04 F150 uses CANBus data linking. Even though it all says "OBD-II", it won't read.
But it did help me clear some codes on my nephew's '98 'Yota while he was travelling through the area, so it occassionally comes in handy (I never get rid of tools or toys!)
But it did help me clear some codes on my nephew's '98 'Yota while he was travelling through the area, so it occassionally comes in handy (I never get rid of tools or toys!)
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,240
Likes: 3
From: Dallas, Texas
I bought a Snap-On 2500 for 100.00US at a pawn shop. It had Ford, GM and Chrysler fast track readers.
I looked for one for several months till the right one showed up.
I looked for one for several months till the right one showed up.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,245
Likes: 0
If you're scanning EEC-IV only, try to get one of the Ford testers off of E-Bay.
For EEC-V, get something that allows you to scan the manufacturer specific diagnostic codes so you can troubleshoot the ABS and airbag systems as well. As Muffinman proved, you can get such a scanner for a decent price provided you look around.
For EEC-V, get something that allows you to scan the manufacturer specific diagnostic codes so you can troubleshoot the ABS and airbag systems as well. As Muffinman proved, you can get such a scanner for a decent price provided you look around.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 0
From: Niceville, FL.
I bought a Creader OBDII code reader on eBay Motors for ~$30 plus shipping. Harbor Freight sells them for $49.95 and sometimes on sale for $39.95. Good for the DIYer, I'm very happy with it.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
I bought a Autoxray 5000 from toolparadise.com for I think $325.00 does about anything on road except european...internet updateable and alot of other features and it comes with all the cables I work on a bunce of different cars and trucks from Ford GM and Dodge so I needed a all in one scanner I very happy with it so and its payed for itself already...
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
I have an AutoXray EZ-2000 and for under $200 it was okay and the best value I could find new. It will not work with pre 1996 foreign vehicles though most ads claim so. The AutoTap stuff looks great if you can afford the laptop.
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1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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