OBD-II Code Reader

zach · 08-31-2009, 04:04 PM

My Tundra's CEL light came on yesterday (yeah, that was quick). It's running fine and I'm not overly concerned, but I figured I'd take this opportunity to get a code reader. Does anyone have any recommendations? Is there any reason not to get the cheapest one I can find?

lupinsea · 08-31-2009, 07:55 PM

Why not just head down to the local Schucks / O'Riely / Autozone and have them run their OBD-II code reader for you?

Costs nothing.

At Schucks if I deposit my driver's license they'll let me take the code reader out into the parking lot and play with it on my own. Did the to pull some codes on the Jeep.

Terri Kennedy · 08-31-2009, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zcasavant

My Tundra's CEL light came on yesterday (yeah, that was quick). It's running fine and I'm not overly concerned, but I figured I'd take this opportunity to get a code reader. Does anyone have any recommendations? Is there any reason not to get the cheapest one I can find?

If you just need to read codes one time, borrow the reader from an auto parts store.

If you need to read codes regularly, and/or zap the codes, get an inexpensive tool from a manufacturer like Actron.

If you want near-OEM-level coverage, get an AutoEnginuity ProLine tool and the enhanced package for the brand(s) of car(s) you have.

zach · 09-01-2009, 01:08 PM

Thanks a lot, Terry. I think I'll just get an Actron one as it'll probably come in handy. Now, to figure out which one...

Terri Kennedy · 09-01-2009, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zcasavant

Thanks a lot, Terry. I think I'll just get an Actron one as it'll probably come in handy. Now, to figure out which one...

I have the CP9175, which is the top end of their scan-only tools (anything up from there has graphing, live playback, etc.). One of the CP9175's main features is an internal battery, so you can read the codes, unplug it from the car, and bring it back into the house to review the codes when you're near a computer. It also displays the message text for the various codes, not just the number.

It is around $100.

Don't bother with the CP9137 "Update cable" - they've never released any updates for the tool, and you can't use the cable to import results directly into a PC.

zach · 09-01-2009, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terry Kennedy

I have the CP9175, which is the top end of their scan-only tools (anything up from there has graphing, live playback, etc.). One of the CP9175's main features is an internal battery, so you can read the codes, unplug it from the car, and bring it back into the house to review the codes when you're near a computer. It also displays the message text for the various codes, not just the number.

It is around $100.

Don't bother with the CP9137 "Update cable" - they've never released any updates for the tool, and you can't use the cable to import results directly into a PC.

That sounds good to me. Thanks again.

Rob · 09-01-2009, 08:21 PM

Can't you get a fitting for the code reader you already have? Perhaps the BMW stuff is too different, but it seems like an adapter should make it work. Of course the codes might not mean anything without an index.

Terri Kennedy · 09-02-2009, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob

Can't you get a fitting for the code reader you already have? Perhaps the BMW stuff is too different, but it seems like an adapter should make it work. Of course the codes might not mean anything without an index.

What BMW reader does he have? If it is one of the Peake ones, it isn't a generic OBDII reader:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peake web site

The R5/FCX-3 is not an OBDII device, it is a factory-code scanner. Meaning, it reads the full range of detailed BMW factory codes (which are the same codes the dealer has access to.) In contrast, OBDII tools use a government-mandated, generic code language, and do not read any BMW factory codes.

zach · 09-02-2009, 07:29 AM

I believe it's a Peake clone, so Terry is probably right...

I ended up ordering the 9410, which was pretty cheap.

zach · 09-02-2009, 01:20 PM

The scanner arrived today. I'm not going to be able to use it until tonight. In the meantime, anyone want to try to guess what it'll come up with? The winner will receive a prize.

08-31-2009, 04:04 PM	#1
zach swinging for the fences Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: 987, X7 M60i, e36 M3 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 5,035	OBD-II Code Reader My Tundra's CEL light came on yesterday (yeah, that was quick). It's running fine and I'm not overly concerned, but I figured I'd take this opportunity to get a code reader. Does anyone have any recommendations? Is there any reason not to get the cheapest one I can find?

08-31-2009, 07:55 PM	#2
lupinsea Jeeped Join Date: Sep 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: Modified Jeep Tj and '07 Miata Location: Seattle Posts: 10,214	Why not just head down to the local Schucks / O'Riely / Autozone and have them run their OBD-II code reader for you? Costs nothing. At Schucks if I deposit my driver's license they'll let me take the code reader out into the parking lot and play with it on my own. Did the to pull some codes on the Jeep. __________________ . My website "Jeep is the only true American sports car" - Enzo Ferrari Or something to that effect.

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09-01-2009, 01:08 PM	#4
zach swinging for the fences Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: 987, X7 M60i, e36 M3 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 5,035	Thanks a lot, Terry. I think I'll just get an Actron one as it'll probably come in handy. Now, to figure out which one...

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Rob The user formerly known as rwg Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: Z4 Location: Vegas baby! Posts: 8,261	Can't you get a fitting for the code reader you already have? Perhaps the BMW stuff is too different, but it seems like an adapter should make it work. Of course the codes might not mean anything without an index.

09-02-2009, 07:29 AM	#9
zach swinging for the fences Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: 987, X7 M60i, e36 M3 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 5,035	I believe it's a Peake clone, so Terry is probably right... I ended up ordering the 9410, which was pretty cheap.

09-02-2009, 01:20 PM	#10
zach swinging for the fences Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: 987, X7 M60i, e36 M3 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 5,035	The scanner arrived today. I'm not going to be able to use it until tonight. In the meantime, anyone want to try to guess what it'll come up with? The winner will receive a prize.