Code Readers

[amsgator]

I read some other threads on code readers but didn't really gain a lot. I am curious if these code readers any good? If not what do I need to look for when shopping for one?

https://www.amazon.com (commissions earned)


https://www.amazon.com (commissions earned)

 

[bazooka joe]

those two are basic readers and do about 90% of the job, what you need. then there are some real powerful ones, software driven/laptop based with all sorts fo goddies...check this one out...not that expensive either...
http://autotap.com/

 

[amsgator]

and what is the advantage of having one of those? its 200 thats kinda high for me

 

[bazooka joe]

did you read about it? it's really pretty high tech and has lots of bells and whistles you may not need...for under 100 you can get a really nice reader, like the one you posted about...you prob don't need anything more.

 

[njaremka]

if all you want to do is read nad clear codes, and tool will work fine. i bought a cheap one from walmart that works fine for reading and clearing. if you want to monitor any of the engine functions, expect to sped around $200 or so. scangaugeII seems to be a good code reader / gauge set-up.

 

[amsgator]

i just want to be able to see what the CEL is tellin me and then clear it.

 

[GNO]

I started with an AutoTap, but bought it to share with a group in a car club I started. A few years after that I picked-up the Tri-Com from Alex Peper at http://www.obd-2.com/. It's a lot cheaper than the AutoTap and the Tri-Com version allows me to scan different vehicles and look at engine specific codes. The AutoTap can do the same thing but the hardware looks a lot better and the software is a lot easier to interact with. Most low dollar code readers will only allow you to read some codes. Both the Alex Peper tool and AutoTap will allow you to monitor and record various sensor readings live. This is very nice to have in boosted applications. On hard runs, I'll monitor timing advance, Long Term Fuel Trim, and primary O2 sensor. On my other car, I'll also monitor knock retard and manifold pressure.

Keep in mind, a trouble code will only allow you to isolate what system is having problems. By having live sensor recordings, you can tell if the sensor is bad or if other parameters are causing the code to pop up. Oftentimes, people see a trouble code and automatically assume it's the sensor that's bad. This is not always the case.

Now for real fun, my newest toy is the Digital Horsepower PowrTuner: http://65.109.52.43/PowrTunerFeatures.htm
Too bad it only works on GMs.

 

[Prodigy]

Find a local Harbor Freight Tools...

$39.99(sale price) will get you a good one that'll let you read or clear the codes.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=94168

Bring a print out as the store price is different, they'll match it.

 

[amsgator]

on closeout

https://www.amazon.com (commissions earned)

hope it stays that cheap and is that cheap when i get the money

 

[amsgator]

this looks pretty sweet. anyone ever used one?

https://www.amazon.com (commissions earned)

 

[bazooka joe]

on closeout

https://www.amazon.com (commissions earned)

hope it stays that cheap and is that cheap when i get the money

i have that one and paid about $140 a few yrs ago...it's a no frills unit...at that price it's worth picking up...if you have more money go for the scan tool!

 

[aMaff]

advance auto parts = cheap as free.

 

[bazooka joe]

advance auto parts = cheap as free.

wise words spoken by a wise young man!!

 

[aMaff]

lol I guess experience from screwing up enough times counts as wisdom .

I figured out how to terminally 'disable' (aka break) the air meter in a 1.6 miata this weekend... and had to get a ride 1 hour each way to a pull a part to pull a new one off of a 1990-94 protege just so I could drive homw. Not a ton of fun lol. I also know you'll get a code when you finish up a header install and forget to plug in your downstream O2 sensor. Who'da thunk it. Stupid CEL kept coming on for some crazy reason! lol

EDIT: *while standing around a mostly incapacitated miata with the worst throttle tip-in response ever*
"Well, there's your problem"

 

[amsgator]

yea it's free but if something is really wrong it probably shouldn't be driven 15 minutes to have the code read