odb II reader options?

Question

The other day; while at a car wash; the car started running really rough (idle down to about 250-400rpm) and then the check engine light came on.

so I started looking for inexpensive odb II readers...

there's a few options out there for reading these...

This is cheap. seems ok.

formatting link

This one seems cool becuase we can just leave it plugged in as it's not too big.

formatting link

This one seems easier as you don't need a pc.

formatting link

I would like one that we can alter parameters if needed (I know the one from SnapOn can do that - alter fuel mixtures, etc -- but that's over $500)

Anyone have any insight/advise?

Thanks

-josh

Sam Li · Accepted Answer

Heard from my friends on east coast saying that autozone can read the error code for free. I don't know if this if true since there's no autozone within 30mins' drive from my place, but it worth a try even with the high gas price these days.

Sam

CompUser · Answer

It's true (Autozone pulling codes for free)! Was at one last week, looking for replacement low beam bulbs...an older Outback pulled in next to me. We chatted for a bit, he was experiencing some driveability problems...I told him, "Let's get em to pull your codes!!" Away we went--they found misfire in cylinder X, he got new wires, slapped em on, and drove it...problem solved! Good stuff.

Steve

null · Answer

I bought the carchip 2 weeks ago $132.xx shipped. I like it because I can  log mph,timing advance,engine load,fuel trim,rpm. It will also let you  view codes and clear them and see the logged data that caused the code (if  car is equipped).

Sam Li · Answer

If the device can get the error code, it will get all the other data likerpm, speed, etc. Just different command other than getting / erasing theerror code. The error log is a functionality of the ECU, and there's acommand to read it.wrote:

Josh Assing · Answer

well; by now the check engine light is off -- we did go and have ti read; butnothing showed....I was told that it's best to get it read while it's "on"

Jim Stewart · Answer

I bought this unit a few months ago: works as-described on my 99 Outback and paid for itselfthe first time I used it.Having to use a laptop with it is a hassle, but it does givea great deal more information than a simple code reader.

popeye · Answer

That unit from Harrison also works with a PDA.

null · Answer

Looks like an Elmscan unit which I thinking of getting but didn't like the  idea of having my laptophooked up to it. BTW, the Elmscan units can be pretty cheap if you buy it  in kit form and solder it upyourself.

Tony Hwang · Answer

Hi,I am using it with Digimoto on my Thinkpad. Very useful.Tony

odb II reader options?

Join the Discussion

Didn't find your answer?