Code scanner

[wallyuwl]

I had the second check engine light in a few weeks. I got it checked out at a shop the first time and they told me it was likely a dirty throttle body or MAF sensor - they cleaned the throttle body, and I changed the MAF sensor myself. My wife said CEL came on again today.

So, I'm looking for a good scanner for a 2003 Pontiac Vibe so I don't have to take it to the shop every time I get a CEL. Cheaper is obviously better, but I don't want a bad one, either. If it would also work for a 2010 Equinox that would be ideal. Thanks.

 

[hate2work]

A little pricey, but very good...

http://www.amazon.com/Equus-3100-Innova-CanOBD2-Diagnostic/dp/B000EVWDAK

Less money, but still decent...

http://www.amazon.com/Autel-MaxiScan-MS3...4753&sr=8-2

 

[ddean]

I have that cheap one and it works fine. Mine is a relabeled Harbor Freight model that I bought on clearance for $30.

Not sure if they do it in KY but the chain auto stores will scan the codes for free. Just make sure in any case to write down all of the codes before clearing them.

 

[wallyuwl]

What do you guys think of this one? It connects to a PC in real time (I have no issues bringing my PC out to the car). Looks like it gives real-time values for O2 sensors and such (frequency, or Hz, depends on vehicle it seems).


http://www.amazon.com/ElmScan-Compact-OBD-II-Scan-Tool/dp/B002PYBZJO/ref=pd_sim_auto_14


I am looking for something that not only gives the codes, but gives some diagnostic and even repair help. It looks like the Equus 3100 (linked above) does this. Anyone have any experience with that software? If so, how helpful is it?

 

[HTSS_TR]

For less than $100, Equus Innova 3100 is a good OBDII scanner with CAN bus.

 

[Towncivilian]

I have this: http://www.dealextreme.com/p/elm327-usb-vehicle-obd-2-scanner-tool-28528

USB, works great. Cheap, and can do a lot more than a typical hand tool if using the proper software (I use ELM ScanMaster). Bad thing is it'll take 4 weeks to get here, coming from Hong Kong.

 

[musicmanbass]

I have the cheapest code scanner ever. AutoZone. I go there, they read the codes and print out some info for each. Then I come home and google what's up. Saved me thousands. I kept getting TPS codes, then ECU failure codes. Searched a Lincoln forum.... coil 3 began to throw intercerence that flipped out the computer. $41 coil and 30 minutes later, bada-bing!

I know Advance does the same thing. Dunno 'bout O'Really, but I guess they'd do it too.

 

[wallyuwl]

Found out the Equus 3100 gives the code, but to get diagnostic info. from their web site you need to pay $14 each time. That is a deal breaker for me.

AutoZone here does read codes, but they are always very busy and don't have very good customer service. And it is a bit out of my way so I'd just like to have my own.

So I'm deciding between the $30 hand held reader to just get the codes and look up what they mean online, or the $40 laptop based one I linked to above.

Any more thoughts?

 

[Kestas]

I've gotten by with the $30 hand held reader. It's done its job the four times I used it.

 

[[email protected]]

I know it sounds like a broken record, but I have an Equus 3130 that I bought myself about 4 years ago and just love it. Equus appears to be very good with updates to the handheld and you can add ABS support at a later date by buying the software and uploading it to the tool.

My only complaint is it wont read manufacturer specific codes, or codes from the cars BCM (Body Control Module) but apparently neither will a lot of the consumer level scanners....

 

[[email protected]]

Originally Posted By: wallyuwl
Found out the Equus 3100 gives the code, but to get diagnostic info. from their web site you need to pay $14 each time. That is a deal breaker for me.


My Equus 3130 is certainly not like that....

However, why cant you just get the code and google it? No need to pay $14 for a code description when google is free, my friend!

 

[Bamaro]

I use an Actron CP9125 and works fine and easy to use. They go for about $50.

 

[Eddie]

I use an Actron "Pocket" code reader that works very well and clears codes. I go to their website to determine what the code means or you can google your vehicles code. The code reader give general info only.

 

[Vikas]

You should spend the $99 and get the Harbor Freight scanner which will not only read the codes but will decode them and more importantly, it will give the live data and graph them. I believe it is on sale for $99 currently and is an excellent bargain.

 

[mstt55]

I have an app on my Android smartphone called Torque. Cost about $5. With this I bought a bluetooth code reader off ebay for about $20. I hear the ones that ship from Hong Kong are the best ones to get.

This setup is better or as good as the $300 readers I have seen. I get all engine codes. I can graph any sensor data. You can graph your MAF sensor output and tell if it is doing anything funky.

 

[[email protected]]

Originally Posted By: mstt55
I have an app on my Android smartphone called Torque. Cost about $5. With this I bought a bluetooth code reader off ebay for about $20. I hear the ones that ship from Hong Kong are the best ones to get.

This setup is better or as good as the $300 readers I have seen. I get all engine codes. I can graph any sensor data. You can graph your MAF sensor output and tell if it is doing anything funky.


Hey, Im on the edge on whether to buy the OBD2 bluetooth plug... does "Torque" tell you instant/average MPG as well?

Of course, Id use it for the OBD2 code reading capabilities and live data, but Ive already got my Equus 3130 for that. I have an Android HTC EVO 4G and Ive already downloaded the "Torque" app. Just couldnt tell if it tells you mileage info...if it DOES than I will buy the OBD2 bluetooth plug today.

 

[mstt55]

Originally Posted By: [email protected]

Hey, Im on the edge on whether to buy the OBD2 bluetooth plug... does "Torque" tell you instant/average MPG as well?


It has an option for both instant and average MPG display. I have never used it though.

 

[wiswind]

I saw that you can get a cable and app for the I-phone as well.
It is not from Apple, but is an aftermarkt product.

I have a Scangauge that I bought years ago.
The newer ones have more features.

 

[dailydriver]

Originally Posted By: wiswind
I saw that you can get a cable and app for the I-phone as well.
It is not from Apple, but is an aftermarkt product.


Yes, there are two wifi OBD2 interfaces available for the iphone/ipod touch.

One is from Innovate Motorsports (OT-2), the other is from PLX (Kiwi).

There is only ONE app for the Innovate wifi (The Log Works Mobile), but there are three for the PLX (Rev, Dash Command, and FuZZy Car) and one of those (FuZZy Car) is free.