Auto/Truck OBD 2 emission code reader recommendations

[ultrarunner]

The local Autozone parts house offered free OBD 2 code reading until the State of California file a lawsuit to stop it.

It was a great service that got people in the door and often left buying repair parts.

The issue was parts stores are not licensed as repair facilities and that was that... the work around was to rent a reader for a nominal fee which is also no longer possible.

Prices for code readers are all over the place from $50 to $800 doing a quick search.

I've got one for a BMW and learned from the manufacturer it is strictly BMW specific.

Any recomendations for a low cost get the job done reader.

Current issue is check engine light on a 1996 F150 4wd 4.9 6 cylinder with 5 spd... truck runs great by the way.

 

[truckdiagnostics]

This is what I use on the light duty stuff. The base kit just OBDII codes then buy the Ford enhancement. I like there stuff because you can add the enhancements as you change vehicles. What is nice about this one is you can read all the modules. https://www.autoenginuity.com/order-online/vm-scantool2.html

 

[downsizingnow48]

I got this one - works fine, gives the code and also identifies the problem causing the code.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BI2APMW/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[DFB]

Prices for code readers are all over the place from $50 to $800 doing a quick search.

Any recomendations for a low cost get the job done reader.

Current issue is check engine light on a 1996 F150 4wd 4.9 6 cylinder with 5 spd... truck runs great by the way.

Never minded stopping at the auto parts to get a random code read and reset but after several times I also decided to get one.

And nothing fancy so just picked up one these. Summit

I can live with looking the code up in the booklet


They are similar ones available on Amazon too.

 

[ultrarunner]

I just got back from picking up oil and filter at O'Reilly parts store.

They had a rack of Bosch readers and I took the plunge... wanted to stop at my brother's after work tomorrow so I said what the heck... buy it and take it with me.

They just got rid of all the OTC line of readers... missed the mark downs by 2 weeks.

Do appreciate all the suggestions... first tool I've bought in 10 years!

 

[Danno1]

... first tool I've bought in 10 years!

Ouch!:laughing:



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[Danno1]

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OK, I know, not much help. But I'm also in the market for one so I do appreciate the thread.


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[CowboyRon]

There's a smartphone app called torque. If you buy a Bluetooth obd2 and connect it to your phone it gives you all sorts of useful information including fault codes.
The app is $5, and the obd2 is around $20.

 

[ultrarunner]

I saw the smart phone app... only problem is I don't own a cell phone, let alone a smart phone.... have to carry a work issued cell that is definitely a dumb phone... so not an option for me.

Bought the Bosch OBD 1100 for $69 using a $20 coupon I had...

Stopped at my brother's home this evening and plugged it in and right away code PO174 Bank 2 System too Lean message... so it works... little hard to see as the sun was going down... hit the reset and the check engine light went out.

Might be the Mass Airflow Sensor needs cleaning which would be great or a vacuum leak or even a bad fuel filter/pump.

It was nice to vanquish the code!!!

So now that I have it... several of the people I had asked if they had one now want to borrow it... one is my sister in law's brother with a 2005 Ranger...

Seems almost a necessity today... at one time I helped out at a local garage and never a problem hooking up the Snap On diagnostic machine anytime it was not being used... place changed hands so no longer that connection.

I would have bought a less expensive one or OTC if one would have been available last night...

 

[Redneck in training]

I bought one at HF store. I don't have a reference point so I can't say if it is better or worse than other readers. It does the job. Have it more than a year.
OBD II & CAN Scan Tool with ABS