Code readers...recommendations?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,022
Likes: 94
From: Texas
Code readers...recommendations?
With so many new code readers available today...I'm looking for some recommendations.
Has anyone bought one lately that will work on the 1996 and up vehicles that you are really pleased with...?
Many of the decent multifunction readers I see now require a laptop (which I have)...but find cumbersome.
What do you have...?
Thanks...Stan
Has anyone bought one lately that will work on the 1996 and up vehicles that you are really pleased with...?
Many of the decent multifunction readers I see now require a laptop (which I have)...but find cumbersome.
What do you have...?
Thanks...Stan
Last edited by Stan's Customs; Nov 15, 2013 at 08:13 AM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,022
Likes: 94
From: Texas
Bill..
I haven't looked at Harbor Freight...and really wanted something better than their usual quality.
Here's one that seemed too cheap...if it lives up to it's reviews.
http://www.obdcom.com/
I expected to have to pay $200-$300 minimum.
Thanks....Stan
I haven't looked at Harbor Freight...and really wanted something better than their usual quality.
Here's one that seemed too cheap...if it lives up to it's reviews.
http://www.obdcom.com/
I expected to have to pay $200-$300 minimum.
Thanks....Stan
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,191
Likes: 951
From: Corpus Christi, TX
If all you need is a code reader, there are plenty on the market. Actron makes a decent quality device. I have one of their old analog diagnostic meters (with a dwell meter no less!) and it's held up for more than 30 years. The Actron unit is available from Advance Auto Parts.
Then there's these from O'Reilly:
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/se...0664/C0103.oap
You pays your money and takes your choice.
Then there's these from O'Reilly:
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/se...0664/C0103.oap
You pays your money and takes your choice.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 17,901
Likes: 751
From: Inverness FL
St. Jude Donor '07
Bill..
I haven't looked at Harbor Freight...and really wanted something better than their usual quality.
Here's one that seemed too cheap...if it lives up to it's reviews.
http://www.obdcom.com/
I expected to have to pay $200-$300 minimum.
Thanks....Stan
I haven't looked at Harbor Freight...and really wanted something better than their usual quality.
Here's one that seemed too cheap...if it lives up to it's reviews.
http://www.obdcom.com/
I expected to have to pay $200-$300 minimum.
Thanks....Stan
but, for basic 'pulling a code' all you need is a basic reader.
just for grins & giggles, check the HF site for OBD code reader
Bill
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,022
Likes: 94
From: Texas
looks good, but it's just software and an adapter cable; you have to use a laptop, which you didn't want to do. buy one and let me know how you like it, i might get one too...
but, for basic 'pulling a code' all you need is a basic reader.
just for grins & giggles, check the HF site for OBD code reader
Bill
but, for basic 'pulling a code' all you need is a basic reader.
just for grins & giggles, check the HF site for OBD code reader
Bill
My bad ...Stan
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,022
Likes: 94
From: Texas
Moved where?? I can't find it..
...there's lots of restomods that need code/data readers? I thought it was ok to ask about them?
... was I supposed to mention tuning a Corvette restomod or something more specific?
Thanks...Stan...
...there's lots of restomods that need code/data readers? I thought it was ok to ask about them?
... was I supposed to mention tuning a Corvette restomod or something more specific?
Thanks...Stan...
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,183
Likes: 4,178
From: Kannapolis NC
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,111
Likes: 32
From: Columbia, SC
I've had an Actron reader since about 2001 or '02, it's worked like a champ every time.
What I recommend now, however, is for people with any android device...phone or tablet. If you don't have one, you can buy a used android phone and use that without actually signing up for phone service. All you need it for is the operating system (android) and the bluetooth capability.
There's an app called Torque Pro. It will read your codes and also a whole bunch of performance and diagnostic information. Think about how much data is being taken recorded by the sensors throughout the vehicle...you can access just about ALL of that. The app is less than $5 and is awesome.
The other thing you need to make it work is an ELM327 device...it's just a bluetooth adapter that plugs into the OBD2 port in the vehicle. The device transmits the computer data to your phone/tablet. I bought , because it was the cheapest on Amazon. It works great on my '12 Wrangler. I use an older 10" tablet so I have a bunch of gauges set up on display at once.
Torque+ELM327+used old phone is STILL cheaper than most standalone code readers, and gives you access to much, MUCH more information.
What I recommend now, however, is for people with any android device...phone or tablet. If you don't have one, you can buy a used android phone and use that without actually signing up for phone service. All you need it for is the operating system (android) and the bluetooth capability.
There's an app called Torque Pro. It will read your codes and also a whole bunch of performance and diagnostic information. Think about how much data is being taken recorded by the sensors throughout the vehicle...you can access just about ALL of that. The app is less than $5 and is awesome.
The other thing you need to make it work is an ELM327 device...it's just a bluetooth adapter that plugs into the OBD2 port in the vehicle. The device transmits the computer data to your phone/tablet. I bought , because it was the cheapest on Amazon. It works great on my '12 Wrangler. I use an older 10" tablet so I have a bunch of gauges set up on display at once.
Torque+ELM327+used old phone is STILL cheaper than most standalone code readers, and gives you access to much, MUCH more information.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,022
Likes: 94
From: Texas
Well I didn't see the last two post till just now...but I see Actron has been mentioned three times after the fact ( I just bought a Actron from Summit). Got lucky I guess...here's the link to the purchase.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ANM-CP9190
Godholio's suggestion is next if I don't like this ...but this is at least easier to start out with..
Thanks for the help fellows..
Best regards...Stan
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ANM-CP9190
Godholio's suggestion is next if I don't like this ...but this is at least easier to start out with..
Thanks for the help fellows..
Best regards...Stan
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,872
Likes: 333
From: Olmsted Falls Ohio
St. Jude Donor '12 thru '24
I have the OTC Genisys system which is similar to the Tech II but not quite as capable. If you want to see all the codes from all the computers on the car (like OEM specific codes beyond the generic OBD2 stuff) this will do it. Also can monitor data real time, diagnose emission systems, and record/playback the data. It will also initiate test / maintenance routines (ABS cycling for brake fluid changes, etc) and so on. About a $1,000 used but well worth it if you have several cars. Can also be used on those computer controlled pre-OBD2 cars with the appropriate cables and connectors.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 5
From: Loveland CO
C5's can pull codes in on the stock dash display. For data you can get a few things.. I agree with Sox-Fan.. if you want basic code reader that does some data info then check out the bluetooth adaptor and the Applications for the Iphone/Android..
We have a OTC diag too and it works well but is pretty pricy.. some of the cheaper ones at the parts store/amazon will do data as well.
We have a OTC diag too and it works well but is pretty pricy.. some of the cheaper ones at the parts store/amazon will do data as well.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,990
Likes: 346
From: Mt. Pleasant S.C.
Yup. I have HPTuners and also have a bluetooth reader and torque on my phone. If I just need to take a quick look at something it's way easier to use my phone then to drag out the laptop and cables. The only time I do that anymore is if I plan to make an adjustment.