Which code reader to get?
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: kitch
Which code reader to get?
I am tired of having to go to somewhere to get the codes read on my 97 F-150 4.2.
I have been looking at some of the computer based interfaces with software that runs on a pc and a hookup to the port on the truck. There seem to be a lot out there that have some good features, and they look more useful and detailed than the handheld jobs with their basic LCD displays.
Does anyone have any experience with them or recommendations?
(I apologize if this should be in another forum, just didn't see anything when I flipped through.)
I have been looking at some of the computer based interfaces with software that runs on a pc and a hookup to the port on the truck. There seem to be a lot out there that have some good features, and they look more useful and detailed than the handheld jobs with their basic LCD displays.
Does anyone have any experience with them or recommendations?
(I apologize if this should be in another forum, just didn't see anything when I flipped through.)
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,763
Likes: 1,081
From: St Louis
Running to advance auto is pretty hard when you're in canada....
I use Alex Pepper's OBD-II setup on my Fords. Once I figured out how much of it worked, I've found it to be very handy. Cost was around US$120 or so.
Alex can be reached through his website at wwwdotobd-2dotcom
Steve
I use Alex Pepper's OBD-II setup on my Fords. Once I figured out how much of it worked, I've found it to be very handy. Cost was around US$120 or so.
Alex can be reached through his website at wwwdotobd-2dotcom
Steve
Last edited by projectSHO89; Mar 8, 2006 at 06:24 AM.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 159
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Broken,
I've always done all my own auto work and besides my own cars I'm frequently called by freinds and family to diagnose and repairs their vehicles. When I started getting CELs on my F150 and was told it would be $75+ USD, to have it looked at I decided to do a little research on readers.
My choice was the Autotap system for my laptop. Likes: 1) can do freeze frame or realtime. I can set up the parameters I want to look at and run it while I'm on a trip. 2) You can graph or gage most of the parameters to help with diagnostics. 3) Clears the CEL. 4) Operation is pretty self explanitary. 5) I can download updates right to my laptop from Autotaps site.
Dislikes: 1) Limited ability on foreign cars. American cars run most system checks through the obdII port. Most foreign cars only run the basic emissions through the port. 2) Although you can get readings on thousands of parameters, there is little technical help for many of them. You may have to do alot of research to find out what some of the readings mean. I think this is due to proriatary issues with the manufacturers.
In general, I'm pretty happy with with the system. It's no modus but it also costs a heck of a lot less. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have on it but you should check out their site. BTW: the company that makes it is called B&B electronics.
I've always done all my own auto work and besides my own cars I'm frequently called by freinds and family to diagnose and repairs their vehicles. When I started getting CELs on my F150 and was told it would be $75+ USD, to have it looked at I decided to do a little research on readers.
My choice was the Autotap system for my laptop. Likes: 1) can do freeze frame or realtime. I can set up the parameters I want to look at and run it while I'm on a trip. 2) You can graph or gage most of the parameters to help with diagnostics. 3) Clears the CEL. 4) Operation is pretty self explanitary. 5) I can download updates right to my laptop from Autotaps site.
Dislikes: 1) Limited ability on foreign cars. American cars run most system checks through the obdII port. Most foreign cars only run the basic emissions through the port. 2) Although you can get readings on thousands of parameters, there is little technical help for many of them. You may have to do alot of research to find out what some of the readings mean. I think this is due to proriatary issues with the manufacturers.
In general, I'm pretty happy with with the system. It's no modus but it also costs a heck of a lot less. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have on it but you should check out their site. BTW: the company that makes it is called B&B electronics.
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