obd code reader

sneakboxer · Mar 23, 2009

Its my first post so take it easy on me.

I have a 04 honda civic and i'd like to get a code reader. What would you recomend? I'd love to have a fancy laptop job but i don't want to spend that much.
Thanks in advance,
Greg

crinkles · Mar 23, 2009

Scanguage II can read codes AFAIK. it is pretty "basic" but gives lots of information and other useful things.

94supraonchrome · Mar 23, 2009

I've got the Actron CP9180, bought it new on Ebay a couple of years ago. I like it, easy to use, pc compatible, good price.

sneakboxer · Mar 24, 2009

Originally Posted By: crinkles
Scanguage II can read codes AFAIK. it is pretty "basic" but gives lots of information and other useful things.

The gauge function look pretty cool. I'm a boat engineer and i'm used to looking at gauges all day long. I kinda miss them in my car and truck. For less than $200 is it hard to use? I'm thinking why spend 100 on the basic reader and then install real gauges for a nother 100 when i could just use this. Thanks,
Greg

ChiTDI · Mar 24, 2009

Group buys for that scangauge lowers the price dramatically. I use it on four or five different vehicles, because it is easy to use and accurate. There are many other options, but that is an easy, good one.

MGregoir · Mar 25, 2009

Will it read all codes? I have the factory service manual to decode, just nothing to read with.

I am looking at the $240 US Innova 3160 which can read live streaming data, be updated by PC, display captured data on PC (limited duration) and read ABS/transmission codes for domestics.

daman · Mar 25, 2009

Originally Posted By: 94supraonchrome
I've got the Actron CP9180, bought it new on Ebay a couple of years ago. I like it, easy to use, pc compatible, good price.

I got the CP9185 read live streaming data, be updated by PC, display captured data on PC ,good cheap little scanners does what a DIYer needs nothing more,updatable via the web too.

Donald · Mar 28, 2009

I would go to Walmart and get a Actron. I would get one that supports CAN which is now standard.

GMBoy · Mar 28, 2009

Originally Posted By: MGregoir
Will it read all codes? I have the factory service manual to decode, just nothing to read with.

I am looking at the $240 US Innova 3160 which can read live streaming data, be updated by PC, display captured data on PC (limited duration) and read ABS/transmission codes for domestics.

Get it. That is a great tool and supports CAN also. I've got one and use it all the time. I use it more than my FACTORY scan tools (Tech 2, DRB) and that should tell you something.

daman · Mar 28, 2009

i was looking at the 3160 too but it don't do OBD I so i passed
on it,i need I and II capability's.

GMBoy · Mar 28, 2009

Originally Posted By: daman
i was looking at the 3160 too but it don't do OBD I so i passed
on it,i need I and II capability's.

True. I also use an Auto Xray that is great and does do both OBD 1 and 2. Check them out. I am a scan tool junkie - got 12 of them!

2000ltdken · Mar 28, 2009

I bought an Equus 3100 Innova CanOBD2 Diagnostic Tool from Amazon. Paid $79 for it including shipping. Does OBD II and CAN. Figure I saved about $700 on repairs last year on my cars and one at work. Great investment!

daman · Mar 28, 2009

what is can?

HTSS_TR · Mar 29, 2009

Originally Posted By: daman
what is can?

CAN: Controller Area Network, a newer OBDII protocol on newer cars starting model year 2008.

daman · Mar 29, 2009

k thanks...

GMBoy · Mar 29, 2009

Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
Originally Posted By: daman
what is can?

CAN: Controller Area Network, a newer OBDII protocol on newer cars starting model year 2008.

And most manufactures started even before the 2008 requirement. Some GM models started as early as 2005.

labman · Mar 29, 2009

I have a Scan Gage II. Right now I am fighting my temperature gage going to the peg. Yes, I can see that no codes are set, and the actual temperature. Should I be able to ''With the Scan tool, preform the Coolant Gage Sweep Test.''

GMBoy · Mar 30, 2009

Originally Posted By: labman
I have a Scan Gage II. Right now I am fighting my temperature gage going to the peg. Yes, I can see that no codes are set, and the actual temperature. Should I be able to ''With the Scan tool, preform the Coolant Gage Sweep Test.''

No. You cannot run any diagnostic tests with that tool. You need the OEM GM Tech 2.

labman · Mar 30, 2009

Originally Posted By: GMBoy
Originally Posted By: labman
I have a Scan Gage II. Right now I am fighting my temperature gage going to the peg. Yes, I can see that no codes are set, and the actual temperature. Should I be able to ''With the Scan tool, preform the Coolant Gage Sweep Test.''

No. You cannot run any diagnostic tests with that tool. You need the OEM GM Tech 2.

OK, a disappointing answer, but likely true.

Donald · Apr 3, 2009

Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
Originally Posted By: daman
what is can?

CAN: Controller Area Network, a newer OBDII protocol on newer cars starting model year 2008.

Almost correct. All vehicles must support CAN as of 2008, but many vehicles supported CAN in earlier years.

Its a much faster and more comprehensive transfer of data than the original OBDII.

obd code reader

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