What's new
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.

CEL/Scanner/Code reader

GWeakland620

GWeakland620

THE CK5 Crayon Eater
 Premium
GMOTM Winner
Joined
Sep 15, 2010
Posts
16,449
Reaction score
18,973
Location
Toe-peek-ugh, KS
I'm at the point that I am tired of borrowing one, or going to Vatozone to have some goon tell me the codes.

Anyone have any recommendations on a cheap code reader? Not looking to spend more that $50, unless there is a good and cheap reader/scanner.

There are tons of ebay specials, but they are just that....an ebay special. Those don't always work out.
 
Are you talking an OBD II scanner or OBD I like for TBI stuff? Assuming you have a smartphone, you can get a bluetooth OBDII adapter from eBay or Amazon for like $30. The torque app for android is free/$5 and there is DashCommand and some others for iOS. You can read trouble codes, clear them, scan and datalog, design custom dashboards, whatever. So cheap and powerful it's almost silly not to have one.
 
It looks different than mine, but apparently is the same one I've been using. Haven't had any problems with it. I just launch the Torque Pro app (paid $5 to have full GM PIDs) and it automatically pairs and I have data in a few seconds.

https://www.amazon.com/BAFX-Product...id=1424902518&sr=8-1&keywords=OBDII+bluetooth

But you might research Bluedriver (about $100?) which can apparently read airbag, ABS and other ECUs that previously only high $ scanners could get.

https://www.lemurmonitors.com/
 
It reads out PCM variables in realtime. Stuff like coolant temp, spark advance, fuel trim, etc. Scanning implies repetitive reading. I think people get confused by those saying "scan for codes", which is kind of contradiction in terms (you know, like "man bun"). You "read codes" as a singular event.
 
Blue85 said:
It reads out PCM variables in realtime. Stuff like coolant temp, spark advance, fuel trim, etc. Scanning implies repetitive reading. I think people get confused by those saying "scan for codes", which is kind of contradiction in terms (you know, like "man bun"). You "read codes" as a singular event.
Click to expand...

Ah ok. I thought scanner as in looking at the pcm, which mine does but not real time stuff.
 
Bumping this up. I need to get with the times. Do you recommend a Bluetooth one or stand alone or both?
 
It's up to you, but I see a corded handheld as a high-end unit (Tech II, Snap-On, etc.) that can change settings, flash ECUs, etc. I don't see the point in one that only does part of what Torque does. It's interesting to plug it in as a USB and print stuff, but on a tablet/phone you can just transfer the files over wifi before you even go inside. It's handy to put the adapter in the OBBII port, then set the tablet/phone under the hood or near the car so you can see things change as you mess with stuff. Also, for datalogging you don't have a cord near your legs. But you can hardly go wrong for $43.
 
The Scangauge2 I just installed in my diesel is super handy. Being able to check codes on the fly has worked good for me so far since I'm currently fighting an injection pump issue. It also reads real time data, which can help if I am trying to diag an issue. And lastly, it does gauge readouts so I can monitor trans temp, boost, fuel pressure and so on. It really is a good middle ground. I also have a handheld that now stays in my black and orange truck that I can use to clear any codes on my other 2 vehicles, but I don't have the diag aspect of the scangauge.
 
OBD2

ELM327 and torquepro app. You’ll be asking yourself how you ever lived without it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Posts

Top Bottom