obd-ii reader?

Question

I have a 2000 subaru legacy and the check engine light came on. This has happened before so I took it to the dealer and they told me that the gas cap had come loose, and it wasn’t a big problem. The light came on again, and I don’t want to pay the dealer $100 for diagnostics, when a cheap odb reader costs less. There is one at kragen for 70, but it seems kinda cheep considering that “pro” readers are thousands. What r the differences between these price points? Any suggestions on what kind of a reader to get? Would a usb reader be any better than one that just gives a print out code? Do all readers work, or do I need a reader for imports?

Answer 1

A Code Reader does just that, it reads the code(s). Some might even tell you what the code description is.

What they do not do is give you diagnostic tips describing what needs to be done to determine why the code was set or what to do to go about fixing it. Code readers also don't provide real-time performance data, relevant TSB's etc, etc, etc.

That's what you pay the big-bucks at the dealer/local shop for. The tools and the experience and expertise to use them.

I should add that last year one of my junior mechanics, who was on a tight budget, opted for a $200 code reader instead of spending several thousand dollars on a diagnsotic scanner. After a couple of months he sold the code reader. He found it next to useless as a diagnostic tool, even with all of the other diagnostic tools, software and data we had in the shop to add extra help.

If you just want your codes read, take the car to a parts store that does it for free. Don't spend the money on a code reader.

Answer 2

Mark F is on the money.

I have an AutoXray 6000. It runs about $500, but then again we service the 8 vehicles we own ourselves. It is great because it reads what the computer sees.

Free: AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts (and others) will often read the codes for free. (Hoping you'll buy the parts you need from them obviously.)
$40 to $60: Will get you a basic digit reader. WIll spit out the code(s) and usually send a general reset to shut off your service engine soon light. It doesn't fix anything, it just is useful if you changed something, snd then can see if it was successful.
$100 to $750: Gets you the ability to read the values of key devices in your vehicle. Maybe even the freeze frame data and review the status of the built in engine readiness tests. Will also do a basic reset.
$1K and Up: All of the above, plus ABS and automatic transmission (if applicable) info. You can run diagnostics such a fuel injector balance and sometimes even some chip reprogramming.

I would hazard you would get decent usage from a $40 to $60 OBD-II code reader. No need to spend more than that if you don't have the other tools to do the other diagnostics.

Answer 3

go to the local napa auto parts store, they have obd 2 compatible scan tools with the capability to read AND erase codes (they can also tell if the vehicles monitor testing has been done and check for emmission testing readiness), i thin they have models for less than 200 dollars (not a bad investment in todays economy) anyhow most things that set the light off are not as easy as the fuel cap, good luck.

Answer 4

http://www.obd2works.com, as a professional auto diagnostic tools online supplier, providing our customers with a vast range of high-quality and affordable automobile maintenance tools.Our main business line covers: Automotive Professional Diagnostic Tools for OBD I and OBD II compliant vehicles; Auto Diagnostic tool, OBD2 Code Scanners, ECU Chip Tuning Tool, Car Key programmer Mileage Programmer as well as other more featured products.

Answer 5

i use snap on's MODIS at my shop....its worth the 4000 plus that i spent for it....but thats also why i charge 85 bux just to hook it up.....

if all you want to know is what the code is..then by all means get yourself a code reader. I have several and i have used alot.....but i like for quickies the OTC obd 2 reader....its cheap...about 100 bux. and it will read and clear codes....you can order it at your local napa store. but if you want to get real results....and diagnose other areas of your car...then you have to spend more money.

spend a little...or spend a lot....depends on what you want to do....

Answer 6

verify Amazon, seek: "autel test gadget". they have each and every little thing from $18. as much as $1300. danger is, "each and every concern your vehicle has" which you would be able to desire to, or are in a position to repair could properly be accessed with one in each and every of those for purely $250. i offered the $18. unit just to maintain in my glove field and it has are available in very reachable purely for examining and clearing codes. in case you have a Mercedes and additionally you desire all mode get admission to with programming means, crack open your wallet.

Answer 7

I bought one at wallmart for $60 and I have fixed many cars with it, including my own. Get it, it will work just fine.