OBD-II scanner or code reader

[mrossirr]

Which one would be the best buy for personal use ? What brand ? How much to spend ? Where to purchase ? Thank You

 

[aldive]

Originally posted by mrossirr
Which one would be the best buy for personal use ? What brand ? How much to spend ? Where to purchase ? Thank You

I woundn't ever ne without a scanner. Mine has saved me thousands of dollars.

I use the Auto X Ray OBD II scanner.

 

[mrossirr]

AL - How about a Equus 3100 code reader ?

 

[aldive]

The link does not work.

I personally like a scanner only.

 

[Robert]

For anyone that would rather try and fix their vehicle before paying someone else to, a code scanner is definately mandatory for your toolbox. If all you are interested in is finding out the codes so maybe you can fix it yourself or just to be sure your mechanic isn't lying to you, a code reader will suffice. A code reader will only read your codes and provide a book with the meaning of the codes. A scanner will also let you perform various tests and monitor your sensors which is very valuable for when you want to fix it yourself. It all depends on how deep you are willing to go to try and fix your vehicle. I also use the AutoXray. For '99 and up it works excellen. For '96-'98 it has some problems but is still an extremely valuable addition to my toolbox.

 

[mrossirr]

Al and Robert - What price are we looking at for a scanner ? A code reader will give me a starting point for fixing a problem ,will it not ?

 

[MONMIX]

Thay can range any where from $200.00 to
$3,500.00

Really.

 

[Glacier991]

Monmix is correct. In the for what it's worth category... I have a couple (anyone wanna buy one) of the Actron Scantpol III's. They do both OBD1 and Generic OBDII with plug in cartridges. They are no longer sold (a newer moel replaced them) but they compare favorably with $500 models from Snap On and Matco, and exceed the readout capacity of the AutoXray (but lack the current upgrades for new cars if that is a factor for your use) The Model number is 9110 and they show up on E-bay now and then for about $200 or so, depending on the cartridge they come with. I also have a PC based scantool (www.scantool.net) for the import OBDII protocols. Sans PC it's about $125, lacks a few bells and whistles but I think that'll be fixed. A good tool for DIY'ers with a laptop or older PC just sitting around looking for a use.

I haven't heard anyone point out the nice things about scanners vs readers for the inexperienced and why they prefer scanners so maybe this might help some. A reader will read out error codes. Some simply give you a number. The more expensive ones (like my 9110's) actually read out the error code description, so you have nothing to go look up. This old model gives you 4 alphanumeric lines of readout. Others vary from giving you blinks of a light you count, to giving you numbers to look up to giving full code descriptions. It is all price.. They are all helpful when you have a check engine light on.

A scanner can do that... AND... give you readouts on about 20-30 engine operating parameters. My most used is oxygen sensor readouts... you can actually watch the voltage cross the theshold and see if the sensor is operating properly, is getting lazy etc. others include RPM, intake air Temp,fuel trim, coolant temp, etc. These can also be used while you are driving .. and can capture data so you can read it back later.

If you are an occasional weekend grease monkey who likes to change oil and sparkplugs, a code reader is probably enough (in my humble opinion). If you do more and want to know more of the workings in your Ex, a scanner is awfully nice to have.

I am sure others who have and use other code readers and scanners can add their opinions here, and tell us what they use, paid for it, and how they like it
.
Oh, before I forget I have a cheap actron code reader I bought for $30 ages ago for my 92 Ex and it works fine (things changed when we went to OBDII, as did prices for readers too) and I have an Actron OBDII reader ( 9135 I think is the number) I bought for $60 on E-bay. It works just fine and reads out the numeric code, which I then look up in the book that came with it.) If you want an easy way to find out what they cost, go to E-bay motors and search Scanner, reader, actron or other search term. Depending on the day there are 12-30 entries.

I hope this little bit helps those inexperienced in these matters.

Happy Exploring

Chris

 

[Harry5150]

Glacier991-

I just got the scantool, just need to make the adapter cable.

Have you tried it with any other software besided the scantool software?

 

[Rhett]

This is neat, I didn't realize there were such advanced scan tools available to the general public. For my truck with the OBD-I, I think I wouldn't be able to use most of the features on these scan tools so I'll stick with my $35 code reader.