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Calling all auto techs, what's the best affordable code reader?

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Earp69

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Well I finally broke down and bought the old lady a newer vehicle, to me atleast. I got her an 05 grand cherokee. It's been seeming to have some fits with wheel speed sensors and cylinder misfires and my old Bluetooth code reader just isn't going to cut it anymore. The code readers I've used will just tell me that there is a wheel speed sensor out, but not which one. I'm looking to buy a code reader that'll give me a decent amount of diagnostics in the 150 dollar range. What's your guys opinions?

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firworks

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Foxwell NT510 with a Chrysler module installed on it. I've got one and have the Honda and GM modules in mine and it's great. Kinda clunky and weird and sometimes freezes but super powerful for the price. Full bidirectional capability and ability to read data from all ECMs on the datalink.
 
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Earp69

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What'd that run ya and what does each additional module cost?

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Earp69

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Hmm both of those look pretty good

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Treeman

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You probably won't beat that Foxwell in the bidirectional catagory.

Autel has the Diaglink model that Amazon regularly has "fire deals" on for $87 delivered. It is the DIY version of the 802. It has a slightly smaller screen vs. the 802. It comes with one vehicle brand software. You can install additional brands for $10 each. It scans "all systems".

At this price point, realize that all these code scanners have caveats. They lag anywhere from 2 to 4 years behind on new vehicle model updates (enhanced brand codes, not the generic global OBDII). They will have quirks with certain models of certain brands. That's why the pros invest thousands in scanners and yearly program updates.

Wait for the $87 special. This seller is pretty good for basic product support (programming, etc..)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075WQJQDH/?tag=atomicindus08-20
 
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jshillin

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Treeman said:
You probably won't beat that Foxwell in the bidirectional catagory.

Autel has the Diaglink model that Amazon regularly has "fire deals" on for $87 delivered. It is the DIY version of the 802. It has a slightly smaller screen vs. the 802. It comes with one vehicle brand software. You can install additional brands for $10 each. It scans "all systems".

At this price point, realize that all these code scanners have caveats. They lag anywhere from 2 to 4 years behind on new vehicle model updates (enhanced brand codes, not the generic global OBDII). They will have quirks with certain models of certain brands. That's why the pros invest thousands in scanners and yearly program updates.

Wait for the $87 special. This seller is pretty good for basic product support (programming, etc..)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075WQJQDH/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Click to expand...

jgromada said:
I have an Autel AL-619 which is pretty full featured and does ABS & SRS
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0091DJWV0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Love it.
Click to expand...

I've been looking at these myself... I started looking at the 619, then for $80 more, you can get the new MD805. I had an ABS light on and thought I needed one right now, but I was able to figure it out yesterday with my old scan tool. I will be buying one in the near future though.
 
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Schurkey

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wyattrose69 said:
The code readers I've used will just tell me that there is a wheel speed sensor out, but not which one. I'm looking to buy a code reader that'll give me a decent amount of diagnostics in the 150 dollar range. What's your guys opinions?
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You don't want a code reader. You want a scan tool.

A code reader is 10% of a scan tool.

I would buy a used professional-grade scan tool rather than a new, consumer-grade tool. In fact, I did, years ago. I have a Snap-On MTG-2500 with software new enough for 2006 domestic and perhaps 2005 Asian (I never use the Asian software.)

If I were doing this now, I'd be looking for some version of a Solus, the replacement for the '2500.
 
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toolenthusiast

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wyattrose69 said:
Well I finally broke down and bought the old lady a newer vehicle, to me atleast. I got her an 05 grand cherokee. It's been seeming to have some fits with wheel speed sensors and cylinder misfires and my old Bluetooth code reader just isn't going to cut it anymore. The code readers I've used will just tell me that there is a wheel speed sensor out, but not which one. I'm looking to buy a code reader that'll give me a decent amount of diagnostics in the 150 dollar range. What's your guys opinions?

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Click to expand...

What are you trying to see that the Torque app won't show you? The wheel speed sensor readings aren't in the live data?
 
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Earp69

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LORDDiESEL said:
I guess you didn't read my thread before your purchase.....

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=328083
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Yeah I guess so. I got this thing for a good deal, or so I thought for 3k with 100 miles on it. I have a 98 grand cherokee with the 4.0 and a 98 wrangler also with the 4.0. Both have had gremlins but I've always been able to figure them out. I have 2 second gen Cummins trucks, love the motor hate the truck. I think I'm going to end up fixing this jeep and trading it in on something like a Honda crv or Toyota rav4. As for my trucks it's the last dodge I'll buy, seriously contemplating doing a Cummins swap on a chevy or Ford

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ADSR

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wyattrose69 said:
Yeah I guess so. I got this thing for a good deal, or so I thought for 3k with 100 miles on it. I have a 98 grand cherokee with the 4.0 and a 98 wrangler also with the 4.0. Both have had gremlins but I've always been able to figure them out. I have 2 second gen Cummins trucks, love the motor hate the truck. I think I'm going to end up fixing this jeep and trading it in on something like a Honda crv or Toyota rav4. As for my trucks it's the last dodge I'll buy, seriously contemplating doing a Cummins swap on a chevy or Ford
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You've come to the right forum. I have a few cummins swaps under my belt, and one currently under way in my 06 F350. ZkDiesel is doing a swap on this forum as well.

The older jeeps are good. The newer ones, not so much. Get out while you still can;)
 
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Earp69

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Sep 20, 2016
Messages
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LORDDiESEL said:
You've come to the right forum. I have a few cummins swaps under my belt, and one currently under way in my 06 F350. ZkDiesel is doing a swap on this forum as well.

The older jeeps are good. The newer ones, not so much. Get out while you still can;)
Click to expand...
That's the plan. I love the newer looking ford's, like 08 or so but I just haven't done much reading on them to see how good the trucks themselves actually are. I've already passed a few good deals on rolling chassis I probably should have snagged

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