Code Readers

[UhOh_Gecko]

Here's the deal. I work in a shop and am often asked to read engine codes. The shop has a scan tool, but it then takes 5 minutes to track it down and enter the vehicle data. And then go through the steps to read DTC's. The whole thing is a bit of a project for such a simple task that nine out of ten times yields no financial reward. I'm hoping someone has experience with a code reader that is:

1) Quick to turn on and identify the vehicle
2) Compatible with most Asian as well as domestic makes
3) Capable of clearing ENGINE DTC's
4) $15-$30
5) Preferably can be updated

Tell everything good and bad. Ready? GO!

 

[shockwave]

Get a simple scan tool that will give you code descriptions and you need live data try an actron u-scan you Use with your cell phone

 

[Skin]

Autel Maxiscan. Works pretty well for the price. It will list DTCs, including pending, however don't expect code definitions. Limited live data and freeze frame data as well. You can read and clear DTCs in about 60 seconds.

As far as updates. Does it really matter on a little $20 code reader? When updates become necessary I promise the thing will have long ago paid for itself and you'll have no problem plunking down another $20 for whatever newest version is out.

Get a simple scan tool that will give you code descriptions and you need live data try an actron u-scan you Use with your cell phone

Those wireless BT widgets are neat but between the constant pairing and odd/clumsy UI it would be annoying when you have a few vehicles you just want to check/clear.

 

[softailgarage]

For $15.00 - $30.00? Good luck. As a service writer, I was in the same position. First I picked up a dongle & the paid version Torque app. The dongle was 50.00 and the app was 10.00 (you can use the free version, which is faster, just not much info) I was surprised with the pay app in its capabilities. You can read codes, CO2 emissions , speed timings, record all veh functions like a black box. It does take a few minutes to set up. The other one is a Matco "code advisor" for $80.00, its simple and reliable for pulling and clearing codes and thats about all it does. It is a a lot faster, basically plug & play

 

[Zeroek]

I found someone selling a $100 walmart gift card for $60. Took that and bought one of those Innova scan tools for $100. It's pretty basic but it's updatable and gives code descriptions. I was going to buy this one before it Got that one at walmart. http://www.tooltopia.com/equus-30203.aspx

 

[Wamsutta]

Innova 3100, but it's going to require more than $30.

 

[Zeroek]

Innova 3100, but it's going to require more than $30.

3100 is the one I got at walmart actually.

 

[rice rocket]

For $15.00 - $30.00? Good luck. As a service writer, I was in the same position. First I picked up a dongle & the paid version Torque app. The dongle was 50.00 and the app was 10.00 (you can use the free version, which is faster, just not much info) I was surprised with the pay app in its capabilities. You can read codes, CO2 emissions , speed timings, record all veh functions like a black box. It does take a few minutes to set up. The other one is a Matco "code advisor" for $80.00, its simple and reliable for pulling and clearing codes and thats about all it does. It is a a lot faster, basically plug & play

Do this.

Except get the $10 Bluetooth dongle instead. And the app is $5.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...s=elm327&sprefix=elm327,aps&rh=i:aps,k:elm327
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.prowl.torque&hl=en

So net investment, $15. It does do live monitoring and a code deletions, but won't do ABS or airbag codes, so hunt down the other scanner when you need to do that.

 

[franzdom]

I just picked up the 3100 as well, it's already paid for itself.

 

[nieuport17]

I do not recommand $20 Autel Maxiscan. It does not read Honda CRV or Element.
Its hit and miss for me on that cheap scanner.
Im looking into the Innova also.

 

[UhOh_Gecko]

I just came across this : http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007LEG2K/?tag=atomicindus08-20 ACTRON POCKET CODE READER thus far its the most promising candidate.

I love the idea of a blue tooth device, but I'm still working with a $20 flip phone. Have a tablet, but it too is an inexpensive device purchased for its most basic functions. That's sort of the pattern. Simple, specialized, quick, and reliable.

 

[MG44]

It's crazy a socket costs more then $15 from a trucks yet there are ways to scan a car for $15

 

[veks]

Do this.

Except get the $10 Bluetooth dongle instead. And the app is $5.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...s=elm327&sprefix=elm327,aps&rh=i:aps,k:elm327
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.prowl.torque&hl=en

So net investment, $15. It does do live monitoring and a code deletions, but won't do ABS or airbag codes, so hunt down the other scanner when you need to do that.

OP do you need it to be odb1 compatible since I don't think the torque app is?

 

[rice rocket]

OBD1 isn't a standard, it's a lack of standards. There is no OBD1 tool because they're all different across manufacturers.

 

[UhOh_Gecko]

I COULD use the pre-OBD II adaptors, but my needs are basic, and my goal narrow. So I won't be going down that road.

 

[Skin]

I do not recommand $20 Autel Maxiscan. It does not read Honda CRV or Element.
Its hit and miss for me on that cheap scanner.
Im looking into the Innova also.

Never had a problem with mine, but theres at least 3 versions of the Maxiscan out there.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Autel MaxiScan MS310
Worth every penny. So far I've had no issue with manufacturer specific codes, clearing CEL, or the live data reading. Paid for itself first use, and in your budget.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005KOZ25Y/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[tdkkart]

Do this.

Except get the $10 Bluetooth dongle instead. And the app is $5.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...s=elm327&sprefix=elm327,aps&rh=i:aps,k:elm327
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.prowl.torque&hl=en

So net investment, $15. It does do live monitoring and a code deletions, but won't do ABS or airbag codes, so hunt down the other scanner when you need to do that.

I went this route too, so far it has worked perfectly on the 5 vehicles I've tried it on. If you don't want stuff like timed performance numbers etc, you don't really have to input any info to read codes, or do live gauge type readouts. Huge list of info that you can get out as long as the vehicle supports it. There's stuff my F150 will read out that my Challenger wont and vice-versa.

I used this dongle, and the $5 Torque Pro, so less than $30.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005NLQAHS/?tag=atomicindus08-20