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Vehicle code reader?

SCOUT5SCOUT5 Member Posts: 16,181 ✭✭✭✭
edited October 2019 in General Discussion
I want to get a code reader for my own use. I am not in the mechanic business so I don't need anything to elaborate but I do need one serviceable for my needs. Current'y we have a 2000 F150, 2001 Mercedes E320, and a 1996 Dodge Caravan. Of course I'll get other vehicles along the way but I don't buy new. Not looking for a smart phone hook up ( I do not even have a smart phone), rather a dedicated code reader.

I'm open to suggestions? I don't want to spend more than I need to but I do want one that will do the job.
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Comments

  • CaptFunCaptFun Member Posts: 16,678 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The bluetooth units are awesome. I found that the one I've had forever would not talk to my E320 so I got the bluetooth one on Amazon for $12 or so. Harbor freight has units from $29 to $1200
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  • Smitty500magSmitty500mag Member Posts: 13,623 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have a ScanGauge II on my truck that I purchased mainly to show the transmission temperature but it also checks for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and clears them. It also displays engine RPM, oil pressure, water temperature, Volts, MPH, real time miles per gallon of gas and several other things. If you're into drag racing it'll show your 0 - 60 time and quarter mile speed and time including braking performance.

    I also have a couple of computer programmers for my truck, one made by Crane Cams and One by Jet, that'll check for trouble codes and clear them besides all the other stuff they do such as change the timing, change the transmission shifting from soft to firm, adjust the shifting points to different RPM's, adjust the speedometer for larger or smaller diameter wheels and tires, change the temperature when the cooling fan kicks on to name a few.

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  • dunbarboyzdunbarboyz Member Posts: 2,613 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Google OBD scanner. Consider how much you want to spend, there are many on the market.
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  • WarbirdsWarbirds Member Posts: 16,938 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Just about any auto parts store will rent them for ?free?. Pay $50-100 deposit which is fully refunded when you return it.

    I point this out because in your case you could also rent a few different models to see what you want to buy.
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  • wpageabcwpageabc Member Posts: 8,760 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    +1 on the scan guage. It easily plugs into your car/truck port and gives real time info and codes. Plus you can cancel codes for engine/check engine alarms.
    "What is truth?'
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  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    Lots of them available on Amazon for less than $15 bucks. I love the one I have. So simple. Gives me more information than I will ever use.
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
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  • jimdeerejimdeere Member, Moderator Posts: 26,285 ******
    edited November -1
    I bought one. When I plugged it into my Ford, it said ?Next time, buy a Toyota.?
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  • redneckandyredneckandy Member Posts: 9,716 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Look at the creader launch series. I have a 123p that I use to check basic codes when I don't want to spend the time hooking up one of my better scanners.
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  • remingtonoaksremingtonoaks Member Posts: 26,245 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    jimdeere wrote:
    I bought one. When I plugged it into my Ford, it said ?Next time, buy a Toyota.?

    I see you got one of those cheap Oriental made scanners :lol:
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  • Mark GMark G Member Posts: 1,680 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I bought this one from Harbor freight as I needed to diagnose an ABS light on my 2007 F250. Worked like a champ. I have also used it on my Daughters Equinox to diagnose a CEL. No complaints so far. Had it about a year.

    https://www.harborfreight.com/zr13-obd2-code-reader-with-abssrsfixassist-63806.html
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  • SCOUT5SCOUT5 Member Posts: 16,181 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I appreciate all the responses.

    Once I got to looking in to them it seems some scanners do not read Mercedes Benz vehicles, then some that do only read Mercedes. I spent more than I thought I would need to, but I settled on this one: Launch Creader VII+ OBD2 Scanner ABS SRS Transmission and Engine Code Reader Diagnostic Scan Tool, cost me $149 plus tax. Hope it does the job(s) I need it for.
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  • SCOUT5SCOUT5 Member Posts: 16,181 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Mark G wrote:
    I bought this one from Harbor freight as I needed to diagnose an ABS light on my 2007 F250. Worked like a champ. I have also used it on my Daughters Equinox to diagnose a CEL. No complaints so far. Had it about a year.

    https://www.harborfreight.com/zr13-obd2-code-reader-with-abssrsfixassist-63806.html

    I was looking at a HF add when I made the original post. They listed a Zurich model on "on sale" for $80, but not the one you posted. I almost ordered it and then thought I better ask some folks that have one.
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