I have been reading up on some of the scanners offered to read the OBD codes and I found some do not read the BCM (body control module) codes. Should that bother me? Do I even need to read the BCM codes? I was looking at either the Equus or Actron for a device but not sure how advanced I want to purchase. Some offer live data readouts, some have graphing capabilites, some offer the ability to do just about anything.

If I don't know what to look for, does having the live data on the OBD reader important? I'm not sure what the O2 needs to be or the RPM's at this or that level. I have my 99 Dodge Service manual so what does it tell me that having just the coded doesn't. I'm not a mechanic but have been working on my truck since I bought it. Oil changes, tranny filter, O2 monitor, Governor Presure sensor and soiloid, door locks andwindows. I have fixed everything that had gone wrong (expect when the tranny needed to be replaced in 2000.

Just a little tossed between what I want vs what I need.

 

Just flip your key from off to run 3 times I think it is and the code will flash on your odometer. Atleast thats how it is on 01's. I forgot what year it started doing that. You don't need a code reader on these trucks because of that. It will give you the code then post here and someone can tell you what it is and it is free. Autozone and Advance Auto and places also will scan it for free.

 

+1

All Dodge ODBII compliant vehicles can have the codes read without a scanner. My 01 Ram, the wifes 02 Caravan, and actually even my 94 Lebaron provide for reading the codes from the computer. For the 01 and 02 all I do is turn the key (without starting the vehicle) from OFF to ON to OFF to ON to OFF to ON and then read the codes as they come across the digital trip meter. If you do not have the electronic trip meter, then you count the flashes and you will be provided the codes. Then you look them up on this site, or on the general internet. Chrysler ODBII vehicles make it real easy for the shadetree mechanic to diagnose their own problems.

 

We went thru this before not all dodges that are OBD II can not do the key trick , my 96 cant do it , late 99 /01 will give a code with out using a reader. Why would you want to just use the key on and off deal ?? maybe there is other issues going to , maybe the pcm set a soft code that has to do with emmissions but never set the CEL off , why not have a scanner that reads the 02 sensors , handy tool to have plus you can check your buddies codes... nice to have a scanner that can read body codes , frame codes , but that will only get you close to the problem.. and GM throws a body code could be 5 different things , PITA...

 

I have tried that and it doesn't work on my 99. If you have another method to try I'm all for trying it.

https://dodgeforum.com/m_1306750/tm.htm

 

Sorry to hear your that this doesn't work with your GM truck, but I was only talking about Chrysler/Dodge products. I guess that I am too cheap to pay for something that my truck/van/car already have included. I've never run into a problem that the built in reader didn't read but a scanner could. I guess that's why I stick with Dodge.

 

HUH ? what GM truck ??? 1st not all dodge that are OBD II can do the key trick , sorry .. and as far as gm body codes , frame codes , was just an example .... I still like where you got a gm truck from ???

 

You mentioned GM in your previous post.
We went thru this before not all dodges that are OBD II can not do the key trick , my 96 cant do it , late 99 /01 will give a code with out using a reader. Why would you want to just use the key on and off deal ?? maybe there is other issues going to , maybe the pcm set a soft code that has to do with emmissions but never set the CEL off , why not have a scanner that reads the 02 sensors , handy tool to have plus you can check your buddies codes... nice to have a scanner that can read body codes , frame codes , but that will only get you close to the problem.. and GM throws a body code could be 5 different things , PITA...

I know you've a Ram, but you bringing up GM I assumed that you also had a GM. Sorry for my confusion to your post. Boy do people get pissed off around here when they think somebody is tweaking their tail.

 

No biggie... another thing is a volt meter is a good tool to have... But again it all depends what this guy wants to do.... you almost have me confused ..turkey..

 

For this guy that just wants to know what his code is since the key trick doesn't work just go to Autozone and have them scan it for free. Why would you buy a $100 scanner to read a code 1 time? I mean if it's something you do fairly often or have several cars so you plan to use it often it's not a bad tool to have but for 1 code I'd just go get it done for free and save my money. No reason to pay for a scanner when people will scan them for free.