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OBD II Readers

nvrenuf

nvrenuf

Holy crap, it's running!
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Any suggestions for an OBD reader? Ideally, I'd like to spend +/- $100. Nothing real fancy, just something I can use for personal diagnostics / code reading & clearing.

Self contained hand held unit or blue tooth dongle(?) w/ Iphone?

Again, personal use only.

(I searched for "OBD" but the returns were all 10 years old threads.)
 
I think unless you are going to spend some real money then the cheapies are all the same. I buy the $20 ones on amazon. I have a couple, I leave them in the vehicle with a factory service manual. Nothing ever breaks when I am at home. I have made some pretty serious repairs in the parts store parking lot.
 
Are you talking about the corded hand helds or a dongle with phone app?
 
I have a Actron CP1925 that's worked well for the past 7+ years to read and clear codes. I'm actually in the market for a better one so I can do live diagnostics.
 
nvrenuf said:
@skunked what kind of money do you have to spend to get live data?
Click to expand...

I have a $30 one that gives live data.

Keep in mind that a $30 scanner on Amazon is equivalent to a $80 scanner at AutoZone.

What are you going to use it for? I use it for check engine light Diagnostics, and smog Readiness (important in California)
 
I have found a few PID's on mine that are missing. Haven't been able to come up w/ the right ones. Was thinking about using it for a dash display. May see if I can get the pids to pull in off of torque...

I am able to see these off of hptuners though so I know the data is available.
 
I have a Bluetooth Microscan for letting the guys use or handing to my bride for her Expedition. Super easy to use with no real training needed. Its equivalent to some of the 100-200 dollar ones with no brand name and/or support. Many of the Launch readers off Amazon are pretty decent. I just dont have the support here in Oregon for the professional use.

I've been looking at the bluetooth readers for the rigs too. One in every glovebox like @HankScorpio mentioned. I never seem to be close to my service truck when they are needed in a hurry. And it's not like anyone is jumping in my truck to bring it to me.

For personal use at home though. Go with the Launch brand. There are tool trucks around selling them so you would be able to find shops that can give you ideas on there abilities.
 
I have a ScangaugeII in my diesel that I installed permanently in my overhead console. It reads live data and can clear codes. It also has a gauge function that reads stuff like fuel pressure and trans temp. I found it on c-list cheap, but for my other vehicles, I just have a cheap $30 amazon reader. Gets me enough info to know what direction to head. I do wish I had something that I could do ABS and airbag stuff.
 
GWeakland620 said:
I have a ScangaugeII in my diesel that I installed permanently in my overhead console. It reads live data and can clear codes. It also has a gauge function that reads stuff like fuel pressure and trans temp. I found it on c-list cheap, but for my other vehicles, I just have a cheap $30 amazon reader. Gets me enough info to know what direction to head. I do wish I had something that I could do ABS and airbag stuff.
Click to expand...
The one I posted, the mx, supposedly does.
I bought and I will try it soon.
My Jimmy has the abs light on
 
As a follow up.....
I ended up with the Autel AL619 which can be found on amazon prime for $99. Very user friendly interface that has been a great tool for diagnosing several issues ranging from engine codes, ABS and SRS in the last 6 months that I've owned it. A good friend of mine is a mechanic and recommended the tool based on his experience with it.
 
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