kctyphoon
Banned
Title says it all.. Thinking of getting one for home, won't spend a lot of money. Suggestions? Experience?
So what's a decent and CHEAP OBD2 reader for home use?
- Thread starter kctyphoon
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Equus Innova/Sears. Get a scanner, not a code reader. They can be had for cheap on Ebay. I paid $60 for mine.
BioNerd
Well-known member
You can get the usb obd2 from ebay for like $10. There are some demo software's out there.
liam.fenemore
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- Nov 10, 2015
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For home I have the most basic Autel one. It scans (only tells you the code # then has a little book to tell you what the code is) and erases. It goes on sale for $25 in the stores near me. Works exactly as expected.
P_856
Well-known member
I've had this one for a few years now. Gets its the job done never had problem with it works like it should. Autel MaxiScan MS300 CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for OBDII Vehicles https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001LHVOVK/?tag=atomicindus08-20
What's the difference between a scanner and a code reader? I'm looking at these $20 units on Amazon and they get good reviews.. Can I get by with one of these cheap hand held things or should I look at somthing Bluetooth to use with my iPad?? I just want something easy to use that can clear old codes, and something I don't need to spend 2 hours trying to learn how to operate.
Edit - I'm not above buying a HF one - or even spending $70-$80 if it's something that's seriously worth it over a $20 thing online.. What does spending more money get me? Are they gonna do the same thing I can do just by looking the code up online, or can they narrow down exactly what an issue is, instead of just giving me a code that might have 4 different things causing it?
Edit - I'm not above buying a HF one - or even spending $70-$80 if it's something that's seriously worth it over a $20 thing online.. What does spending more money get me? Are they gonna do the same thing I can do just by looking the code up online, or can they narrow down exactly what an issue is, instead of just giving me a code that might have 4 different things causing it?
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djdaredevil
Well-known member
A code reader reads codes, no live data or testing. A good scanner gives you freeze frame, data capture and the like. The former is a "test light", the latter a "multi meter" to give you a comparison.
A code reader tells you a code. Whoopie do. That doesn't mean you know what the problem is. You only have a starting point. A scan tool can help you test for what the problem is.
I have a scanner. It's paid for itself already in warranty work where I've already known what the code before bringing it to the dealer. In fact, my Sonic has to go back to the dealer for a few things, one of which is a defective electronic thermostat (that's righ, it has an electrical plug on it), all of which are covered under warranty. But, I know why the CEL light is on and I will inform the dealer. I note what the code is and they then have a starting point. Just because a code points to something, "O2 circuit voltage low", doesn't mean the part is bad. You have to pull the trouble tree for that code and go through the test procedures.
If you're not willing to invest the time to learn the device and learn the proper repair, you're tossing your retired presidents in the water closet....
liam.fenemore
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- Nov 10, 2015
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For general home use, you only need a cheap code reader. If all you want to do is turn the check engine light off, buy that Autel one. If you want to read pre-1996 cars you'll need one that also reads OBD1 and you'll pay a little extra. Same thing with ABS or TCM (Transmission Control Module). It's like adding options to a car, you'll pay a little more for more features.
Current Data, Freeze Frame, and Hot Fix features are very useful to have, and can make diagnosis really easy if you know what you're looking at, but are more priced at a shop environment level.
Current Data, Freeze Frame, and Hot Fix features are very useful to have, and can make diagnosis really easy if you know what you're looking at, but are more priced at a shop environment level.
Probably just mine and family.. Honda, Hyundia, Toyota, Audi.. Nothing old..
It's nice that some of these things give live info, but unless it's going to tell me what all the measurements SHOULD be at, then I I'm not gonna know anyway.. Again. I just want something simple to use.
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Stinger
Well-known member
$10 bluetooth OBD2 adapter, Torque App for your smartphone (free), gives live data, scans/clears codes.
Thoughts for $65.. Seems like it does a lot for the money, get good reviews..
http://t.harborfreight.com/can-obd-ii-deluxe-scan-tool-60693.html
http://t.harborfreight.com/can-obd-ii-deluxe-scan-tool-60693.html
shoggoth80
Well-known member
I've got the Matco MD60.
http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/MD60/code-advisor-obd-ii-scanner/
I don't use it to its full potential. I bought it when I had to supply my own tools. Having something on hand that can read/clear codes, and display some basic data wasn't a bad thing. It's come in handy outside of the work environment, it's long been paid for. Can't complain. It is made in China, but it has been reliable.
If I had to do it again, I would buy something with a few more features (because I would want to be able to do more now in a pro environment). Got a coworker that has the Cen-Tech, and it gets him by more than ok. Autel gets some pretty rave reviews around here from what I have seen.
http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/MD60/code-advisor-obd-ii-scanner/
I don't use it to its full potential. I bought it when I had to supply my own tools. Having something on hand that can read/clear codes, and display some basic data wasn't a bad thing. It's come in handy outside of the work environment, it's long been paid for. Can't complain. It is made in China, but it has been reliable.
If I had to do it again, I would buy something with a few more features (because I would want to be able to do more now in a pro environment). Got a coworker that has the Cen-Tech, and it gets him by more than ok. Autel gets some pretty rave reviews around here from what I have seen.
jerseykat1
Well-known member
I have this HF scanner. It works great it is made by autel i believe just rebranded. The thing i like about it is that it is FAST, tells what the code means (unless its a manufacturer specific code) instead of just the number, and its cheap. i use this first at work before powering up the very slow Snap-on Modis. Most jobs a quick scanner is all you need. unless you get Evap codes.
HF scanner
http://www.harborfreight.com/can-obdii-code-reader-with-multilingual-menu-98568.html
Autel version
http://www.sears.com/autel-autolink-al301/p-00950032000P?sid=IDx01192011x000001&gclid=CjwKEAiA-s6zBRDWudDL2Iic4QQSJAA4Od3XM2_W33IUVCyraK_PhodFIa6x8Bqs-Avf7JeQMHwoqxoC1_bw_wcB
they are very similar. i believe they are the same.
jerseykat1
Well-known member
however if i were you i would get this autel unit here.
autel scanner on amazon
autel scanner on amazon
Empty Pockets
Well-known member
Years ago, I bought a cheap OBDII reader from Horrible Freight. It's worked as advertised, no problems
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
If all you want to do is to attempt to know why the check engine light is on, any of the under a $100 units linked will suit your needs. However, it's hard to fix stuff other than a loose gas cap with just a code reader. Despite Autozone and other parts chains pulling codes for free in hopes of you throwing parts at the glowing check engine light, a DTC is merely a diagnostic starting point. DTCs aren't magical numbers that tell you specifically which component to replace, nor are they silver bullets. lastly, most of the lower price scan/code readers only access generic OBDII powertrain information. Good luck in your quest,
bfm336
Well-known member
I second this. Used a family members for years, finally spent $15 for mine.
GREAT reader - shows "tripped" codes as well as pending codes. Will also reset CEL.
Does not do live data - only time I have ever used that is when double checking that my cat was bad and not the o2 sensors. Oreillys had a loaner that did live data.
Too cheap not to own IMHO. If you're not going to spend however much it is for a live data one - then why overspend and buy anything in between?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
http://t.harborfreight.com/OBD-II-CAN-Professional-Scan-Tool-60694.html#pr-header-back-to-top-link
Displays live o2 data..
Maybe it's a good investment at under $100 w/coupon
Displays live o2 data..
Maybe it's a good investment at under $100 w/coupon
Itinerant
Well-known member
That's the AL519 that JerseyKay linked above re-branded for HF.
Can someone tell me what the real difference is between that model and the more expensive one - and why I would want/need one over the other.. I think I'm just gonna buy one of these.. Like the idea of the live read with the o2 sensors.
$79 http://t.harborfreight.com/can-obd-ii-deluxe-scan-tool-60693.html
$109 http://t.harborfreight.com/obd-ii-can-professional-scan-tool-60694.html
$79 http://t.harborfreight.com/can-obd-ii-deluxe-scan-tool-60693.html
$109 http://t.harborfreight.com/obd-ii-can-professional-scan-tool-60694.html
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liam.fenemore
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Looks like the only difference between those two is graphing. Handy for watching o2 sensor warmup or MAP/MAF signals in response to engine speed. Lots of other uses too, it's just another option that can help you pinpoint the issue quicker.
Yep. Any of those ELM 327 adapters will work with all sorts of tools (Torque is popular on Android). For VW/Audi there's a lot of utility in having something like VAG-COM.
According to the comparison chart in one of the zoomable pictures, both the Deluxe and Pro units will do data graphing. The only difference is the more expensive model supports "Enhanced OBD-II Mode 6" ... whatever that is.
Well I just came home from HF and wound up getting the $139 model.. It's the most expensive model under the $1,000 tablet version.. It doesn't have the color screen, it doesn't have the I/m readiness key - but for another $30 it does abs so I figured that was probably worth it. HF has a 25% off coupon on the site right now, so it brought the price down to $100.. Had an abs light come on once for a car I don't own anymore, I remember feeling kinda helpless till I realized it was just ice.. Hopefully it'll earn its keep one day. Here's the difference of the models sold at HF:
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jerseykat1
Well-known member
Autel makes all those scanners. If you wanted to you can find the Autel equivalent for each one. They are pretty good scanners. Good choice.
Well, iOS narrows it down to any of the WiFi dongles (since it can't do Bluetooth or USB). No idea what the app scene is like, but the ELM guys maintain a list:
http://www.elmelectronics.com/obdsoftware.html#iOS
Also:
https://www.reddit.com/r/iphone/comments/1vew22/ios_obdii_app/
I use OBD Car Doctor on my mac and it works well enough (unsure what it's like on an iOS device, however). The cool thing with these ELM 327 adapters is that they'll grow with you. If you want graphing, buy or write a graphing app. If you want a bigger screen, buy a tablet app. Smaller? Buy something for your phone.
On the Android side, Torque is pretty much the gold standard. It's $5 and does all sorts of graphing and logging.
jerseykat1
Well-known member
Maybe I just have a cheap elm327 adapter. But i find the one that I own to have a very unstable connection.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
My Old Tools
Well-known member
Really? All of my iOS devices have Bluetooth.
They all do.. No smart phone or tablet these days comes without it... My $50 (now $35) kindle fire has Bluetooth, along with my $60 tracfone. My iPad and my sisters iPhones all have it.
Reason "I" didn't go with a Bluetooth device was due to a few videos I watched where people had some trouble downloading things from the wed to get everything to work... I played with the scanner I bought last night and it's very easy to use - just need to learn the values (or at least write down and record what all mine are NOW since the car has zero issues)