Is it worth buying a code reader??

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Jun 9, 2006 | 10:17 AM

d_stange

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From: Bertha Minnesota

Is it worth buying a code reader??

Just wondering if its worth buying a code reader for my 90 f250 5.8l so i can see what the heck is wrong with it. Our won't it tell me any codes that are valuable infomation.

i need something that will give me somekind of idea what is going on with this thing. I don't like buying parts i don't need.

Jun 9, 2006 | 10:24 AM

shooter05

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From: Newark, Ohio

I have considered it myself a few times but just can't see it being that vital. I spent 6 weeks troubleshooting my truck and used the "check engine" light to have it flash the codes. I got decent at it doing it so much. If you find one cheap enough used or something I would but I can't see paying full price

Jun 9, 2006 | 10:26 AM

d_stange

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From: Bertha Minnesota

how much is full price?

Jun 9, 2006 | 10:39 AM

shooter05

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From: Newark, Ohio

The ones I saw at sears ranged between $40-$80.

Jun 9, 2006 | 10:54 AM

d_stange

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From: Bertha Minnesota

That's not so bad. I thought they were like $200 or something.

Jun 9, 2006 | 11:32 AM

trgrhappy

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From: Portsmouth, OH

Quote:

Originally Posted by d_stange

That's not so bad. I thought they were like $200 or something.

With it being a 90 model year it should be OBD1. I picked up a code reader for my 89 for just under $40 at Auto Zone. I saved twice that the first time I hooked it up to diagnose an EGR problem. Money well spent, IMHO.