Anyone have an OBD II code reader?

[Moab]

I want to get one for my car but there are a ton of choices out there, does it matter which one I get or will they all give me the same info?

 

[DaWhim]

I use this one. link

 

[Moab]

What's the difference between getting something like that for $150 or getting some cheap one off ebay for $30?

Like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Car-Scan...43989QQihZ014QQitemZ330107826388QQrdZ1

 

[RiverDog]

I got one at harbor freight for under $60. Link They are normally on sale. They read the same thing and will return the code. Some have aditional functions that can cost more but essentially they work the same.

 

[0]

harborfreight ftw

Some have better features than others.

 

[Moab]

So if I am just looking for one to give me the basic code out of the system as to why the check engine light is on then I should just get a basic one?

 

[Excelsior]

Yeah.

 

[0]

If you want just the code, goto autozone, they do it for free.

The one I have also does real time analysis, allowing you to scroll through sensor values as they change while driving etc. It also logs with download capability.

The ones at harborfreight are the best prices I've seen.

 

[Moab]

Originally posted by: 0
If you want just the code, goto autozone, they do it for free.

Oh wow, that's great!

Thanks so much for that, I had no idea.

Will they reset the light too?

 

[funboy6942]

Originally posted by: Moab

Originally posted by: 0
If you want just the code, goto autozone, they do it for free.

Oh wow, that's great!

Thanks so much for that, I had no idea.

Will they reset the light too?

I dont know if they rest, but if you get your own, you check your codes on your time at your home, not being pushed in to buying this or that or the other, also if you have other that have the light on can charge them $5 to plug in and see and turn off their lights, making money off the thing. I have my own, $50 from walmart, that checks the code, monitors as you drive to give you up to date real time going on of all sensors, and can reset. Worth every penny to me to do it myself then to go hunt down autozone when a light comes on.

Just some food for thought.

 

[Codewiz]

I bought http://www.scantool.net/

You need a laptop to hook it up to but you always be able to get the latest and greatest software. So unless there is a change in spec you should be covered.

 

[Vette73]

The cheap one from eBay/harborfreight is good for just the codes and resetting the light once you fix the problem.

Higher end ones will give more information but might not be worth it unless you do a lot of your own autowork.