Recommend me a code reader

[nicholasbailey1993]

My dad got this coupon from Advance Auto Parts for 50 dollars of any purchase over 100 dollars. He wants to get a code reader, but neither of us really know enough about them to know what to get. We have GM vehicles ranging from 1995 to 2004 so i know that it will have to be compatible with obd1 and obd2. It's just going to be for home use so it doesn't need to be too fancy. Any suggestions?

 

[koditten]

Do you have an Android phone? The Torque app works great. The app is 5 bucks on Amizon and the wireless OBD2 plug in, is 24 bucks on Amazon as well. Gets the BAFX one I got 3 of em and they all work great.

This app does more than any of the code readers/clearers that you can get from A.A.

KO

 

[nicholasbailey1993]

Nope, not quite advanced enough to have an Android.

 

[nicholasbailey1993]

Anybody Else?

 

[OEXL16B]

Do they have the Innova 3100 at Advance Auto?

That's an excellent code reader and it's very tough.

 

[nicholasbailey1993]

Is there any way to read obd1 on the Innova 3100. we would need that for at least one of our vehicles.

 

[bran1har]

Get the harbor freight one. I have the more expensive one that does everything, it cost like $100 and I use it alot and works very well. They sell a cheaper one for like $25 i think. The harbor freight ones are just fine. Mine even has a built in back light.

 

[wait4me]

Do you have an Android phone? The Torque app works great. The app is 5 bucks on Amizon and the wireless OBD2 plug in, is 24 bucks on Amazon as well. Gets the BAFX one I got 3 of em and they all work great.

This app does more than any of the code readers/clearers that you can get from A.A.

KO

I got an essentially identical one for $14 and it works great for me as well.

It does come with software if you want to link it to your computer instead, but I haven't tried it. Torque is pretty great. There are also USB enabled units if you don't have bluetooth for around $20, but again I can't comment on the usefulness of the included software.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

You would be better served by a scanner that shows live data stream and OBD2 monitors. Learn what the data streams are trying to tell you and you will be much farther ahead in the furture than with just a code reader..

 

[KPSquared]

Torque is great. Not a lot of PIDs for Ford diesels but most domestics work well.

 

[maxspeed96ct]

I purchased this autel reader for 20$ from amazon
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001LHVOVK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

its perfect, the average mechanic should need anything more.

ive used this thing on alot of cars and alot of my friends barrow it. its let me down.

 

[KPSquared]

My personal preference is Auto Enginuity. . . Live data logging, and most importantly, it actually can read my 2001 F350 diesel. Most cheap scanners can't read it at all. . .which *****.

I have used that Autel scanner lots and it does work well for the price. . .just not on my truck.

 

[86k10]

I purchased this autel reader for 20$ from amazon
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001LHVOVK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

its perfect, the average mechanic should need anything more.

ive used this thing on alot of cars and alot of my friends barrow it. its let me down.

That is a pretty good deal for a little pocket reader. Thanks for the heads up, for $20 shipped you can't go wrong as long as it works. Hell, that's just 2 large pizzas.