Lets discuss Code Readers.

[00S4Boy]

So after some googling I can't seem to find a great comparison of code readers.

I've already purchased an Autel AL619 and thus far I've been impressed with the interface but let down with it due to the 3 time's I've needed it since i got it have been for SRS lights, and it has failed to read a code.

So what's your guy's experience with Code readers? In general cost vs performance for standard engine codes, also if anyone out there has found a abs/srs coverage unit they liked please share.

 

[bad12jr]

Auto enginuity works well for me. But all I own is fords. The have many bundles, domestic, foreign and some odd brands. I wish I had bought the domestic bundle at the time.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 2

 

[00S4Boy]

Auto enginuity works well for me. But all I own is fords. The have many bundles, domestic, foreign and some odd brands. I wish I had bought the domestic bundle at the time.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 2

Auto Enginuity is a pc based scan tool software, not a handheld code reader.

 

[LEVE]

I ended up buying a Scantool II. Some scanners aren't aware of some codes that a vehicle can store. So, check the one you want to buy to make sure it can see those codes.

 

[firebox40dash5]

At work we have a circa-2008ish Matco Proscan (OTC Nemesys), similar age Solus brick, a new Launch X431, and my Launch CRP129. I bought the CRP hoping it would be as reliable (as far as vehicles) as the Matco, and honestly I'm a bit disappointed. It randomly will either not connect, or will know that there is a code, but won't even be able to read the number. I bought it as a quick go-to, but it's kinda hard to trust it when it does **** like that.

For a decent full-featured one-way scanner, I'd be hard pressed to name something I like better than that Matco. It just plain works, it's not painfully slow to fire up or connect, and it's rare that there's anything outside of Euro stuff (don't have that software for it) that it won't read. If you can find a used one for a price you like, I'd pick it up. The big thing of course is going to be what software it's got compared to what you need, and if you want anything beyond basic OBD2, it's going to need to have software for the years and regions you want.

 

[Skin]

Auto Enginuity is a pc based scan tool software, not a handheld code reader.

That may be but for the money you're going to be hard pressed to spend less if you want to reliably pull SRS and ABS codes from a cheapo off the shelf reader.

 

[softailgarage]

Matco "Scan Advisor ABS" MD1052 covers OBD II, OBD I, SRS & ABS among other things.

 

[00S4Boy]

At work we have a circa-2008ish Matco Proscan (OTC Nemesys), similar age Solus brick, a new Launch X431, and my Launch CRP129. I bought the CRP hoping it would be as reliable (as far as vehicles) as the Matco, and honestly I'm a bit disappointed. It randomly will either not connect, or will know that there is a code, but won't even be able to read the number. I bought it as a quick go-to, but it's kinda hard to trust it when it does **** like that.

For a decent full-featured one-way scanner, I'd be hard pressed to name something I like better than that Matco. It just plain works, it's not painfully slow to fire up or connect, and it's rare that there's anything outside of Euro stuff (don't have that software for it) that it won't read. If you can find a used one for a price you like, I'd pick it up. The big thing of course is going to be what software it's got compared to what you need, and if you want anything beyond basic OBD2, it's going to need to have software for the years and regions you want.

Not so much looking for Scanner options, I'm either getting a Snap on scanner or just buy an OE one for my car line.

I'm looking for reviews/comparisons for code readers like the CRP129 something small for quick code reading.

 

[softailgarage]

The Matco "Advisor " series MD1012 & MD1042 do one or the other, the 1052 covers 'em both. They are all code readers, not scanners.

 

[00S4Boy]

That may be but for the money you're going to be hard pressed to spend less if you want to reliably pull SRS and ABS codes from a cheapo off the shelf reader.

If i need to reliably pulls SRS and ABS codes currently I'll just grab our honda HDS, just running around the shop finding one sometimes or booting it up is a pain.

Side note you work in Boston area dealer?

 

[00S4Boy]

The Matco "Advisor " series MD1012 & MD1042 do one or the other, the 1052 covers 'em both. They are all code readers, not scanners.

The only problem is I've never had a Matco dealer at any shop I've ever worked at.

 

[Fedwrench]

Most code readers (scan tool without bidirectional control) are only good with generic OBD II. SRS/ABS gets into manufacturer proprietary areas pretty quick, that may not be covered in a lesser priced tool.

I've seen guys use this one when in a hurry.
http://www.tooltopia.com/equus-31603.aspx

 

[Subyroo651]

I've already purchased an Autel AL619 and thus far I've been impressed with the interface but let down with it due to the 3 time's I've needed it since i got it have been for SRS lights, and it has failed to read a code.

00S4Boy - If you are happy with your AL619 and Autel in general, check out the MD802.

Its hands down the best reader you can get without getting into Bi-Directional/Diag scanners which are a lot more money. A MD802 can be found for $350~

It is based on the Software of the DS708 and does everything it does, just scanning of course. I had it for several months and only sold it because I wanted the ability to test parts on command, which requires Bi-Directional control.

 

[CWP1616L]

Innova - nice well built code readers.

 

[00S4Boy]

Most code readers (scan tool without bidirectional control) are only good with generic OBD II. SRS/ABS gets into manufacturer proprietary areas pretty quick, that may not be covered in a lesser priced tool.

I've seen guys use this one when in a hurry.
http://www.tooltopia.com/equus-31603.aspx

See this is where i get confused.

I was looking into the Innova/Equus products, the EPI31603 is the same as the Matco MD1052 as far as i can tell.

But it also looks like the EPI3160b is the new version because I can't find anything from the manufacturer on the 31603 even for like updates/support.

According to what I can tell it looks like i should have gone with the 3160b over the al619.

 

[00S4Boy]

Just a bump for more discussion.

 

[GroverDill]

I am about to buy http://www.ultra-gauge.com/ultragauge/

read codes, clear codes and reads tons of info for monitoring.

and its cheap!

 

[RM209]

See this is where i get confused.

I was looking into the Innova/Equus products, the EPI31603 is the same as the Matco MD1052 as far as i can tell.

But it also looks like the EPI3160b is the new version because I can't find anything from the manufacturer on the 31603 even for like updates/support.

According to what I can tell it looks like i should have gone with the 3160b over the al619.

I've got the 3160B; easy to use and provides the info clearly. I bought it as I needed to read ABS codes.

RM209

 

[purplezr2]

Is this for VAG vehicles? Just curious due to your user name. If it is I would go with a Vagcom.

 

[00S4Boy]

No I used to drive a 00 audi s4. Which believe it or not in the 6 years i had it, i had 2 check engine lights, 1 for a o2 sensor and 1 for a mass air flow not that bad.

This is for work, I just started wrenching again at a Honda Dealer, and sometimes finding the Honda HDS or it being sluggish or other issues make using a quick pocket code reader more efficient. See a lot of 00-05 cars with bad seat belt buckles which have a lifetime warranty, so we'll usually scan an srs code(most of them are in on recall for some srs thing anyway) find a 9-3 drivers buckle code and order a buckle for it.

 

[Subyroo651]

Did you look into what I suggested? seems you addressed everything but that. Just sayin'

 

[00S4Boy]

Did you look into what I suggested? seems you addressed everything but that. Just sayin'

It seems like the MD802 accomplishes the tasks i wanted and a couple more things. I'm not so much looking to purchase another code reader, and even if I was I would want to sell my al619 but with it being registered I think that creates a problem. Nor do I think Autel would let me swap my al619 for a MD802 for the $200 difference I see them for on amazon.

But If they can get abs/srs code reading on the MD802 why not the Al619 which is the same device basically with just different software.

 

[t1snwbrdr12]

No I used to drive a 00 audi s4. Which believe it or not in the 6 years i had it, i had 2 check engine lights, 1 for a o2 sensor and 1 for a mass air flow not that bad.

This is for work, I just started wrenching again at a Honda Dealer, and sometimes finding the Honda HDS or it being sluggish or other issues make using a quick pocket code reader more efficient. See a lot of 00-05 cars with bad seat belt buckles which have a lifetime warranty, so we'll usually scan an srs code(most of them are in on recall for some srs thing anyway) find a 9-3 drivers buckle code and order a buckle for it.

Little off topic, but do you ever see the actual belt and retractor covered by the lifetime warranty? I've had my buckles done when the fault pops, but now my drivers belt is slow to retract on my 2003 accord. Just figured id ask a tech before I waste my time for an hour wait if they just want to tell me no problem found or it's not a covered item. I know how it goes, I just got out of a dealership which I had been at for 10 years.

 

[00S4Boy]

Little off topic, but do you ever see the actual belt and retractor covered by the lifetime warranty? I've had my buckles done when the fault pops, but now my drivers belt is slow to retract on my 2003 accord. Just figured id ask a tech before I waste my time for an hour wait if they just want to tell me no problem found or it's not a covered item. I know how it goes, I just got out of a dealership which I had been at for 10 years.

I just started as a tech there, but I was a writer for 9 months, I can only remember maybe 1 belt we did and I'm pretty sure it popped a fault code for some reason, never had to deal with a slow retraction issue. I'd call your local Honda dealer and ask the service manager.

It's gonna be kinda at the discretion of the service department.

This is an quote from the 03 warranty booklet.

Seat Belt Limited Warranty
Your Warranties in Detail 31
While seat belts cannot completely
remove the possibility of injury,
they do provide a very significant
level of protection when used
properly. Honda believes the best
way to enhance your safety is to use
your seat belt. To encourage their
use, the seat belts should always be
in good operating condition.
Time Period
This warranty continues for the
useful life of the vehicle.
Warranty Coverage
Honda will repair or replace, at its
option, any Honda seat belt
component that fails to function
properly during normal use. This
includes all parts and labor charges.
This Warranty Does Not Cover:
• Replacement of a properlyfunctioning
seat belt assembly
strictly for cosmetic or comfort
reasons.
• Failure caused by abuse,
alteration, accidental damage,
misuse, or malfunction resulting
from a collision.

Slow retraction I think falls into a comfort category, it is still retracting and retraction rate doesn't effect safety function of a seat belt. But again it's primarily at the discretion of the service manager/tech who looks at it.

 

[t1snwbrdr12]

I just started as a tech there, but I was a writer for 9 months, I can only remember maybe 1 belt we did and I'm pretty sure it popped a fault code for some reason, never had to deal with a slow retraction issue. I'd call your local Honda dealer and ask the service manager.

It's gonna be kinda at the discretion of the service department.

This is an quote from the 03 warranty booklet.



Slow retraction I think falls into a comfort category, it is still retracting and retraction rate doesn't effect safety function of a seat belt. But again it's primarily at the discretion of the service manager/tech who looks at it.

That makes sense. Next time im buying parts I'll ask. Thanks for the reply!