Time to Buy a OBDII Code Reader
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
Time to Buy a OBDII Code Reader
I just finished doing a Search looking for recommendations for the best OBDII Code Reader to buy, but came up empty.
I posted asking for advice on this, but I believe I posted on the wrong board. I need someone to recommend which one to buy since both my son and I have 96s and at some point I'll need to use one.
Thanks,
Jake
I posted asking for advice on this, but I believe I posted on the wrong board. I need someone to recommend which one to buy since both my son and I have 96s and at some point I'll need to use one.
Thanks,
Jake
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 15,344
Likes: 4,009
From: Texas
Buy AutoTap.
You can not only read and reset codes, but you can also log data (as much as your laptop hard drive will hold), download the data to your pc, export the data to Excel, and then analyze the data.
Even if you never do your own tuning (note: you can't tune with AutoTap, only log data) or get super in-depth with trouble-shooting, it's still usefull when looking at codes and then looking at the appropriate data stream/sensor to see what's going on. It will also tell you if the appropriate flags are set (you can't force the flags to be set, but at least you'll know their status) regarding emissions testing if you have to deal with that.
You can not only read and reset codes, but you can also log data (as much as your laptop hard drive will hold), download the data to your pc, export the data to Excel, and then analyze the data.
Even if you never do your own tuning (note: you can't tune with AutoTap, only log data) or get super in-depth with trouble-shooting, it's still usefull when looking at codes and then looking at the appropriate data stream/sensor to see what's going on. It will also tell you if the appropriate flags are set (you can't force the flags to be set, but at least you'll know their status) regarding emissions testing if you have to deal with that.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
No, you misunderstood. I want a READER, not a programmer. PCMFORLESS does my PCM re-programming; I'll leave that to them.
What I want is a READER that I can plug into my dash link and see what all my sensors are doing and, if I ever get one, will tell me what set off the Check Engine light.
I'd prefer one that is stand-alone, so I don't have to have a laptop or PC to see what's up. It has to be able to read OBDII too.
Jake
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
Code readers - at least in the lingo used by the Discount Part Houses - do just that - read codes and let you clear them (and of course they come back if you don't fix it). No more than 80 Bucks - which is pretty expensive considering that in the good ole days, you got the same with a paperclip. You want a Scanner to look at data - Auto X-ray or any of the generic brands will do that much - but they're twice as much. You will - if you haven't allready - need to familarize yourself with how an OB2 system presents data. It's a little different, as for example, IAC position is expressed as a percentage and not in counts/steps. Any of the generic brands will come with a handbook and of course you'll be able to use it on that Toyota in your future or anything else until everything is electric.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 577
Likes: 0
From: the best car on earth ,vettes are best
give nemisys 3774 scan tool a go!
i recently brought a cool scan tool from
www.nemisysotc.com from spx otc tools!
JUST CLICK ON BROCHURES ANd MANUALS THEN CLICK ON BROCHURE 2005.
call 1800 533 6127
it scans over 40 live data parameters, it reads power train,transmission,abs and air bag systems,
it does other brand cars as well,chrysler,jeep,ford,european,asian, e.ct as well.
file storage,record,play back,data graphing,graphics display,typical sensor data/values,play back on scan mate pc also.
obd1 and obd2 from 1984- 2003 modelsdoes basically every thing!
a real great hand held computer machine
large 320x 240 screen with back light,self powered plus powered with cigarete lighter,
have a look its awsome ,bit pricey though but well worth it!
i got my cheap direct from dealer over here!
they only had one in the country from over two years ago!
i snapped it up quick smart.
regards
shae
www.nemisysotc.com from spx otc tools!
JUST CLICK ON BROCHURES ANd MANUALS THEN CLICK ON BROCHURE 2005.
call 1800 533 6127
it scans over 40 live data parameters, it reads power train,transmission,abs and air bag systems,
it does other brand cars as well,chrysler,jeep,ford,european,asian, e.ct as well.
file storage,record,play back,data graphing,graphics display,typical sensor data/values,play back on scan mate pc also.
obd1 and obd2 from 1984- 2003 modelsdoes basically every thing!
a real great hand held computer machine
large 320x 240 screen with back light,self powered plus powered with cigarete lighter,
have a look its awsome ,bit pricey though but well worth it!
i got my cheap direct from dealer over here!
they only had one in the country from over two years ago!
i snapped it up quick smart.
regards
shae
Last edited by emo-vet; Jul 4, 2007 at 05:46 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 5,214
Likes: 65
From: Queensland, AUSTRALIA
You get that in Vic Emo-Vet?
Paper clip method will get the codes out of a 96 i think but id refer to book 1, section 8 of the 1996 GM service manual before you try it.
Pins 4 and 12, ive never tried it on a 96 but im told it does work, although i wont stake anything on it.
Paper clip method will get the codes out of a 96 i think but id refer to book 1, section 8 of the 1996 GM service manual before you try it.
Pins 4 and 12, ive never tried it on a 96 but im told it does work, although i wont stake anything on it.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 7,625
Likes: 4
From: Director of Bands
St. Jude Donor '08
If you want a simple code reader, just buy one of these:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=94168
I have one and it works well for what it is,..
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=94168
I have one and it works well for what it is,..
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
Code readers - at least in the lingo used by the Discount Part Houses - do just that - read codes and let you clear them (and of course they come back if you don't fix it). No more than 80 Bucks - which is pretty expensive considering that in the good ole days, you got the same with a paperclip. You want a Scanner to look at data - Auto X-ray or any of the generic brands will do that much - but they're twice as much. You will - if you haven't allready - need to familarize yourself with how an OB2 system presents data. It's a little different, as for example, IAC position is expressed as a percentage and not in counts/steps. Any of the generic brands will come with a handbook and of course you'll be able to use it on that Toyota in your future or anything else until everything is electric.
Jake
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
i recently brought a cool scan tool from
www.nemisysotc.com from spx otc tools!
JUST CLICK ON BROCHURES ANd MANUALS THEN CLICK ON BROCHURE 2005.
call 1800 533 6127
it scans over 40 live data parameters, it reads power train,transmission,abs and air bag systems,
it does other brand cars as well,chrysler,jeep,ford,european,asian, e.ct as well.
file storage,record,play back,data graphing,graphics display,typical sensor data/values,play back on scan mate pc also.
obd1 and obd2 from 1984- 2003 modelsdoes basically every thing!
a real great hand held computer machine
large 320x 240 screen with back light,self powered plus powered with cigarete lighter,
have a look its awsome ,bit pricey though but well worth it!
i got my cheap direct from dealer over here!
they only had one in the country from over two years ago!
i snapped it up quick smart.
regards
shae
www.nemisysotc.com from spx otc tools!
JUST CLICK ON BROCHURES ANd MANUALS THEN CLICK ON BROCHURE 2005.
call 1800 533 6127
it scans over 40 live data parameters, it reads power train,transmission,abs and air bag systems,
it does other brand cars as well,chrysler,jeep,ford,european,asian, e.ct as well.
file storage,record,play back,data graphing,graphics display,typical sensor data/values,play back on scan mate pc also.
obd1 and obd2 from 1984- 2003 modelsdoes basically every thing!
a real great hand held computer machine
large 320x 240 screen with back light,self powered plus powered with cigarete lighter,
have a look its awsome ,bit pricey though but well worth it!
i got my cheap direct from dealer over here!
they only had one in the country from over two years ago!
i snapped it up quick smart.
regards
shae
How much do they cost?
Jake
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
I purchased mine thru eBay for $20.00 + shipping ($4.95) It is generic.
Comes with a book of codes (all of them) and what they mean. It reads and eliminates stored codes.
Its a great investment.
P. S. The above is for a "Code Reader" only, not a scan tool.
Comes with a book of codes (all of them) and what they mean. It reads and eliminates stored codes.
Its a great investment.
P. S. The above is for a "Code Reader" only, not a scan tool.
Last edited by runner140*; Jul 6, 2007 at 07:29 AM. Reason: Completeness....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,080
Likes: 3
From: Clearwater FL
St. Jude Donor '06
I have the cheap Harbor Freight one for $40. Does the job on all cars except for my 96 accord for some reason. works great on the Vette. It is different from the one earlier in this thread btw, but the same $$$.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 577
Likes: 0
From: the best car on earth ,vettes are best
thanks for your reply !
they generally sell for around $800.00 mark the cheapest iv seen them.
if you do a " google search and type in nemysis 3774 scan tool."
there alot of different tool type shops that sell them.
but the amount of stuff you can do and see is great.
sure there are alot cheaper scan tools out there but im very happy with this proffesional little device.
easy to use,heaps of info,well made/designed,large screen updateble info,p/c friendly comes with 4 differnt cables,user manual,c/d ,carry storage case,self battery powered and c/ lighter plug in.
all the best
regards
shae
Last edited by emo-vet; Jul 5, 2007 at 11:20 PM.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
hi jake,
thanks for your reply !
they generally sell for around $800.00 mark the cheapest iv seen them.
if you do a " google search and type in nemysis 3774 scan tool."
there alot of different tool type shops that sell them.
but the amount of stuff you can do and see is great.
sure there are alot cheaper scan tools out there but im very happy with this proffesional little device.
easy to use,heaps of info,well made/designed,large screen updateble info,p/c friendly comes with 4 differnt cables,user manual,c/d ,carry storage case,self battery powered and c/ lighter plug in.
all the best
regards
shae
thanks for your reply !
they generally sell for around $800.00 mark the cheapest iv seen them.
if you do a " google search and type in nemysis 3774 scan tool."
there alot of different tool type shops that sell them.
but the amount of stuff you can do and see is great.
sure there are alot cheaper scan tools out there but im very happy with this proffesional little device.
easy to use,heaps of info,well made/designed,large screen updateble info,p/c friendly comes with 4 differnt cables,user manual,c/d ,carry storage case,self battery powered and c/ lighter plug in.
all the best
regards
shae
Thanks for the info though.
Jake
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
Here's the one I'm considering; it's the 5th one down.
http://www.diydiagnostics.com/
Any comments?
Jake
http://www.diydiagnostics.com/
Any comments?
Jake
Pro
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 577
Likes: 0
From: the best car on earth ,vettes are best
cool
hello jake,
i took a look at the site.
gees i wish they made a unit for obd1 models as well.
it seems to have all the goods, a great little unit and good value for money thats for sure!
i say go ahead and get it.
good find mate.
keep us posted on how it runs.
regards
shae
i took a look at the site.
gees i wish they made a unit for obd1 models as well.
it seems to have all the goods, a great little unit and good value for money thats for sure!
i say go ahead and get it.
good find mate.
keep us posted on how it runs.
regards
shae
