Auto code readers w/ abs

[rockfordmarv]

Hello All, looking to pick up a good code reader. Anyone have experience with either of these? I know the HF one is about 1/2 as much but the reviews aren't that great. Either would be used for repairs on American vehicles (1998-2006), mostly Chebies. I'd really like to stay under 200 bucks if anyone knows of an alternative also.

INNOVA 3160 OR CEN TECH 60794

http://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/diagnostics/http-www-harborfreight-com-can-obd-ii-scan-tool-with-abs-60794-html.html

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001QIUGVI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=S7W5QWSPIKII&coliid=I23RZ0Y72L10P2

 

[shockwave]

Look for a Bluetooth reader that offers abs/airbag it will be cheaper look at actron u-scan or launch creader

 

[rockfordmarv]

I would like to go that route, but no smartphone here.

 

[internetdude]

I have this one, it reads ABS codes, Actron seems to be a good brand. Make sure it supports CAN protocol whatever you buy:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008ZDYLC2/

 

[RM209]

I'ce got the 3160; works well and is easy to use. I bought it as I needed to troubleshoot an ABS failure; nt only did it display the failure code, but identified which wheel had the bad sensor. Good value.

RM209

 

[theoldwizard1]

ABS controllers don't have a government mandated standard for how and what they communicate to a scan tool. Older vehicles (10+ years) can be problematic.

 

[Loscaldazar]

The harbor freight one is a rebadged Autel. It's a good unit, but it seems (from the reviews) that it doesn't like GM vehicles and ABS codes. No clue why. Maybe buy it and try it out, and if it doesn't work, return it.

 

[Buckgnarly]

I ahve had good luck with my 3160....but it does not work well in the cold. Anytime it gets below 30 or so it gets REAL slow....I either store it in the house or put it up by the defrost for a little.

 

[chicane]

Hello All, looking to pick up a good code reader. Anyone have experience with either of these? I know the HF one is about 1/2 as much but the reviews aren't that great. Either would be used for repairs on American vehicles (1998-2006), mostly Chebies. I'd really like to stay under 200 bucks if anyone knows of an alternative also.

INNOVA 3160 OR CEN TECH 60794

http://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/diagnostics/http-www-harborfreight-com-can-obd-ii-scan-tool-with-abs-60794-html.html

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001QIUGVI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=S7W5QWSPIKII&coliid=I23RZ0Y72L10P2

You need to understand the difference between a diagnostic tool and an OBDII - code reader. all cars past 1995 are OBDII compliant and this is for emissions codes ONLY. Many manufacturers also piggy back their DME codes through the OBDII interface using various protocols like CAN. This confuses people and they think they can grab and reset things like their ABS codes using a cheap OBDII reader (such as the HF reader)....you cannot. You need a true diagnostic tool. I prefer PC software based tools as they tend to be much better and easier to upgrade. I would recommend AutoEnginuity:

https://www.autoenginuity.com/

 

[rockfordmarv]

ABS controllers don't have a government mandated standard for how and what they communicate to a scan tool. Older vehicles (10+ years) can be problematic.

Yeah the Actron they use at Autozone would not pull the code for my abs light on my 98 Lumina.

 

[rockfordmarv]

The harbor freight one is a rebadged Autel. It's a good unit, but it seems (from the reviews) that it doesn't like GM vehicles and ABS codes. No clue why. Maybe buy it and try it out, and if it doesn't work, return it.

Problem with that is HF charges a restocking fee on the code readers, I believe its like 15% of purchase price.

 

[rockfordmarv]

You need to understand the difference between a diagnostic tool and an OBDII - code reader. all cars past 1995 are OBDII compliant and this is for emissions codes ONLY. Many manufacturers also piggy back their DME codes through the OBDII interface using various protocols like CAN. This confuses people and they think they can grab and reset things like their ABS codes using a cheap OBDII reader (such as the HF reader)....you cannot. You need a true diagnostic tool. I prefer PC software based tools as they tend to be much better and easier to upgrade. I would recommend AutoEnginuity:

https://www.autoenginuity.com/

This is intriquing me. However I don't think i'd have the time to truly use that to its potential. Also do I have to purchase vehicle specific software for each vehicle I own? That'll get pretty expensive if I do.

 

[mrjaw14]

The autoenginuity thing is appealing to me, and is certainly feature packed, but I cant help but think that The last laptop I bought was almost 10 years ago with windows XP. I've had others that are work provided, but none that were mine to do with what I pleased and load software like this and use in a garage environment. I've bought 2 tablets in the last few years and honestly don't see myself buying any more laptops. I'd hate to invest in this package and end up with something I can't really use if my 10 year old laptop craps out.

Now if autoenginuity came out with a new interface box that also did bluetooth to any tablet or phone...now that'd be a product to really get excited about!

 

[chicane]

This is intriquing me. However I don't think i'd have the time to truly use that to its potential. Also do I have to purchase vehicle specific software for each vehicle I own? That'll get pretty expensive if I do.

I have several BMW's and it is well worth it to me. The factory GT1 software is thousands of dollars. Autoenginuity can do things like reset the airbag light. You can't reset the air bag light with an ODBII reader or by disconnecting the battery. If I went to the dealer to do this they would charge me a $100 a pop.

 

[SMKS]

Here's another one to consider:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0091DJWV0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[mikebramel]

The Launch CRP123 is a great unit.. has misfire data, SRS, Transmission, etc