Since I really want to find out what the code is on my Check Engine light I figured I would purchase an OBD-II reader. However, since there are so many on the market (computer based, basic, advanced) I was curious if anyone had any opinions on some OBD-II readers.

Searching just Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw...s=OBDII+Readercomes up a lot of choices. I would like something more then just basic but nothing so advanced thatI need special training to implement.

 

I have a OBD reader that reads out through my laptop. It is a Digimoto & works on ALL OBD II cars. I think it is great but ia ma not sure if the company is still around. Mine costs less than $200. Just plugs right into the OBD socket.

Some readers are good for only one model of car( Ford, Dodge or Toyota ) Don't buy one of them. Buy a universal reader. The smaller cheaper ones will not do more than display codes & let you reset. NONE of them will change your PCM or any of the electronics.

If you have a laptopbuy a reader for it and not the handheld. Laptop will give a lot more than codes. Shows the actual readouts on all your sensors and will give you a dashboard type readoutfor lots of engine functions.

Mylaptop will also has GPS, DVD & wireless internet.I put it in myHyundai for cross country trips. Sometime this summer it will be set semi permament into the Ram. An inflight info & entertainment center.

Jeff

 

Just use autozone's for free. You can get a basic code reader for $99-$129.99 but I honestly think it's a waste since autozone will scan it for free to try to get you to buy parts from them.

 

i like the Actron , but also depends what you want to spend and what will it be used for ...

 

my boss lent me her actron, never using one and not having the instruction manual, figured it out in 2 sec. super easy and tells you what the code means too. There is a bunch of stuff I havn't figured out yet but i'll have it for a couple of days. I think i saw the same one for like $150 on some website

 

http://www.digimoto.com/

 

If I were in the market, I would get something that could scan codes, change settings in my PCM, and monitor engine parameters for multiple types of vehicles, like what was suggested before. There are many things like that available. It seems the more you can get out of it, the more it comes in handy and the more you'll enjoy having it instead of cash or gas. Something that just displays codes, to me at least, is useless. The laptop thing would be the best route to go, however, there are some others out there worth looking at if the laptop route isn't the way you feel best. Just browse around, find what does the most, and what fits your budget.

 

yeah but is there any pc based programmers for a dodge gas burner?

 

The SCT pro racer package will do it. It is not really a pc based programmer though. You will have to write a tune/change whatever variables you want change, upload it to the programmer, and then download it onto the pcm. I heard that HPtuners is coming out with something soon. I'm not sure how their stuff will work.

 

i have the actron 9175. good reader, tells you the codes straight up. also monitors other systems. got it for 80 new on ebay.