OBD II Code reader

[danc333]

The check engine light came on last night in my Dakota while I was trying to get unstuck from the snow drift I slid into. So now I want to buy a code reader to find out and possibly fix the problem myself. I have seen ones that range from $39.99 up to a few hundred. Even dreaded HF has what looks like a decent one for $120. And I have a 20% coupon. Any thoughts? Pep boys and Sears have them for around $200, which is more than I want to spend just to find out if I can fix this problem myself or if I have to take it to a shop. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Bustawrench]

Can't you pull the codes on a chrysler using the ignition key trick?

 

[Paladin]

Yeah, key on-key off 3 times then key on and watch for code, IIRC. I just bought a cheap ($60 something) OBD II scanner at Wally-World. Works good for me, displays codes and clears them.

 

[danc333]

Whats the trick?

 

[ratchet_gear]

You should be able to go to an Auto Zone where they will check it for free.

 

[danc333]

Thanks for your help so far I will try the key trick as soon as get done work if not I'll hit Auto zone in the morning. You guys are great

 

[Mike83]

I bought a bare bones Actron reader for $52 from Amazon. It is $65 now, though

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007LEG2K/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Rickster]

There are two basic styles; the cheapo ones that have all the EPA required generic codes that all the manufacturers are required to use and the more eexpensive ones that give you the additionial maufacturers specific codes that they add to help with thier specific hardware diagnostics.

 

[danc333]

The key trick worked. It appears I have a brake switch problem, or brake light problem. Not a big deal. Its something I can fix myself. Thanks again for all the information. I will keep it in mind when I decide to buy a code reader.

 

[Fedwrench]

I don't think so. The check engine light will only come on for something that would cause your tailpipe emissions to exceed the federal standard by 1.5 times. You can have lots of bcm codes and the check engine light will never come on.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

What year of the Dakota? I believe Chrylser stopped the blink code funtion around 2001.
Get someone to pull codes and post back.
If you were stuck, might want to check underneath for evap canister lines, etc. Chrysler had a tendancy to mount the canister underneath on some models, not sure about the Dakota.
Just a wild guess until you post the codes....

 

[Paladin]

I know on my 2003 Ram the key on/off trick works. Displays "P0192" beneath the speedo, for example.

 

[philw]

I can recommend the Equus Innova 3130. It can retrieve live data which is extremely helpful. You can also do a flash upgrade and get it to retrieve ABS codes for the US manufacturers. I think they have a model out with the two combined but not sure of model #.
Another helpful feature is the recording. You can set it to start recording when your CEL comes on. It will record up to 20 frames which you can play back to try to figure out want went screwy to set the light off.
Link to amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KID31K

 

[danc333]

I have a 2005 Dakota with a 3.7 V6. The code i got was , P0573 Cruise Control/Brake Switch A Circuit High . It took a couple of tries but the odometer display eventually gave me the code. I looked up on the internet and found someone with a similar situation caused when he got stuck as well. I will check the switch tomorrow and the brake lights when I leave work.