is there a good thread that explains what correct OBD code reader i should buy, and how to use it?
i have a 2000 Caravan with the engine light on. I've recently replaced both o2 sensors, plugs, wires, belt, thermostat, etc etc.

the van runs fine.

i've never used an OBD reader, you can buy them for well under $100 these days...
does the Haynes manual give any info on this that is considered good to read?
thanks in advance
Wayne in Calgary

 

save your money and buy a nice used Snap-on or Monitor4000 real scanner. They are $300-$500 and then you actually have something useable. Beside you'll be able to use it on stuff older than 1996 and have real data to show what things are telling the computer. Most of the time, people with the code reader or go to autozone for the same thing end up just throwing parts at it and still not fixing the problem. Besides your van has built in diagnostic which will give you the exact same codes right on the dash.... and that free. Also don't waste your money on a generic shop manual. go on Ebay and buy a REAL factory service manual. Then you'll get way more accurate and specific diagnositic routines. Pay a little more now and save A LOT in the long run. Heck if you have a quality scanner, you can make some money on the side fixing less educated minivan owners.

 

dak makes a good point. There's a HUGE difference between a code reader and a scanner. A code reader just gives you the code. So if you got a lean oxygen sensor code, for example, most DIY'ers would just assume they had to replace the O2 sensor. But with a scan tool with live data, you can actually monitor what the computer is doing. If you look at the fuel trims and see that the computer has been adding fuel, that would lead you to think more of a vacuum leak than a dead sensor. Plus, you can actually watch the rich/lean switching on the sensor.

A scan tool with live data is a tool. A code reader is a toy.

Think of it this way: In the old days you had to own a tach/dwell meter and a timing light. If you wanted to do any diagnostics, you had to own a meter, vacuum gauge, pressure gauge, and compression gauge. Well, it's no different today. Except that the scan tool does most of the diagnostic work for you. It tells you all the voltages it's getting from the sensors so you don't have to start piercing wires or breaking out your meter. With a good book and a good scan tool, you can pretty much diagnose most engine problems without throwing a single part at the vehicle. So the tool pays for itself on the first repair.

 

I agree will both 92dak5.24x4 and RickMn, A scanner is the best way to go in the long run. You'll get more use from scanner, than a code reader.

 

ok thanks alot guys, i will follow your suggestions and find a source up here.
Wayne

 

Hey guys, i havent found a scanner yet, but now my 99 Caravan 3.8L Sport is stuck in 1st gear. i had a similar problem last year where it was stuck in 2nd gear so on the advice of a friend in the business i bought a 1 inch open ended wrench, changed out the speed sensor on the tranny and it solved that problem. Now its stuck in 1st - just in case you have any suggestions. ???
thanks,
Wayne in Calgary

 

If you know someone with a DRB3 and pull the codes, or if you have a autozone pull the codes out of the TCM. Without codes we are just guessing.