Suggestions for a code reader?

Does anyone have any specific suggestions or tips that I should consider
during my search for a OBD-II code reader? My initial search of local
parts stores shows a wide range of prices for pieces of test equipment
that all appear to do the same thing.

 

I use an AutoXray, works quite well. Make sure if you do the Ebay
thing it's a newer model (2 years old or less). I paid $200 new. They
sell refurbished units on their web site.

 

Equus Innova 3100 OBD II scanner. Got mine for $120 on ebay, search for
"equus obd".

It's not the most full featured in that it doesn't report extra information
stored with codes such as air flow, engine temperature, etc, but unless you
really know what to do with that information it isn't necessary to know it.
It does report whether "the readiness monitors" have all run and are OK, and
it reports all stored codes including denoting the code that caused the
"check engine" light to turn on.

Depends on whether you want to spend $120, or $400 for some of the nice ones
with dot matrix displays and all the extras.

-T

 

There are also software based solutions if you have a laptop. You just buy
the software & the cable. I recall seeing these when I was looking for my
code reader, but I don't remember any specific companies or names.

-T

 

I hope you also did an online search for OBD-II readers. Lots
of info online. If you didn't, here are a few links to get you
started:
<http://www.obdii.com/>
<http://www.auterraweb.com/index.html>
<http://www.autoxray.com/products.aspx>
Usual disclaimers.

S25