OBD-II scan tool: questions & advice sought.

[RMurphy]

Hi all,

So my S finally gave me its first CEL. Probably nothing. Probably just a loose gas cap or something like that, but all the same I figure it's worth my while to get my hands on an inexpensive OBD-II code reader scan tool.

I doubt said tool will get much use in my hands so I'm not figuring it makes sense to spend scads of money on this thing. I eyeballed Amazon.com and I see these things range in price from as low as about $30 to as high as about $400. Am I wasting money to get into one that's about $30? I don't usually buy based only on price nor do I typically buy bottom of the line stuff, but there are instances where it makes no sense to spend anything more than the cheapest and this may be one of them (and that's why I'm asking those who have used them before).

Additionally, I'd rather buy local instead of online. I have nothing against ordering online but there are two reasons I'm inclined to buy local right now: 1) need to feed the local economy and support other local businesses, and 2) I have this instant gratification thing going on and when I want it *now* I kinda sorta gotta have it, well, *now*.

So, that stated, do local shops like Pep Boys, Kragen/Checker, or AutoZone carry anything like this for reasonable money? Pep Boys and Kragen web sites are of no use. AutoZone seems to have some on their site but I could use a little advice. Would love to get into this locally for less than $50, but that might be unreasonable.

http://tinyurl.com/yztjd95(one that is at Autozone for about $60)

(If there is a need for a laptop with serial connector for this sort of thing, no worries. I got that crap in spades. Amazing how in this day and age of technology there are still switches and routers which must have initial configuration through a serial port. Go figure. So yeah, I have a laptop with one of those.)

[RealJoKeR]

WELL, IF THE DEALER CHARGES BETWEEN $30-$60 JUST TO DIAGNOSE YOUR 'CEL' THAN I SAY GET IT. THAT WAY WHEN YOU KNOW WHAT IT IS ON YOUR OWN,YOU CAN GO TO THE DEALER & TELL THEM WHAT TO FIX.INSTEAD OF THEM CHECKING EVERYTHING ON YOUR CAR & THEN TELLING YOU ITS GOING TO COST $200 JUST FOR THEM TO "DIAGNOSE" YOUR CAR. GL WITH YOUR DECISION RM.......TOODLES

[RMurphy]

I'm not figuring to haul the car down to the dealer unless the scan tool tells me something truly ominous, which I doubt is going to be the case.

I intend to buy the scan tool. What I'm looking for is a bit of guidance on price point and features, taking into consideration I don't figure it will get used a whole lot.

[TheCarGuy2021]

The cheapo ones just tell you the DTC with no explanation and no sensor readouts. You can then google the code and usually find the problem. When not using manufacturer specific scan tools ($7,000+) I use my personal kiwi wifi with my iPhone.

I do have one of these I'll sell for $40 shipped.
http://www.tradervar.com/Pocketscan-...ron-P35629.htm

[Glenn1]

My 08 4,XXX miles threw a cel. My dealership replaced a bad 02 sensor. Saw the cost for the sensor, approx $175, not couting diagnostics and labor. Glad it was all covered under the warranty.

[gomarlins3]

This is the one I have. I may use it once a year or so, but I have used it to help others as well.

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/cat...andName=Actron

[desmo4]

http://www.motorbookguy.com/CAN_BUS_...p/gs300obd.htm

This site has large number of scanners. You can buy the least expensive one capable of resetting the cel. I saw several under $100 that would do the trick.

Jonathan

[lakersfan]

My local Costco has had one for the past few months. I want to say it's under $25 and with Costco, you can return it with no questions asked if it does not meet your satisfaction.

[phonedrn8]

http://www.amazon.com/Equus-3140-Dia.../dp/B000R3SNJU
here is what i am going to order

[chazdawg35]

Originally Posted by RMurphy

I'm not figuring to haul the car down to the dealer unless the scan tool tells me something truly ominous, which I doubt is going to be the case.

I intend to buy the scan tool. What I'm looking for is a bit of guidance on price point and features, taking into consideration I don't figure it will get used a whole lot.

Hey RMurphy, I told you at lunch that I just bought a scanner from Snap-On! Bring it over I'll check it for FREE!

[RMurphy]

Originally Posted by chazdawg35

Hey RMurphy, I told you at lunch that I just bought a scanner from Snap-On! Bring it over I'll check it for FREE!

Oh Charlie! You are a sweetheart and I knew you would offer to help me when I posted, but I'm going to save my SOS for a time when I'm really in trouble, if you don't mind. Someday at some point I'll need help with something that is over my head and then I'll be knocking on your virtual door, so to speak. I'll send up a flare when I really need ya.

Plus this is an excuse for me to buy a gadget that is both computer and car related! If it came with chocolate I would have hit the trifecta!

[flyingarmadillo]

Originally Posted by RMurphy

...
Plus this is an excuse for me to buy a gadget that is both computer and car related! If it came with chocolate I would have hit the trifecta!

This isn't exactly what you asked about but I run one of these just for grins:
http://www.davisnet.com/drive/produc...asp?pnum=08226

The sample interval isn't that great (1 sec for speed, 5 sec for everything else) but it will read the codes and allow you to reset the CEL. Plus you can see what the engine was doing when the CEL triggered.

[chazdawg35]

OK Murph,LOL! I say stick with something simple like Innova. Walmart $69

[yashooa]

I have some Harbour Freight $30 Creader thing and it works great. I have used it on the VW, two Mazdas, a Firebird and a Jeep.
Resets the codes to

[Marrk]

$149 + tax in the Culver City area. They have them in stock. The gratification is so instantaneous your toes will curl.

http://www.scangauge.com/

[bryshook]

I've also got the Actron for my '02 S2.
Rec'd codes 0136 and 0137, O2 codes. Is this something someone with tools and determination can repair/replace>

I also got a LINK ERROR when I first hooked the Actron up. With it still connected, I turned the key on, but not the engine. It then threw the two codes. Do we need to have the switch on to be successful?

Shook

[desmo4]

You can get an OBD2 with CAN which handle newer cars as well.
http://www.lightinthebox.com/Diagnos...9-_p39757.html

Or one that is just OBD2 which comes with a code list and has reset capability for about $40.00. I also have a code list which I can send you.

Jonathan

[turbosix]

ebay... 15 bucks shipped..

[Croc]

you better get one of those that has show miltiple rows on their LCD - much easier to work with.
they're still cheap.
i worked with one of those and it was very easy.
i will check later with my friend what brand/model it is.

[TTMartin]

http://www.vvme.com/pcbased-usb-elm-...949hio23s29uh8

[Croc]

this is the one i borrowed and used - GS500:

http://www.vvme.com/gs500-universal-...7dtevb55ar65tg

~55$.
multy row display shows ~5-6 parameters at once.
live data monitoring.
custom data set.
shows not only OBD errors but also shows "generic" error descriptions which in most cases are the same to Honda's descriptions.

[RMurphy]

As OP my issues was actually resolved some time ago... but Bryshook (who recently revived this thread with a question about codes and his Acton scanner) hopefully benefited from the additional responses.

[jamesarrington16]

http://www.motorbookguy.com/Automoti...Eng_p/u380.htm

$39.99 and a few extra $ for shipping, and will clear the code as well as scan.

my Y2K S2K just threw code on way to work. Probably nothing, but will know for sure.