Hand held computer
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,801
Likes: 356
From: Northville, MI
You shouldn't, stupid is to by the hand held and then wondering why you still have an engine light when the code reader did not show any codes. Most of the hand held code readers only have the SAE codes loaded and not the advanced GM specific codes.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
I have a C5 and I still need a good hand held. If you get one that has LIVE DATA, you can use it to look at O2 sensor data, and all of the other sensor data, check to see if your emissions flags are ready ect..
YES the built in reader is good BUT, a good quality hand held (if you get a good one) are a valuable tool. Besides, I need it to read the DTCs in all my other cars! LOL! Yes, I also have EFI Live. :-)
There are also some really good APP Diagnostic tools available now. Look into them.
YES the built in reader is good BUT, a good quality hand held (if you get a good one) are a valuable tool. Besides, I need it to read the DTCs in all my other cars! LOL! Yes, I also have EFI Live. :-)
There are also some really good APP Diagnostic tools available now. Look into them.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 5,375
Likes: 328
From: CA.
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15
Handhelds are just that a cheap way to read and clear codes JUST TEMPORARILY
If you have real issues the codes will re appear----Depending on your codes often times with any computer controlled car over 10 years old you will often get "false codes' meaning you get codes when there is nothing really wrong---A handheld cannot delete these false codes permanently
Also with most any simple mods such as a CAI or an aftermarket muffler or exhaust you will get false codes--Even more modded engines with cams or LT headers will always create false code----Only full tuning software such as EFILIVE or HP can permanently delete these false codes---Sometime Diablo can but not sure
If you have real issues the codes will re appear----Depending on your codes often times with any computer controlled car over 10 years old you will often get "false codes' meaning you get codes when there is nothing really wrong---A handheld cannot delete these false codes permanently
Also with most any simple mods such as a CAI or an aftermarket muffler or exhaust you will get false codes--Even more modded engines with cams or LT headers will always create false code----Only full tuning software such as EFILIVE or HP can permanently delete these false codes---Sometime Diablo can but not sure
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 989
Likes: 306
From: Southern Norway , Europe
The best tool for the C5 is in my opinion the Tech 2 or Tech2Win software . It shows up a ton of useful data most signals causing most of the troublecodes .
It has also bidirectional functions so you can ativate relays/lamps/ABS pump and much more .
If I have a problem with a mirror , then I can manually run the mirror motors with my Tech2 and View the feedback signals from that mirror .
These is useful when troubleshooting compared to , only looking at codes alone .
If you are into computers I can recommed the VCX NANO using the Tech2Win software on a laptop.
VCX NANO cost approx . 1/3 of a Tech 2 clone
I run Tech2Win on my 64 bit HP laptop with 15" inch screen with the VCX NANO w/ 6 feet USB cable and it works perfect .
In this thread everything needed to install this software is mentioned
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rnative-2.html
It has also bidirectional functions so you can ativate relays/lamps/ABS pump and much more .
If I have a problem with a mirror , then I can manually run the mirror motors with my Tech2 and View the feedback signals from that mirror .
These is useful when troubleshooting compared to , only looking at codes alone .
If you are into computers I can recommed the VCX NANO using the Tech2Win software on a laptop.
VCX NANO cost approx . 1/3 of a Tech 2 clone
I run Tech2Win on my 64 bit HP laptop with 15" inch screen with the VCX NANO w/ 6 feet USB cable and it works perfect .
In this thread everything needed to install this software is mentioned
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rnative-2.html
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,332
Likes: 31
From: Silver Spring MD
When I couldn't read codes from the DIC I used a $15 code reader
A bad ignition switch prevented my being able to read codes using the DIC. Bought a cheap $15 small code reader and was able to read the codes and reset them. Did not need a $100 code reader or Tech 2 to read and reset the codes.