What code reader do you recommend for an OBS?

[BBT]

Hi all,

After my breakdown last week I‘m thinking a code reader would be a handy device to have on hand. What do you all recommend?

I looked at AutoEnginuity last night but it’s way more than I can afford, especially when you factor in the cost of the laptop or Palm I’d need to buy.

Are there any useful units available from Kragen, Sears, or Autozone type places that you would consider worthwhile? Ebay?

Thanks,
BBT

 

[JOAT]

I have experience with two.

Alex Pepers is harder to learn to use, but is by far the cheapest at $120-170, depending on options. You still need a computer to run it on.

I've used EASE, and it is pretty user friendly, but over $300, and needs a computer or palm.

You can use either with a desktop PC if you have a long serial cable. Not very portable that way tho...

 

[DaveBen]

Autoxray makes readers in all sorts of flavors. www.autoxray.com and check them out. Needs no computer.

Dave

 

[JOAT]

Dave, do you know if Autoxray has a model that will read OBS diesel codes or run CCT and Buzz? Last I checked (over a year ago) they had no plans to make a compatible scantool.

 

[bushpilot]

the most comprehensive "code" reader is gonna be laptop or palm
based.

Reading or retrieving the set codes is only the beginning of repairing
your truck (or car)...these days youll need diagnostic software to run
TESTS to determine the actual components that are failing and causing
the code to be set.

w/ complicated (and integrated) devices that work together (ebv, vgt & egr)
its possible for ONE item to appear bad (by the code set) but the other
items failure (up stream or down stream) may be the actual cause of your
problem.

just cause you get an egr code, doesnt mean the EGR itself is bad...it
could be reacting to "bogus" data fed to the computer by another
device.

consider when you buy autoenginuity (i own it, and ive owned others
before) you get the ablity to diagnose other cars too...buy the ford
software and be able to work on ANY ford...youll get manufacture
specific data that other code readers just simply forget about.

the support for the software doesnt end the day you buy it (like
most handheld/hardware readers) support is avail as are upgrades and
if you buy another brand car all you have to do is go get the unlock
code for those mfg's

 

[DaveBen]

Dave, do you know if Autoxray has a model that will read OBS diesel codes or run CCT and Buzz? Last I checked (over a year ago) they had no plans to make a compatible scantool.

I have no idea if they offer what you are looking for. Checkout their site, they have some new equipment.

Dave