OBD II Code Readers : Any Point in Buying?

[serious II]

The local auto parts store has OBD II Code Readers on sale for $139.00. It seems like a nifty little gadget. However, am I correct to believe that unless my "Check Engine" light is on, all I will get is an "Everything is OK In Here, You Pinhead" code ? Also, I have OnStar which will do a remote engine diagnostic from the comfort of my driveway etc. if I do get a "Check Engine" Light.

Also, my mechanical ability extends to changing my oil, replacing my PCV valve , and waxing my car. So what good is a Code Reader to a "GearHead" wannabe like me anyway?

 

[The_Jeff]

One can get an honest-to-goodness scan tool interface for a palm pilot or laptop computer for $75 or so. They provide not just code clearing and reading but real time data too. So you can see if your coolant temp is registering off or what your spark advance is like. The only thing is they're a bit more indimidating.

Those 4-button code readers are nice to pack in the trunk if one's non-mechanically-inclined spouse or kid has a car some distance away. Then you can have them phone home if they get a CEL and advise if they should keep driving.

And if you personally get a rare CEL Autozone will read and clear it for free in their parking lot.

 

[Gary Allan]

Well, you can get one for less than that ..but in the confines of what you described as your interest in it ...probably not much. Most of the auto chain stores will read it for zip. They won't tell you everything ...and will only point you in the right direction. That is, you can parts replace with more confidence. If it's coupled with a factory service manual ..it's far more effective.

I'd say, in your case, you could live without it. It is, as you said, a nifty little device to have laying around. 4 out of 6 vehicles in the fleet can share this thing.

 

[crossbow]

Make sure whatever code reader you purchase has "CAN" capability.

All new vehicles must adhere to the CAN specification by 2008. Purchasing an ODB-II scanner without update capability (or CAN support) will quickly result in an obsolete scanner and a dead paperweight.

Here's two decent scanners (both with internet upgradability).

http://www.autoxray.com
and
http://www.autoenginuity.com

Both of those CAN scanners also have the capability to pull PCM revision information...which allows you to check up on whether the dealer actually updated your car's computer as you requested...

 

[cryptokid]

older readers dont become paperweights, they just keep on working perfectly for pre can cars.

 

[T-Keith]

If you have onstar and don't have a SES light, then I wouldn't bother. Like eljefino said, they make full scan tools for cheaper then that. Also many auto parts stores will check them for free.

The real waste of money are the ones for OBD1 cars that are simply an electrode connector. The same thing can be done with a paper clip.

-T

 

[rcy]

For $129 you could get this...

www.scangauge.com

It's kinda cool.

 

[serious II]

I recall looking at these a couple of weeks ago and I seem to recall that they are not compatable with my 3800 Series II. Also, my car's Driver Information Center or "DIC" [insert off-color joke here] already gives me a digital readout of the following:

Coolant temperture
Oil Pressure (psi)
Amperage
Tire Inflation
Average Fuel Economy in MPG
Instananeous Fuel Economy in MPG
Oil life ( as a % of 100)
Fuel Range in miles (based on average fuel economy)

It also give 14 trouble message from the mundane ("Turn signal still on?") to the useful ("Service Stability System")

 

[wanman75]

^^^ I recently got a Davis CarChip to satisfy my gadget craving. It plugs into your OBD-II and records sensor info like a black box. It will also record CEL codes and allow you to reset them (should you so wish). Comes with Windows compatible software to read the recorded info. Great little gadget. Available from Sears for less than at the website http://www.davisnet.com/drive/products/carchip_products.asp

 

[rpn453]

Some vehicles have a way to get the codes off it without a code reader, making the code reader pointless if that's all it does. I don't know about newer GM's though.
I was thinking of splitting the cost of a OBD-II reader with a buddy when one was on sale, but we looked through his Haynes manual and saw that he can get the codes without a reader. We then found out that it's incompatible with my car anyway (CAN system) and doesn't read airbag light codes, which was his problem to begin with. So I haven't bothered getting anything yet.
I don't really know why auto manufacturers don't just put a simple code-reading procedure in their owner's manuals. Even if you don't want to fix it yourself, it would still be nice to be able to determine if you have a serious problem vs. a loose gas cap. I guess they just assume all their customers are idiots who won't know what's going on anyway.

[ March 29, 2005, 08:21 PM: Message edited by: rpn453 ]

 

[Mitch]

Originally posted by rpn453:
[QB] Some vehicles have a way to get the codes off it without a code reader, making the code reader pointless if that's all it does.

Chrysler products from I believe 97 on you can get the codes by turning the key on-off 3 times.At least it works on 97,99,01,and 03 jeeps.

 

[Jack from Charlotte]

I saw an OBII scaner on sale for $39 at Harborfreight.com Try it if it doesn't work, return it.

 

[srivett]

I remember a friend having his car towed because of a check engine light. The garage checked the code, "Out of gas"

The code reader would have paid for itself that night. hehehe

Cheers, Steve

 

[Storm897]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jack from Charlotte:
I saw an OBII scaner on sale for $39 at Harborfreight.com Try it if it doesn't work, return it.

---

$40 OBD Generic Scanner from Harborfreight.com

 

[Ryan00TJ]

I have one of the cheaper $40 readers I bought at Autozone. It's OBD-II so it will read all vehicles that are OBDII. It's worth the money as I can read @ erase codes and not have to drive to have them scanned.

 

[Kestas]

You'd think with all the wonderful, useless electronic convenience crap added onto cars these days, the manufacturers would consider putting an onboard diagnostic for all cars with OBDII.

 

[JustinH]

it won't be popular because then people wouldn't go to the dealership for a 75 dollar diagnostic fee.

 

[thrace]

RE: HARBOR FREIGHT TOOLS item 46030 $40 Universal Code Reader. Writing on unit says,"C reader for OBDII"
Have not tried it myself.

product manual: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/taf/manuals.taf?f=form&ItemID=46030

See similar unit: http://www.launchtech.co.uk/creader.html

and: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...tem=4541109088&category=43989&sspagename=WDVW
and: http://www.superpennysaver.com/help/obd2/obd2book.html

See comments in this forum: http://www.launchtech.co.uk/cgi-bin/listboard.pl?thisboard=creader

and: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-331811.html

Anyone tried one?

[ April 07, 2005, 07:06 PM: Message edited by: thrace ]

 

[brianl703]

quote:

---

Originally posted by rpn453:
Some vehicles have a way to get the codes off it without a code reader, making the code reader pointless if that's all it does.

---

From what I know of the vehicles that have a way to get codes without using a code reader--the codes they supply that way are not nearly as specific as the codes you'd get from an OBD-II reader.

In addition to that, there are pending codes, readyness test information, and freeze frame information that an OBD-II reader can supply.

The readyness test and pending code information is very handy in determining if you've fixed the problem or not.

I've never used the freeze-frame information before. The freeze-frame information is a snapshot of all sensor readings at the time that the code in question was logged.