Code scanner
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,352
Likes: 568
From: Ventura County, Calif
There are many available, don't know what might be considered "best".
Actron brand is probably the most widely available and used. You can get them and other brands at most auto parts stores, Sears, etc. You can research on the Actron site and Amazon has a wide variety. The most basic ones will read generic codes, show you the number then you have to go to some printed or online source to see what it means. These types run around $25 and all I've seen do allow you to clear the code. Moving up in price and features gets you units that will let you look up the code meaning on the tool, others will give you the code and the text of what it means immediately. Moving up gets you Manufacturer specific (like GM) codes, ABS system codes, etc.
A good basic one generally will be around $50 to do most of what you will likely want to do.
The only thing to be aware of is that the unit you choose is CAN compliant. All cars since 2008 are required to use this protocol so most new tools should comply but check to be sure. Have fun.
Actron brand is probably the most widely available and used. You can get them and other brands at most auto parts stores, Sears, etc. You can research on the Actron site and Amazon has a wide variety. The most basic ones will read generic codes, show you the number then you have to go to some printed or online source to see what it means. These types run around $25 and all I've seen do allow you to clear the code. Moving up in price and features gets you units that will let you look up the code meaning on the tool, others will give you the code and the text of what it means immediately. Moving up gets you Manufacturer specific (like GM) codes, ABS system codes, etc.
A good basic one generally will be around $50 to do most of what you will likely want to do.
The only thing to be aware of is that the unit you choose is CAN compliant. All cars since 2008 are required to use this protocol so most new tools should comply but check to be sure. Have fun.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,610
Likes: 12
The one I use is the Actron CP9550 Pocket Scan Plus OBD II and CAN Code Reader.
Actron makes a series of readers/programers. I had a cheaper model, and while it cleared the codes just fine, I was always running inside the house to look up code definitions on the computer.
Then I got this one.This newer model has most code definitions loaded and they can be accessed right on the screen.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,136
Likes: 212
From: Long Island New York
I dont care to bring my car to autozone or anywhere else for something I can do in 2 minutes. Works on all my wifes and I cars.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10,924
Likes: 853
From: Daytona Beach FL
If you get a code scanner, it must be CAN capable or it won't work with the C6.
Like a couple other members, I have an Equus 3100 that works great.
I also have an OT-2:
http://www.innovatemotorsports.com/products/ot2.php
Also:
http://www.ot-2.com/
It's not the cheapest at $179, but it's very cool!!
The OT-2 works with my iPhone (and I think it might work with some other smartphone devices as well).
It not only is a code reader and will clear your CEL, but it can log a bunch of data, it's a performance meter, and has an efficiency meter function.
It's a unit that plugs into your OBD-II port and then transmits wireless signals to your iPhone. I think it might also transmit to your laptop if you have wi-fi capability in it. The software for the iPhone and your computer can be downloaded for free on that first link above (click on the "Support" button).
Bob
Like a couple other members, I have an Equus 3100 that works great.
I also have an OT-2:
http://www.innovatemotorsports.com/products/ot2.php
Also:
http://www.ot-2.com/
It's not the cheapest at $179, but it's very cool!!
The OT-2 works with my iPhone (and I think it might work with some other smartphone devices as well).
It not only is a code reader and will clear your CEL, but it can log a bunch of data, it's a performance meter, and has an efficiency meter function.
It's a unit that plugs into your OBD-II port and then transmits wireless signals to your iPhone. I think it might also transmit to your laptop if you have wi-fi capability in it. The software for the iPhone and your computer can be downloaded for free on that first link above (click on the "Support" button).
Bob
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
I have an Auto X-Ray 6000. While not the cheapest, is CAN enabled and also show's reading's for engine timing, rpm's, ext. Truth is, most of these are manufactured by OTC, and if stepping into big time for chassis abs, stabilitrac system's, it's $2K plus for a Tech II or a trip to the dealer.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver Island British Columbia
I am a fan of EFI Live software. It is around $800 for the handheld unit that can be used as a standalone or computer based. You can check codes, clear codes, load up engine and tranny tunes, do data logging, real time logging, send files via email, ect... Very similar to a GM tech 2. I use it often to tune and data log my diesel trucks. Helped my duramax put down 530 rwhp. A wonderful tool.
Last edited by baxterboy; Mar 23, 2011 at 12:44 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,610
Likes: 12
I am a fan of EFI Live software. It is around $800 for the handheld unit that can be used as a standalone or computer based. You can check codes, clear codes, load up engine and tranny tunes, do data logging, real time logging, send files via email, ect... Very similar to a GM tech 2. I use it often to tune and data log my diesel trucks. Helped my duramax put down 530 rwhp. A wonderful tool.
EFI is top of the line programing software, but a little overkill to clear a CEL code don't ya think?
