Which Code Reader to buy?

[hsquare]

Hi Guys,

I spent Sundey under my '96 Explorer changing oil and filter . . . found the fuel filter there too - surprise! . . . and was wondering which code reader I should get to read this model?

Can one of you astute, well trained persons give me a hint? There are heaps for sale on ebay, and their prices range quite a bit.

Is it any OBD 2 model?

Thanks in advance.

Explorer's rock . . . with the exception of the fuel filter location!

 

[5spdman]

Any OBD II should work. Got mine from Amazon, $40...OBD II plug with a usb plug at the other end. Download the software off the internet onto your laptop. Works great!

 

[2lungking]

I have an elm 327 code reader that i can use with my smartphone using bluetooth. Get the torque app there is a free version

 

[hsquare]

Wow - thanks for the heads up on those two.
Will look at them both.

 

[lobo411]

I got the Autel MaxiScan MS300 for $18 on Amazon. I have a much nicer code reader/scanner, but 99% of the time I just want to clear the MIL after putting on the gas cap wrong. For $18, I can toss it in the glovebox and if the car gets stolen I haven't lost much.

 

[woody1witagun]

Wow $18! I got the Autel Maxiscan MS310 for $30 and I thought I was getting a deal. This lil reader not only reads and clears the code fast but actually tells you the description of the problem.

 

[alohamonte]

Any cheapy reader on Amazon for $20 will pull codes. You can also use various apps off your smart phone and a bluetooth reader for about $30 total.

 

[gatzdon]

I went with the Autotap years ago for only $200 and it paid for itself after the first major repair.

It was able to able to read the extended Ford codes. My transmission was acting up very badly. Extended Powertrain codes told me exactly which solenoid to replace in the Valve Body.

Another time, I got the extended code telling me which airbag sensor input was throwing an error. Turned out to be a damaged wire under the carpet, but the code led me to exactly where the problem was.

The Autotap only works on Windows XP (no 64bit drivers), but I don't regret my decision to having bought it. In all the years, it gave me access to PID data in real time.

On my explorer, she was burning through gas like crazy, had trouble starting, ran high idle, .... essentially the sky is falling Armageddon type problems. No check engine light and no error codes in the computer. Look through the PID data in real time and notice that the computer thinks the engine is cold, even though it's up to temp. Cold as in below 30 degrees F. Check Volts from computer and see 4.5v. Check resistance on ECT sensor and see >700kOhms. Chand sensor for $16 and she runs beautiful again.

Now, I have an OBDLink MX and am happy with the functionality. The WiFi version was giving me trouble and I had the manufacturer exchange it for the Bluetooth Version.

My point is, as the computers keep taking over more and more of the engine controls, there is greater value in having an ODB tool that does more than clear the error codes or pull the federally mandated emissions related codes. Having access to the extended PID and trouble codes can save an immense amount of time troubleshooting engine problems.