Which Code Reader To Buy
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 46
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From: Iowa
Which Code Reader To Buy
Hopefully this is the right place to post this.
I'm done taking my stuff to dealer and paying $80 - $100 per hour for diagnostic to then charge me an another $300 with labor for a $40 dollar part that I can put in in a few hours.
I currently have a 2002 Explorer and 2004 Freestar, I don't expect to own anything much older in the future. I'd like to stay under $200 if that is possible.
Is there some advice out there on what to look for and consider, brands to look for or stay away from, models that are better or worse than others or good retailers to purchase from.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Kurtis
I'm done taking my stuff to dealer and paying $80 - $100 per hour for diagnostic to then charge me an another $300 with labor for a $40 dollar part that I can put in in a few hours.
I currently have a 2002 Explorer and 2004 Freestar, I don't expect to own anything much older in the future. I'd like to stay under $200 if that is possible.
Is there some advice out there on what to look for and consider, brands to look for or stay away from, models that are better or worse than others or good retailers to purchase from.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Kurtis
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 504
Likes: 0
From: Gilbert, AZ
I bought a $30 cheapy from eBay. Thats including shipping too. All i wanted is something to read codes and erase them. I dont need that fancy "real-time monitoring" stuff... its too complicated for me anyway. I also dont need a fancy extended guide on what codes mean. you can come here for code definitions for that....
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 46
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From: Iowa
I looked at one in a Sears catalog that just came. It quote "read transmission codes" should I take that to mean that readers do not read transmission codes unless they specifically say so?
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,450
Likes: 2
From: Baltimore
I went the cheap route as well. Picked up a Cen-Tech from Harborfreight.com for $40. It will read and reset the codes which is all I really needed.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=94169
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=94169
New User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
I am thinking about getting Scangauge (code reader plus online fuel mileage output, temps etc...).
http://www.scangauge.com/
Anyone tried this?
http://www.scangauge.com/
Anyone tried this?
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Posting Guru
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Sweet deal on ScanGauge and Custom Mount
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: BC Canada
Originally Posted by gdirwin
I am thinking about getting Scangauge (code reader plus online fuel mileage output, temps etc...).
http://www.scangauge.com/
Anyone tried this?
http://www.scangauge.com/
Anyone tried this?
<TABLE id=TABLE1 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD bg***************>1997</TD><TD colSpan=3 bg***************>WORKS ON ALL EXCEPT: Ford, GM and Dodge trucks with diesel engines.
Ford Explorer and Ranger - No Speed, Distance or Fuel Economy information (MPH, MPG, Miles driven).
</TD></TR><TR><TD bg***************>1998</TD><TD colSpan=3 bg***************>WORKS ON ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT: Ford Explorer and Ranger - No Speed, Distance or Fuel Economy information (MPH, MPG, Miles driven).</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>