Codes, Code Readers, the DIC
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Codes, Code Readers, the DIC
Is there a big advantage to purchasing my own OBD code reader or can I just rely on the DIC to gather this information?
I'm not an auto mechanic by any means but will do my best to rectify a problem if I can without going to the stealership. IF a code reader is the way to go, can you suggest a model that is reliable, relatively inexpensive, that I should go with?
Thank you in advance. This forum is absolutely fabulous.
I'm not an auto mechanic by any means but will do my best to rectify a problem if I can without going to the stealership. IF a code reader is the way to go, can you suggest a model that is reliable, relatively inexpensive, that I should go with?
Thank you in advance. This forum is absolutely fabulous.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 881
Likes: 2
From: hill billy hell
IMHO 
you do not need to purchase a code reader for the Corvette. The DIC gives you all you need along with this forum for what you are needing to do. You may want it for your other vehicles. The corvette is the only gm vehicle I know of that allows you to retrieve codes from all systems. Most code readers are a generic OBDII format that only read Engine/PCM codes.
If you really got to have a code reader get one made by OTC. Price range for code readers that I would trust start around $100
They do make software/hardware that allows your laptop to read PCM codes. They start around $200 for kits
Now on the other hand a bi-directional scan tool will come in handy,Two that come to my mind are the snap-on scanners and tech II. I have used both. They both read control modules. I prefer the tech II it allows you to read codes,perform function test, and flash certain modules when needed you can not flash program with a Snap On. Snap-On gives you the ability to do All makes and models of the big three. The Tech II is specific to GM vehicles and GM owned/mergerd companies.
you do not need to purchase a code reader for the Corvette. The DIC gives you all you need along with this forum for what you are needing to do. You may want it for your other vehicles. The corvette is the only gm vehicle I know of that allows you to retrieve codes from all systems. Most code readers are a generic OBDII format that only read Engine/PCM codes.If you really got to have a code reader get one made by OTC. Price range for code readers that I would trust start around $100
They do make software/hardware that allows your laptop to read PCM codes. They start around $200 for kits
Now on the other hand a bi-directional scan tool will come in handy,Two that come to my mind are the snap-on scanners and tech II. I have used both. They both read control modules. I prefer the tech II it allows you to read codes,perform function test, and flash certain modules when needed you can not flash program with a Snap On. Snap-On gives you the ability to do All makes and models of the big three. The Tech II is specific to GM vehicles and GM owned/mergerd companies.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 30
From: San Rafael CA
You have no need to go buy a "scanner" if all you want to do is retrieve the DTC posted in the Corvette ... in fact the Corvette display shows you DTC posted in computers that almost all of the after-market scanners can't read, such as in the SDM.
If you are looking to start getting into the "guts" of computers such as the PCM look at tools such as the Autotap
http://www.autotap.com
Any good "scanner" is gonna cost dollars, with a new Tech2 running about $3,000.00 unless you can find a "deal" on that auction website .... for what you are describing as your skill level .... fuhgeddaboutit ... use the DIC to display the codes for no cost to you.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
I bought this one a few years back from Midway Auto Supply online.
EQUUS 3120 CANOBD 2&1 TOOL KIT™
http://www.midwayautosupply.com/default.aspx
As I recall it was under $150. I purchased it to use with my other vehicles, but tested it on my 2000 hardtop. As others have said, the C5 DIC gives much more detailed information... however very few other cars offer the C5 diagnostic capability, including my sons C6 ZO-6. Apparently GM felt we had access to too much information and eliminated it from the C6.
I have used it on a myriad of other vehicles and find it very useful. It will provide pretty specific information regarding codes that set the CEL. It will allow you to clear codes and reset the CEL. It won't keep the CEL from coming back if the problem has not been resolved however.
As others have said, if you just want it for your C5, you are much better off using the DIC... unless you want to step up to a TECH II or one of the much more expensive diagnostic readers. Be sure that any code reader you purchase has CAN 2 capability as most '06 and up vehicles are switching to the CAN 2 protocol.
Good luck... GUSTO
EQUUS 3120 CANOBD 2&1 TOOL KIT™
http://www.midwayautosupply.com/default.aspx
As I recall it was under $150. I purchased it to use with my other vehicles, but tested it on my 2000 hardtop. As others have said, the C5 DIC gives much more detailed information... however very few other cars offer the C5 diagnostic capability, including my sons C6 ZO-6. Apparently GM felt we had access to too much information and eliminated it from the C6.
I have used it on a myriad of other vehicles and find it very useful. It will provide pretty specific information regarding codes that set the CEL. It will allow you to clear codes and reset the CEL. It won't keep the CEL from coming back if the problem has not been resolved however.
As others have said, if you just want it for your C5, you are much better off using the DIC... unless you want to step up to a TECH II or one of the much more expensive diagnostic readers. Be sure that any code reader you purchase has CAN 2 capability as most '06 and up vehicles are switching to the CAN 2 protocol.
Good luck... GUSTO
