What OBD II scan tool do I buy?

[DietDrThunder]

I have a 2003 Chevy Trailblazer EXT with the 5.3L V8. I've had an intermitent problem with the "Service Engine Soon" light coming on. It will be randomly come on once or twice a month for about 5 minutes, then it goes away. I took it to autozone, the guy hooked up the scanner, said I must have gotten hold of some bad gas, then he cleared the code (no, he didn't tell me what the code was). I want to be able to hook up my own ODB II tool and see the code myself when it happens. What OBD II scan tool should I buy? By the way, the engine doesn't run rough, I've not noticed any change in gas mileage, but I also don't drive this vehicle much (vacation / trip vehicle).

 

[kornphlake]

harbor freight usually has a cheap code reader for about $20. I spent a lot more and bought an Actron that has some scanning capabilities and a USB connection to upload data to a PC. The only advanced feature I've ever needed was to check that the monitors were all at a ready status before taking a vehicle in for an emissions inspection.

If I were to do it over again I'd probably buy a cheap bare bones model from a discount tool supplier. The advanced features don't really tell you anything unless you spend big bucks for a professional tool.

 

[mrblotto]

Got myself some Actron model a few years back. No USB hookup, but it does the job at reading the various codes. I think it was like $20 or $30 or so from Autozone or Advance Auto.

 

[alexruiz]

To read and clear codes, as already suggested, get the cheapest one that has support for CAN.

If you have $3k and want to get fancy, get a NeoVi fire (or Vector CANalyzer)

I personally don't see the reason to get a more advanced reader. Unless I can read or write PIDs, DIDs or load calibrations, there is no need for fancier displays.

 

[iGas]

I got an Equus Innova 3030 OBDII for cheap that supports CAN, and so far it worked perfectly for me.