Code readers
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,270
Likes: 561
From: Macedonia Ohio
Code readers
Guys, Being new to the C6 I have been thinking that I should invest in a Code reader.
Any recommendations? I have heard that some of the less expensive readers are not worth the $
Thanks
Larry
Any recommendations? I have heard that some of the less expensive readers are not worth the $
Thanks
Larry
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 2,517
Likes: 1,167
From: Northern Wisconsin
It depends on how deep you want to get into vehicle diagnostics. The Torque app, a bluetooth OBDII transmitter, and my Android phone are all I need. Total cost around $40 (not including my phone). This allows me to read engine fault codes and delete them. I can also use the Test Results feature to get live data on misfires (including which cylinder), oxygen sensor values, etc.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,299
Likes: 1,153
From: Klein TX
2023 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
For working on your C6 I would recommend a Tech 2. Or maybe a VCX Nano with Tech2 Win if you're software savvy and have a compatible laptop. Other ways to go for sure, but these two will do everything short of loading new tunes. Same software the dealer mechanics use. Not that expensive either: A Tech 2 with all the cables, a CANDI module, and software (everything you need) will be $300 give or take, and a NANO is about $100 but requires a laptop.
No one right answer to your question as there are several good alternatives. Check them out and pick the one you like the best. A good code reader/scan tool really is a necessity for working on cars today.
No one right answer to your question as there are several good alternatives. Check them out and pick the one you like the best. A good code reader/scan tool really is a necessity for working on cars today.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 84
Likes: 18
From: Calabash, North Carolina
I was considering the Creader Elite Launch X431 as an option. From the reviews I have read it seems to be pretty versatile and is a standalone unit.
I am interested in not only reading fault codes but also be able to manipulate the ABS module when I replace the brake fluid.
Can anyone share their experience with this?
I am interested in not only reading fault codes but also be able to manipulate the ABS module when I replace the brake fluid.
Can anyone share their experience with this?
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 16,025
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From: Toronto, Canada
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
I had a bought a basic one for 20 dollars or something like that, usually read all codes except for last time when I got a P420 code on my LaCrosse, other than that works perfectly fine and can reset codes too etc.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 750
Likes: 255
From: Florida
There are 2 basic categories, code reader (generally under $100 and simply gives you engine and sometimes ABS codes.) or a scan tool which gives lots more features (and significantly higher price, generally $300-$2000), often requires a paid subscription after a 1 or 2 year period for updates and can sometimes (depending on the tool and vehicle) read all of the modules in the car and do things like bidirectional systems tests where you can do things like actuate canister purge valves, recalibrate sunroof, etc. I have a Launch X431 Pro that I love. I had an Autel MK808 but it was too expensive for what it did, the Launch does all the same and more and has 2 years of updates built in. I work for an auto shop and it comes in handy with vehicles like BMW and some Audi or Mercedes models that you need a scan tool.to reset the service history after an oil change or to put electronic parking brakes in service mode.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2013
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VX GM Nano ($129 on amazon) running Tech2win software (comes with it for free). Its the same as what the dealers are using, but just not made by bosch isntead.
I have apps on my phones and a Elm327 device that I can pull basic codes and clear them, but it will not get me down to the body level of codes that have not flashed three times yet to set the light off in the dash. Also, will only pull what has been set off, not get down to the body level to see what is about to set a dash light, or check history codes in the BCM.
Also, since the VX GM Nano is working just like the dealers stuff, able to do all the relearns and troubling shooting on that car as well. Again, the VXGM Nano is a MDI clone, and a clone of what the dealers are using. Tech2win is the same software that the dealers are using, and the nano runs TDS as well.
I have apps on my phones and a Elm327 device that I can pull basic codes and clear them, but it will not get me down to the body level of codes that have not flashed three times yet to set the light off in the dash. Also, will only pull what has been set off, not get down to the body level to see what is about to set a dash light, or check history codes in the BCM.
Also, since the VX GM Nano is working just like the dealers stuff, able to do all the relearns and troubling shooting on that car as well. Again, the VXGM Nano is a MDI clone, and a clone of what the dealers are using. Tech2win is the same software that the dealers are using, and the nano runs TDS as well.