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Automobile Computer Code Readers OBD 2

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whizkidkyus

Member
Location
South Central , Ky.
I'm interested in buying a computer code reader . I'm interested in the brand that Autozone or Walmart sells. The one from Walmart is app. $100.00. I'm not interested in the $50.00 or less cheap ones . I'm interested in the $100.00 plus ones that can do everything including erase the codes. I know that they won't tell you the exact problem, only steer you in the right direction . Anyone on here own one of these things ? Are they really worth buying ? How good and accurate are they ? Are they really worth their weight in gold ? Well , you get the picture . What I'm trying to say is - Is it really worth buying and can I live without it ? Especially ,since I'm just an average homeowner mechanic and it will mainly be used on my vechiles . Will it pay for itself over time ?
 
We have a Actron (spelling.. something like that) scanner.. (Orange and blue in color)..

Not "perfect" but if you play with newer cars, it'll tell you the code, then you get on the computer and research the code to find out what the potential causes are. Sometimes, the answer to the code is clear, sometimes not, but it sure beats just throwing parts at stuff to try to fix something.

All I can say is if you think you'll use it frequently, I'd go for it... We've used ours ALOT! Can't tell you how many trips we'd have had to make to AutoZone for the "free code check" if we didn't have it

Brad
 
ditto on the orange Actron? actually bought it at auto-zone for $149 about 10 years ago.I use it all the time on my 4 vehicles as well as all my friends,neighbors and familys cars,Well worth the money spent. bill m.
 
Whizkidkyus,
Autozone used to scan your computer, give you a computer printout and clear the memory for free. However, they stopped clearing memory and I would have to remove the ecm fuse to clear the memory. This was pre 2007. 2007 I purchased a new GMC truck and don't have a need for a scanner. If you are on the cheap, go to Autozone. If you are a mechanic and have a need for one, that's another story.

The reason you got a double post is that you were in a hurry and hit summit twice. I've done that a few times myself.

Hope I've helped, George
 
Dad has the kind that you can clear the code. It is really handy-BUT-I did not realize how much stuff his won't read. I was having an antilock brake light come on in my 96 chevy pickup. Had to take it to my mechanic. He had a scanner that told him what the antilock sensors were reading, figured out I needed a new left front bearing, as the sensor is integral to it. I have also had issues where the scanner reads nothing. It is easier if it reads something, otherwise you are back to educated guessing! Greg
 
What is your problem with a $50 scanner? I bought an Actron CP9125 last year for $49. Does all I need to do with OBDII systems - including the "erase" function.

What is it you think you're going to gain by spending $100 or more, instead of $50??
 
Don"t go by price the main difference is do you want a code reader which can erase them or do you want a scanner. A scannner will give real time info like map signal, TPS voltage,coolant sensor, Maf you get the idea. Thats where you get into some dollars I have one cost about $250 fits any and all years and makes = alot of cables.
 
I got a HF cheapie, it comes with a little pamplet expaining the codes. It will erase the codes also.
 
I spent extra for the scanner that I have. One feature that it has that has helped me trouble shoot is live data. I was able to see that a MAP sensor was getting flaky by watching that data.
 
I understand what more money buys (sometimes). As I understand the original post here, he's interested in reading basic codes and the ability to erase them. That is something a $50 Actron does fine.

Mine cost me $49 and does OBII from 1995 and newer, just fine. Will NOT read OBII-Enhanced -which dosn't matter to me since I don't own any vehicles with it.

I bought mine first for my 1995 Subaru. Since then, it's worked great with my 98 Dodge, 2000 Kia, 2002 Ford Focus ZX3, 2002 Subaru, etc. It's saved me a lot of grief and money. It's enabled to ID and fix every problem I've had.
 
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