Code Reader Purchase? Which one? $$?
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Michigan Det ToThe Soo!
Code Reader/Scan Purchase? Which one? $$?
While reading this forum and a jeep forum i'm on, I find myself wanting a code reader/scan tool instead of going to autozone to pull a code on my vehicles...
I'm sure you can buy a $500... but what is a good basic one that will work for the average consumer... expe, jeep, e350, taurus etc... or do they have a laptop verson?
which one do you have? how much? and why did you choose it? is there another resource for what the codes mean?
thanks
I'm sure you can buy a $500... but what is a good basic one that will work for the average consumer... expe, jeep, e350, taurus etc... or do they have a laptop verson?
which one do you have? how much? and why did you choose it? is there another resource for what the codes mean?
thanks
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I have an Autoxray scanner. The reason I spent the money is that it will also tell you pending codes and allow you to record while driving to catch those problems that only show up under certain driving conditions. It also has a accessory to monitor your battery which is a must here in the desert. The data can also be downloaded to a PC.
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From: Michigan Det ToThe Soo!
Originally Posted by sbclemens
I have an Autoxray scanner. The reason I spent the money is that it will also tell you pending codes and allow you to record while driving to catch those problems that only show up under certain driving conditions. It also has a accessory to monitor your battery which is a must here in the desert. The data can also be downloaded to a PC.
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From: Billings, Montana
This is the one I have. I bought it at NAPA auto.
http://www.warehouseautoparts.com/Sp..._CanOBD_II.htm
http://www.warehouseautoparts.com/Sp..._CanOBD_II.htm
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I have the Autoxray EZ Scan 4000. I don't remember what I paid for it but you can check it out on Autoxray's website. Mine will not pick up every code due to Ford's proprietary code on some of the sensors. I don't know if this is true on all but Ford's scanners. Maybe Superdutymj's Snap-on can. Madsonp, How about yours?
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Equus 3130 - this thing is awesome for the price at West Coast Tool on EBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/EQUUS...spagenameZWDVW.
It has a serial connection - but you can buy an inexpensive serial-to-USB adapter for around $7 at Monoprice.com: http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2
It has a serial connection - but you can buy an inexpensive serial-to-USB adapter for around $7 at Monoprice.com: http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2
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Senior User
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From: Michigan Det ToThe Soo!
i see a lot of these scanners say shows "pending code"..... what does that mean? and also... live data means what? meaning you can leave it plugged in while running vehicle?
these are some great ones in my price range ($150)
thanks
these are some great ones in my price range ($150)
thanks
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 551
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Yes, you can drive with the scanner connected. You can take a "snap shot" of your engine while its running well and then another "snap shot" when it starts acting up. Pending codes are codes that haven't reached the right condition to set your CEL. Still important information when trouble shooting problems.
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Foothills of NC
I bought an INNOVA 3030 reader from O'Reilly's. It is a basic scan tool, as it won't freeze frame, or can't be used when the engine is running.
I am very pleased with this unit. It will show in the window how many monitoring systems are on each vehicle, which have ran a complete cycle and which ones are still in test mode, and it will show set and pending codes.
I buy cars at auctions for my dealership, and it has saved me thousands of dollars in repairs on cars I would have bought if I had not ran a code check first. Many "shady" dealers will either disconnect the battery or clear the codes with a scanner before the auction. Most times the light will not come back on before the sale. If there are pending codes or incomplete cycles on monitors, then I shy away from that car.
This tool was $69.99. There are times I would like the capability to dig deeper, but this unit is very good, and small enough to fit in my jacket pocket.
I am very pleased with this unit. It will show in the window how many monitoring systems are on each vehicle, which have ran a complete cycle and which ones are still in test mode, and it will show set and pending codes.
I buy cars at auctions for my dealership, and it has saved me thousands of dollars in repairs on cars I would have bought if I had not ran a code check first. Many "shady" dealers will either disconnect the battery or clear the codes with a scanner before the auction. Most times the light will not come back on before the sale. If there are pending codes or incomplete cycles on monitors, then I shy away from that car.
This tool was $69.99. There are times I would like the capability to dig deeper, but this unit is very good, and small enough to fit in my jacket pocket.
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From: Michigan Det ToThe Soo!
Originally Posted by yardbird
I bought an INNOVA 3030 reader from O'Reilly's. It is a basic scan tool, as it won't freeze frame, or can't be used when the engine is running.
I am very pleased with this unit. It will show in the window how many monitoring systems are on each vehicle, which have ran a complete cycle and which ones are still in test mode, and it will show set and pending codes.
I buy cars at auctions for my dealership, and it has saved me thousands of dollars in repairs on cars I would have bought if I had not ran a code check first. Many "shady" dealers will either disconnect the battery or clear the codes with a scanner before the auction. Most times the light will not come back on before the sale. If there are pending codes or incomplete cycles on monitors, then I shy away from that car.
This tool was $69.99. There are times I would like the capability to dig deeper, but this unit is very good, and small enough to fit in my jacket pocket.
I am very pleased with this unit. It will show in the window how many monitoring systems are on each vehicle, which have ran a complete cycle and which ones are still in test mode, and it will show set and pending codes.
I buy cars at auctions for my dealership, and it has saved me thousands of dollars in repairs on cars I would have bought if I had not ran a code check first. Many "shady" dealers will either disconnect the battery or clear the codes with a scanner before the auction. Most times the light will not come back on before the sale. If there are pending codes or incomplete cycles on monitors, then I shy away from that car.
This tool was $69.99. There are times I would like the capability to dig deeper, but this unit is very good, and small enough to fit in my jacket pocket.
thanks