Code Readers

[JandC]

I am probably one of the few folks out there that just discovered what a vehicle Code Reader is....but it sure save me some money.

Our Jeep Wrangler had the "check engine" light come on. I made a appointment at the Jeep dealership. Prior to taking it in I was at my buddies house and mentioned it to him. He pulls out his Code Reader, plugs it into my Jeep, and tells me what code it is showing. We look it up on the internet and find out the gas cap has not been seating properly. I adjust the gas cap, he erases the code, and problem solved! Appointment cancelled and it was all free.

He has a 2006 Chevy 1-ton he tows his 42' fiver with and has used the Code Reader a couple of times. I am currently looking to purchase one.

How many out there carry one with them?

[DQDick]

That gas cap thing is something that is becoming more and more common, but few people know about it. When we bought the new Prius they made sure we understood that if the cap didn't click we could have the engine light come on.

[mlh]

The tuner, a Spartan that I have on my truck has a code reader. It will also tell you 0 to 60 times and 1/4 mile times. I've never used that.
Lynwood

[sambam]

Whenever my truck or car gets the check engine light, I go to Advance Auto Parts. They'll let you borrow theirs for free and you can read the code. Mine has never been the gas cap, however. It's a good tool, and I will invest in one someday.

[dieselguy]

I always travel with an Actron CP9580A. It has ABS capability on many late model vehicles and has suggestions in its data base that spell out probable reported fixes for a given code. It can be had for @$175. I've used other readers with good results, but opted for this one due to the ABS option and reported fix capability. It is pricier that a plain Jane code reader, but I spin wrenches on the side and it has many times over paid for itself.

[davidaf]

I have a couple one was very expensive and of course is lost in our storage unit so I bought a cheap-o (well $80 or so) when I needed one a couple months ago, The cheap one gave me the same info as the expensive one. Guess what it was, stupid gas cap. Good thing to have.

[h2ojocky]

I carry a cheap one with me. Got a check engine light once and the reader showed a code that I looked up on the net and it was a mass air flow sensor. Bought a can of cleaner from autozone and reset the code
and the problem is gone!

[bigskyjimmy]

just bought one on E bay for 15 bucks used it on my Lexus and plugged it in and the code came up rear o2 sensor bought a new o2 sensor on E bay for 35 bucks installed it in 15 min PROBLEM SOLVED Yes they work! for any car made after 1996, I use my Banks Tuner that has a built in code reader for my Duramax as the 15 dollar code reader does NOT work on Diesels,Save yourself some bucks and get one they are easy to use and handy to havehttp://www.ebay.com/itm/Car-Diagnostic-Scanner-Tool-U480-CAN-OBDII-OBD2-Memo-Engine-Fault-Code-Reader-/121099141678?hash=item1c3212422e&item=121099141678 &pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr

[sapest]

I suggest BT1 from Gopoint Technology. Easy to use, $120 for iPad.
-Steve

[Ishler]

I have 2 ELM327's one in each vehicle cost $10 on Amazon. If you have an iphone/pad get the wifi version.

[JandC]

There is one on sale this week at Harbor Freight, it looks like it has the ABS option in it. Wondering if that would be a good buy? Being full time I am thinking this is something I need in my "toolbox".

[Tom S.]

I have an Actron in my garage that works on all vehicles including pre-OBDII vehicles. My recommendation would be buy a cheap one - they will all read the codes, then go online to see how the code relates to your specific vehicle. Also, almost any auto parts store will come out and read your codes for free, though take what recommended course of action they tell you take with a grain of salt as some of those folks are clueless.

[Lenny K]

I have a cheap Harbor Freight one. Used it a couple of times. A glow plug once and the other time it was the MAF. Good to have so even people who are not to mechanically inclined, as I am, know what the problem is.

[JandC]

quote:Originally posted by Lenny K

I have a cheap Harbor Freight one. Used it a couple of times. A glow plug once and the other time it was the MAF. Good to have so even people who are not to mechanically inclined, as I am, know what the problem is.

Went on the internet and I can get a "cheap" one for under $40.00. Then the Harbor Freight ad comes out and that one is around $100. I can't recall the regular price of the Harbor Freight one, but I think about $170.

Will probably go look at the Harbor Freight one. I know the cancelled appointment this week at the Jeep dealership saved me at least $100, and probably more like $200. It just seems like a really good tool to have on the road with the diesel. If you get a light it would be nice to know immediately if it is something you have to give immediate dealer attention to or can you keep towing without damage.

[mhs4771]

I recently purchase the Scan Gauge II, can be left connected all the time. Will read and erase codes, but can also monitor up to 4 different gauges. Since our GM doesn't include a Boost gauge, I use the Scan Gauge to monitor boost and a couple other as it's more accurate than the Dash gauges.

[commish]

The code reader is a must have. The first time I needed one my neighbor had one but it took 40 min. to clean up the bat box to make it work. Find one that does not require a battery. I found mine on ebay for about $45.

[bobcat92]

I have a bluetooth obd2 scan tool. You can get it for on Amazon for $23.99. http://www.amazon.com/BAFX-Products-...dapter+android

You will also need the Torque Pro App on a tablet or smart phone. $4.99.

It will read error codes and it also can be used as a system monitor.

For less than $30 you get a good scan tool.

[Willy Bee]

I have a Bully Dog Tuner that plugs into my OBD port so it will act as a code reader and it will clear all codes. It will also setup different tunes for MPG or power going up hills. Well worth the money.

[Tom S.]

quote:Originally posted by Willy Bee

I have a Bully Dog Tuner that plugs into my OBD port so it will act as a code reader and it will clear all codes. It will also setup different tunes for MPG or power going up hills. Well worth the money.

Except for the fact that tuning the engine kills the manufacturers warranty.

[mlh]

I agree with Willy Bee about the tuner but where did you get the 12 speed transmission?
Lynwood