Looking for inexpensive OBDII Scanner

[mike944]

Hey guys,

A friend is looking for an inexpensive hand-held OBDII code reader. Anyone have any suggestions?

He's got a vehicle that ocassionally throws a code for the fuel level sender (WTF????) The vehicle is a 97, with fairly high mileage, and he's reluctant to have the fuel sender repaired right now, at over $600, especially since it's meaningless to the operation of the vehicle. BUT, he wants to be able to reset the CEL (check engine light) when it comes on, and read the codes, in case something else goes wrong.

I do have one myself, that hooks up to a laptop, but i don't live close enough to be able to reset his light more than occasionally. The one i have is specific to Volkswagen (he has a Jeep), so i have no experience with a more generic model. He's not really a DIY'er, so he doesn't need anything fancy, just a basic reader/resetter.

 

[dink]

Cheapest I have seen is a pocket reader for $80 at Sears ....very basic

 

[Flathead Youngin']

i can't attest to the quality but harbor freight has one for, i think, $39 right now.....

yes, i know some of their stuff is junk....but you asked for cheap!

 

[eschoendorff]

If you mean this one:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=46030

I have it and it is easy to use. All it will do, though, is display codes and then erase them. But I use it whenever a SES light pops on just because it's son small and easy to use. Definitely a good use of $39 in my opinion.

 

[Rickster]

The el'cheapo's have only the generic government required codes that are common among all manufacturers. The more expensive units include cards for the additional manufacturers specific codes.

 

[IntrstlarOvrdrve]

I have a slightly more expensive HF unit, and it works well for me. Easy to use, lots of neat functions...like monitors. Good for the $89 I bought it for.

 

[kartracer55]

I definetly wouldnt let anything from HF touch my cars ECU. Thats asking for trouble lol. My snap On guy try's to sell me an OTC for like 150-200$ IIRC. Its a really nice unit, looks nicer than the Actrons. You can pick up an Actron for around 100$ or so and that should be sufficient to reset the MIL.


Jim

 

[eschoendorff]

I definetly wouldnt let anything from HF touch my cars ECU. Thats asking for trouble lol.
Jim

Why not? They can't hurt your ECU; I have used them and they do exactly what they advertise. Seriously, for $40 you can read and erase most of the codes that you're likely to encounter.

 

[Deafautotech]

i got actron scanner tool from ebay as it was once used. i got it for 100 dollars instead 150 dollars. then i did all my side jobs as check engine light at my garage and got all fixed and clear the codes and it is working good and no problem. i only need see what code then read the books and find what list of problem that cause then i test with it to make sure it is work good or bad. but for newer models as it need more deep of scan tool that why i use lot of my chrysler work as DRB-3 and starscan (newest scan tool for chrysler)

 

[Rickster]

Why not? They can't hurt your ECU; I have used them and they do exactly what they advertise. Seriously, for $40 you can read and erase most of the codes that you're likely to encounter.

You have to be careful the unit doesn't allow the ECU's magic smoke to escape.

 

[Fry]

Why not? They can't hurt your ECU; I have used them and they do exactly what they advertise. Seriously, for $40 you can read and erase most of the codes that you're likely to encounter.

I would be fearful of it, I know with the tractors I work on the Cummins ECU if you look at it funny your screwed.
Mac has a cheap one 100 or so and I seen an OTC one at napa for the same price. I'm thinking of getting one as well, for the $40 each time to get scanned at the dealer it wouldn't take long to pay for it.