OBD-II Code Reader

[Ducky's Dad]

I am in the market for a code reader and wondering what you guys have had good experience with. Don't want to spend big $ for Snap-On or Matco, but don't want Harbor Freight, either. Don't need real time data (have Edge Insight installed in the PW), but do want a reader that I can keep in the tool bag or in the garage for use on multiple vehicles. Do not want BlueTooth or WiFi interface, do not want to rely on use of an iPhone or Android device or a laptop or a tablet to read and decipher codes. Would like a reader that works on a wide variety of vehicles (auto sensing), is internet updateable, provides code translation on its display, reads ABS and SRS codes, works with can bus and pre-can bus vehicles. OBD-I compatibility would be nice, but not absolutely necessary. Recommendations appreciated.

Latest issue that drives this request is my old GMC. "Check Engine" light came on, truck feels way down on power at higher speeds, transmission shifts are wonky at full throttle, trans hunts more for gears than it used to, and torque convertor lockup is inconsistent. Above 70mph, the truck feels like it's dragging an anchor. I think it's either throttle position sensor (cheap fix) or the crappy GMC auto trans that they used in the 98s (expensive fix).

[Ducky's Dad]

I'm leaning toward the Actron CP9690. Actron is owned by Bosch, so should be a decent scanner and seems to have all the features I want for about $270 delivered. Anybody have any experience with Actron scanners?

http://www.amazon.com/Actron-CP9690-Tri ... SR89%2C160_

[Colibri]

I have a small actron that I keep in the center console, been thrown around for years and always works without a hiccup. A more full featured version would be nice and probably just as bulletproof.

[Ducky's Dad]

Thanks.

[azracer]

For quick generic code reads I use the Aeroforce gage. Mine is a white face and chrome bezel that closely matches my OEM gages.

It is mounted in an OEM SRT gage pillar mount that still has a factory grab handle. I like it allot as I use it for a transmission temp sensor. It also has what most use as a shift light that I use to alert me to high transmission temperature, they call it an annunciator alert.

I use Autoenginuity on my laptop for anything I need while at home though.

http://www.aeroforcetech.com/products_interceptor.html

https://www.autoenginuity.com/

http://www.genosgarage.com/product/gm-d ... ge-mounts1

These are a great idea...
http://www.genosgarage.com/product/imco ... ment-parts

I have them and it really makes the grab handle solid.



.

[Ducky's Dad]

I thought about the Aeroforce before I got my new Edge Insight, but I went with the Edge because it gives me a programmer and a gauge pod in one unit, and I could never find a way to read trans temp from the ECM in my '05. I added a trans temp gauge in the A-pillar, with a separate sending unit. This new scanner will be for all the other aging vehicles I have, and maybe for more detailed diagnosis on the PW when it gets to that stage.

[Mule]

I have a bluetooth OBDKey I've been quite happy with. Never failed to communicate with any vehicle I've connected it to, including my snowmobile.
Torque on Android works well to read values and read/clear codes.

[Ducky's Dad]

I have a bluetooth OBDKey I've been quite happy with. Never failed to communicate with any vehicle I've connected it to, including my snowmobile.
Torque on Android works well to read values and read/clear codes.

Thanks, but Bluetooth code scanners typically don't work on iPhones (they need WiFi), and I don't want to have to rely on my phone as a diagnostic tool. Looking for an actual shop tool.

[azracer]

I thought about the Aeroforce before I got my new Edge Insight, but I went with the Edge because it gives me a programmer and a gauge pod in one unit, and I could never find a way to read trans temp from the ECM in my '05. I added a trans temp gauge in the A-pillar, with a separate sending unit. This new scanner will be for all the other aging vehicles I have, and maybe for more detailed diagnosis on the PW when it gets to that stage.

I too bought the edge thinking it was an all in one solution. I returned it due to its inability to read trans temp and because their tunes really didn't do much if anything. Thank god for amazon and their return policy! I got the Aeroforce because they said it for sure would read trans temp and would do it in one of five different settings they provided to select from for Chrysler/Dodge products. They said if it did not read it and it was a new CAN ID that I would get paid to come to their facility and they would find the proper CAN string to read for my truck. It read it just fine in my 3rd selection. I was a little worried after two selections had failed but was very happy with it once it worked.

I got the older Diablo Predator used for $100 and have been very happy with it. Now I just need to get a custom tune from White lightning.

[Ducky's Dad]

they would find the proper CAN string to read for my truck

My PW is an '05, so no can strings to read. I have an older Diablo Predator that would never load on my truck because I couldn't get the damn thing to update on their website, kept timing out, even though I bought it new. I got frustrated and set it aside and never did anything with it. I had an Edge Insight gauge pod only, and it finally crapped out earlier this year. Not worth the cost of repairs, so I started looking for a replacement that would give me both a programmer and a gauge pod. Unfortunately, most of the programmer manufacturers now won't ship to California because they don't have CARB approvals. Edge was one of only two that I found that would ship to me, so I ordered one of last year's models for relatively cheap. New ones have flashy color screens and wallpaper and crap like that, but the tunes and the gauges are the same. I'm satisfied with the new Edge, not gobs of power or torque, but it does make the truck much more pleasant to drive, especially in the mountains. I'm running 87 performance tune, because 91 gas is usually so expensive here and 93 is virtually nonexistent in Los Angeles. If I lived in AZ, I'd be running a different unit with a different tune. At the end of August, gas in Yuma was $1.00/gallon cheaper than the same stuff in L.A.

[azracer]

they would find the proper CAN string to read for my truck

My PW is an '05, so no can strings to read. I have an older Diablo Predator that would never load on my truck because I couldn't get the damn thing to update on their website, kept timing out, even though I bought it new. I got frustrated and set it aside and never did anything with it. I had an Edge Insight gauge pod only, and it finally crapped out earlier this year. Not worth the cost of repairs, so I started looking for a replacement that would give me both a programmer and a gauge pod. Unfortunately, most of the programmer manufacturers now won't ship to California because they don't have CARB approvals. Edge was one of only two that I found that would ship to me, so I ordered one of last year's models for relatively cheap. New ones have flashy color screens and wallpaper and crap like that, but the tunes and the gauges are the same. I'm satisfied with the new Edge, not gobs of power or torque, but it does make the truck much more pleasant to drive, especially in the mountains. I'm running 87 performance tune, because 91 gas is usually so expensive here and 93 is virtually nonexistent in Los Angeles. If I lived in AZ, I'd be running a different unit with a different tune. At the end of August, gas in Yuma was $1.00/gallon cheaper than the same stuff in L.A.

Well in reality even the old J1708 and J1587 are SAE CAN protocols (OBD1 and early OBD2 systems). The new ones are J1939 that are in reality... CAN bus low and high speed systems. CAN FD is about to join the SAE protocol. Either way they are all a form of serial stream data transmission or CAN network. The issue is in all cases what identifier is used for the specific data being monitored. But yes I see your point!

[Colibri]

Just got this email from tooltopia this morning

ONLINE VERSION
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TODAY'S POWER DEAL

Compatible with all 1996 and newer vehicles (OBD II and CAN), the CP9185 Trilingual Elite AutoScanner includes all the same software features of the CP9190 with the option to upgrade to OBD I LIVE data and code coverage for 1984-1995 GM, Ford and Chrysler vehicles. Enhanced features include the ability to read manufacturer specific DTCs, graph engine data, record and play back stored vehicle information, and the ability to print the information through a PC. *Software is compatible with Windows XP 32 bit only, Vista, and 7 (32 and 64-bit).

FEATURES
• Compatible with ALL 1996 and newer import and domestic vehicles (OBD II and CAN), as well as '94 and '95 OBD II compliant vehicles.
• OBD I functionality – optional cables available for '84-'95 Ford, '84-'95 GM and '89-'95 Chrysler vehicles
• Graph data – (1996 and newer)
• Trilingual menu and options –English, French, Spanish
• Read, record and playback LIVE sensor data
• Reads, displays and erases generic, manufacturer specific and enhanced Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
• Resets check engine light
• USB included for internet updates
• Large, backlit, graphic LCD
• Displays emissions readiness status (I/M Readiness Monitors)
• Displays freeze frame data
• OBD II code library built into tool
• Displays O2 monitor test
• State OBD II Check (emissions)
• OBD II drive cycle mode
• Displays MIL status
• Diagnostic monitor test
• Retains the most recently scanned vehicle's data and configuration
• Battery powered for review of vehicle data off vehicle
• Vehicle information (includes VIN and calibration IDs)
• Help screens
• DTC look-up feature
• PC compatible with ability to print

Elite Autoscanner-Trilingual OBD II Enhanced & CAN
Actron (ACTCP9185) • Regular List Price: $459.84
JUST $149.99 + FREE SHIPPING! SHOP NOW!

SHOP NOW
* Good through 10/11/15 or While supplies last. Sorry, no rain checks.
FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $75 - See details.
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[Ducky's Dad]

That is a very good deal, thanks for posting. I think the 9185 has been superseded by the 9690, but one has to wonder if the 9690 is worth $120 more, even with the OBD-I connectors. Time to start comparing detailed features.