Code Reader for Trucks-Cars

[i579rbd]

Hey everybody,
I want to buy a code reader so I can see why my Service Engine Soon light is on. I am currently living in Germany so it is not like I can run down to the auto parts store and have them do it. Everything I have is American made gas and diesel. Can anybody give me a quick lesson on what I want the reader to do and make any suggestions for a model? I do not want to get too high speed with something that will blue tooth or go wireless to a computer. I am in the states on vacation now so I can hit a real store to buy. Thanks much.

 

[George2615]

I guess it depends on how much you want to spend and how detailed you want the reader to be.
Basic code readers are available at most auto parts stores for under $150.
Higher end ones are slightly more. Top of line are in the $1000's.
I have a cheaper Actron model the reads basic trouble codes and can reset. Cost was about $90. I too have been looking for a better (and more expensive) one that can read and reset ABS and Airbag codes.
If you are in the states now, stop by an auto parts store to have them use their reader to read your vehicle codes. Most will do this for free. From there they can advise you on what reader you may need. Cheapies will reset basic codes but won't read or reset ABS or Airbag codes.

 

[Bird]

I, too, have considered investing in one, but figure it would be used so seldom that I'm not sure it's worth it. The "Service Engine" light came on in my 2001 Ford Ranger day before yesterday, so I took it to the dealer yesterday where they charge $95 for a "diagnoses". Total cost was $346 parts, labor, tax, etc. to diagnose and replace an oxygen sensor.

 

[i579rbd]

Thanks George. Unfortunately the vehicle driving me crazy is in Germany. It is a 02 Chev Silverado 5.3 l I also have a 10 ford Escape. My truck here is the US is a 04 F250 with the 6.0 L Powerstroke. I willing to go around 500 bucks for something that will handle them all-my son lives nearby and he has a hyundai, would like to read that as well. I do want something that can do ABS and airbag, gives on screen definitions, has a memory and can be updated over the internet.

 

[i579rbd]

Hi Bird,
I am a huge fan of learning by doing and would rather break it myself first before taking it in for a repair! That is no disrespect to all the skilled technicians but I have this self reliance thing. Fortunately I have some good mentors, TBN and Google. None of my friends own one so I am sure it would get used by more than me. Especially after we move here full time in about two months.

 

[tcartwri]

Torque Pro is an app that runs on your android phone. It's about $5. The dongle that it communicates with and plugs into your obd2 port is about $35.

There are similar versions from itunes.

 

[kc5dlo]

If you have an android phone, look up Elm327 on ebay. You can get a Bluetooth reader for les than 10.00 delivered. Torque and Carista are a couple of apps with free versions. With the Torque app you can have all sorts of gauges to access.

 

[paulharvey]

Torque Pro is an app that runs on your android phone. It's about $5. The dongle that it communicates with and plugs into your obd2 port is about $35.

There are similar versions from itunes.

I use the dongle and the free torque app. You will have to Google the codes to find out what they mean, but I think I have about $15 in the dongle; so what can you expect. It will clear codes, and will display a lot more info then factory gauges (transmission temp, oil pressure, ect)

 

[i579rbd]

I think I found a winner. It is the Actron CP9580A They use it at the local Advance Auto. The guy there let me play with it. AA wants 249 but they also price match. I found it on Amazon for 194. I also saw some good reviews of it on the net. Hopefully I will have it in a day or two and let you all know what I think of it. The smart phone apps sounded pretty nice but I am still using a old flip phone.

Thanks to all for your time and suggestions.

Matt

 

[Clint S]

I think I found a winner. It is the Actron CP9580A They use it at the local Advance Auto. The guy there let me play with it. AA wants 249 but they also price match. I found it on Amazon for 194. I also saw some good reviews of it on the net. Hopefully I will have it in a day or two and let you all know what I think of it. The smart phone apps sounded pretty nice but I am still using a old flip phone.

Thanks to all for your time and suggestions.

Matt

Good choice I was going to say if you are going to pony up a bit get one that does abs and that one does. Use it once or twice and it pays for itself.