Code reader

[wmonroe]

My mom wants to get my dad a obd code reader for Christmas and called me to ask what she should get. Unfortunately I haven't kept up with these over the last five years or so, so I'm not really sure. He will be using it for normal homeowner diagnostic work. Vehicle currently are 2015 grand Cherokee, 2008 ram, 2005? Dodge minivan, 2006? Subaru car, and a 2007 ram. Can a good scan tool be purchased without going crazy on price?
Thanks

 

[deerefan]

Yes. I bought one from Auto Zone, it was around $70. I bought a Chilton manual too that gives you the codes. Use it on my vehicles, especially my 97 F150. Comes in handy.

 

[LD1]

I havent kept up with them either. Someone gave me a CarMD one a few years back and it works fine. But I think they are all about the same. Just reads the code and then up to you to do the figuring out as to why. (An o2 code doesnt always mean an o2 sensor is bad)

The really nice ones are the actual scanners. Like the snap on modis. Allow you to view real time info. IE: if you get that O2 code, you can actually watch it and see the reading.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I got one off Amazon a few yrs ago. Large 4" x 4" screen. Can't remember the brand but it was $69.

Whatever you get fine one that does live data. It will show you oil pressure, trans temp, vacuum, ect. Even if the car does not have the gauges.

Chris

 

[jejeosborne]

My mom wants to get my dad a obd code reader for Christmas and called me to ask what she should get. Unfortunately I haven't kept up with these over the last five years or so, so I'm not really sure. He will be using it for normal homeowner diagnostic work. Vehicle currently are 2015 grand Cherokee, 2008 ram, 2005? Dodge minivan, 2006? Subaru car, and a 2007 ram. Can a good scan tool be purchased without going crazy on price?
Thanks

If he has a smart phone or tablet, Bluetooth models are only $15 and offer more options than cheaper handhelds. Just need to purchase a $5 app called "torque". If he doesn't have a tablet, get him that too. Love mine.

 

[wmonroe]

I havent kept up with them either. Someone gave me a CarMD one a few years back and it works fine. But I think they are all about the same. Just reads the code and then up to you to do the figuring out as to why. (An o2 code doesnt always mean an o2 sensor is bad) The really nice ones are the actual scanners. Like the snap on modis. Allow you to view real time info. IE: if you get that O2 code, you can actually watch it and see the reading.

Thanks, It changes so much it's tough unless you follow them regularly.

I got one off Amazon a few yrs ago. Large 4" x 4" screen. Can't remember the brand but it was $69. Whatever you get fine one that does live data. It will show you oil pressure, trans temp, vacuum, ect. Even if the car does not have the gauges. Chris

Thanks, I'll find something that does live data, he would want that.

 

[wmonroe]

Yes. I bought one from Auto Zone, it was around $70. I bought a Chilton manual too that gives you the codes. Use it on my vehicles, especially my 97 F150. Comes in handy.

Thanks

If he has a smart phone or tablet, Bluetooth models are only $15 and offer more options than cheaper handhelds. Just need to purchase a $5 app called "torque". If he doesn't have a tablet, get him that too. Love mine.

Does the Bluetooth model show live data? I sort of remember a guy at work talking about getting this setup. I'll check it out.

 

[kf4uda]

I have had an Actron CP9575. I have been very pleased with it. I caught it on sale for $99 when I purchased it.

Actron Auto Scanner OBD II Code Reader CP9575: Get the best Code Readers/Scanners at Advance Auto Parts

 

[QueBota]

I have a approx. $100 Actron model, don't have the number here at work. It does everything you would expect. Plan on upgrading to a laptop based platform, still researching which one to purchase. You can pickup software that will show pending codes, real time data and other info a "basic" ODBII reader won't show. Should be more useful for not a whole lot more $$$.

Q

 

[Soundguy]

Harbor freight has a cheap and a spendier one, the cheap one does work completely, its just no frills. The bigger one is the better, has data hold, etc.. Heck, even WalMart was them

 

[crazyal]

I have an Android phone with the Torque app and bluetootth connection. I don't think I would go back to any other type. With the smart phone you can customize which live screens you want to see and when you do get a fault code you can just search the internet by tapping on the code. You find out a lot more information than just the brief description that the handheld code readers give you. Also it's real easy to use when driving so you can check the sensors under operation. I was even able to use the phone under my truck while it was up on my lift.

 

[Walkin Horse]

Can somebody narrow it down. Which one of the 500 on Amazon is good. I have an I phone and the newest car is a 2012.

 

[Fordman1981]

Can somebody narrow it down. Which one of the 500 on Amazon is good. I have an I phone and the newest car is a 2012.

Dash command is a real good code reader with lots of options for the iOS platform. Then all you need is the wifi obd2 plug. Like the one listed below.

Amazon.com: Elm327 WIFI Wirless OBD2 PC Car Diagnostic Reader Scanner Scan Tool with Wireless for IPhone: Automotive

 

[jejeosborne]

Thanks

Does the Bluetooth model show live data? I sort of remember a guy at work talking about getting this setup. I'll check it out.

Yes. Just as crazyal has mentioned. Do a YouTube search and see how customizable the displays are. It even will plot and record any parameters on Google maps as you go. Many 3rd party plug-ins as well. Amazing software for $5. Added benefit is it websearches the codes it displays.

 

[crazyal]

I got the software first and then went to their website to see which OBD2 adapters (elm 327) they said worked best. That was several years ago, back then it was a little hit and miss. My adapter is bluetooth but if I was to buy another one it would most likely be a wifi. Bluetooth doesn't transfer data as fast so it's not as accurate. But bluetooth was extremely easy to set up (not sure about wifi).

 

[jejeosborne]

I got the software first and then went to their website to see which OBD2 adapters (elm 327) they said worked best. That was several years ago, back then it was a little hit and miss. My adapter is bluetooth but if I was to buy another one it would most likely be a wifi. Bluetooth doesn't transfer data as fast so it's not as accurate. But bluetooth was extremely easy to set up (not sure about wifi).

My Bluetooth one works perfectly. There is about a half a second lag but don't know if that is due to the obd2 port and computer or the transfer of data. My mechanical boost gage is quicker to respond but the values are the same.

 

[truckdiagnostics]

Take a look at these guys stuff. It is windows based, basic reader is $300.. The cost effective readers won't let you get to body control modules. Whats nice about this one is you can add enhancements as you need them. autoenginuity.com

Steve

 

[dieselcrawler]

I have an OBD2 Bluetooth ELM327 adaptor and an unused andriod phone with both Torque and DashCommand. I have had better luck with dashcommand. Trouble getting torque to connect to the pcm reliably. I am not real tech savvey person, and I'm sure both programs will do a lot more than what I do with them, but they work for me. I have about $75 in the adaptor and programs.

 

[wmonroe]

Thanks for all the replies. I've been doing a lot of looking online and right now I'm leaning towards a Bluetooth/wifi unit compatible with his iPhone.

 

[94BULLITT]

A guy I know has a used car lot and he takes one of these with him to the auctions.

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