code reader/scanner for obd2?
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Midwest
code reader/scanner for obd2?
who makes a good,economical scanner for the obd2 system? this is for my 1999 cavalier. I would like to keep the price below $60 if possible. I do not have a laptop,so that kind of scanner is not an option. I am going to be driving this car for awhile,so if it is vehicle specific,that is fine. thanks,Ben
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Frequently frozen MN
Just so you know, for that price you will get a code reader only. It will read the codes, and these days, it will probably tell you what they mean in English.
A real scanner will read a lot of other things like fuel trims and actual sensor values. It will also cost a bit more.
I think that Wally does have some kind of reader, and you could probably try it out and bring it back if you didn't like it.
Otherwise you could Google OBD2 code readers. A lot of the manufacturers have their user manuals online.
A real scanner will read a lot of other things like fuel trims and actual sensor values. It will also cost a bit more.
I think that Wally does have some kind of reader, and you could probably try it out and bring it back if you didn't like it.
Otherwise you could Google OBD2 code readers. A lot of the manufacturers have their user manuals online.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Midwest
what is the difference between these three scanners,besides price obviously? They all seem to have the same function,but have different model numbers. which of the three would be best? eBay Motors: Actron PocketScan Plus CP9410 - New (item 290301657827 end time Apr-08-09 07:31:41 PDT)
eBay Motors: OBD II Trouble Code Scanner Reader CP9175 Actron New (item 250389641032 end time Apr-13-09 08:53:36 PDT)
eBay Motors: Actron CP9135 OBD II 2 Auto Scanner Tool Code Reader (item 170317972407 end time Apr-10-09 16:38:14 PDT)
eBay Motors: OBD II Trouble Code Scanner Reader CP9175 Actron New (item 250389641032 end time Apr-13-09 08:53:36 PDT)
eBay Motors: Actron CP9135 OBD II 2 Auto Scanner Tool Code Reader (item 170317972407 end time Apr-10-09 16:38:14 PDT)
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,476
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From: Frequently frozen MN
The last 2 read freeze frame in addiion to trouble codes.
None read manufacturer's trouble codes (each manufacturer defines specific codes that report various problems. These are not required and they are unique to the manufacturer). I believe that a lot of modern scanners do read manufacturers codes.
Freeze frame data is supposedly interesting. It reports various conditions of the engine when a fault occurs. However, I have read that this is not always the case -- there are apparently times when the 'freeze frame' data gets updated. Anyway, it's supposedly useful -- if you know how to interpret it.
You might try going to the Actron website to find out more about these scanners. Quite possibly one is a newer version of the other. As I mentioned previously, you can probably find the user's manuals there.
None read manufacturer's trouble codes (each manufacturer defines specific codes that report various problems. These are not required and they are unique to the manufacturer). I believe that a lot of modern scanners do read manufacturers codes.
Freeze frame data is supposedly interesting. It reports various conditions of the engine when a fault occurs. However, I have read that this is not always the case -- there are apparently times when the 'freeze frame' data gets updated. Anyway, it's supposedly useful -- if you know how to interpret it.
You might try going to the Actron website to find out more about these scanners. Quite possibly one is a newer version of the other. As I mentioned previously, you can probably find the user's manuals there.
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