I want to buy one of those code scanners. Anyone have any experience with them, recommendations,
etc. My check engine light is on, and I've had it scanned, but it seems like one of those scanners
might be a worthwhile investment.

My #2 son gave me one a couple Christmas ago.
I've had no use for it driving reliable new Toyotas, but he used it a number of times on his Dodge Charger and one of his buddies vehicles.
Believe he has to take the error code from the reader and use his smartphone to access a Site where he enters the code and gets the details.

On 6/30/14, 2:01 PM, True North wrote:
My #2 son gave me one a couple Christmas ago.
I've had no use for it driving reliable new Toyotas, but he used it a number of times on his Dodge Charger and one of his buddies vehicles.
Believe he has to take the error code from the reader and use his smartphone to access a Site where he enters the code and gets the details.



Herring needs to be scanned for Alzheimers...

--
If right-wing assholes could fly,
rec.boats would be an airport!

On 6/30/2014 1:32 PM, Poquito Loco wrote:
I want to buy one of those code scanners. Anyone have any experience with them, recommendations,
etc. My check engine light is on, and I've had it scanned, but it seems like one of those scanners
might be a worthwhile investment.


Don't know if you can do it on yours, but my old Chevys would let you
jump the prongs on the connector under the dash (they acutally made a
tool for it that went on your keyring) and you would see the code
flashed on the check engine light.

Don't you have a big diesel? The other option might be to chip the
thing, I would imagine you would get some kind of connector and software
with that setup...

On 6/30/2014 1:32 PM, Poquito Loco wrote:
I want to buy one of those code scanners. Anyone have any experience with them, recommendations,
etc. My check engine light is on, and I've had it scanned, but it seems like one of those scanners
might be a worthwhile investment.


Sorry, forgot to mention, most auto parts places will scan you for free
if you stop in.. But of course then you gotta' drive there after the
repair etc....

On 6/30/2014 1:32 PM, Poquito Loco wrote:
I want to buy one of those code scanners. Anyone have any experience with them, recommendations,
etc. My check engine light is on, and I've had it scanned, but it seems like one of those scanners
might be a worthwhile investment.

Loose gas cap? Auto parts stores will scan codes for you for free.

--
"I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the
government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of
taking care of them".
Thomas Jefferson

On Monday, June 30, 2014 1:32:09 PM UTC-4, John H. wrote:
I want to buy one of those code scanners. Anyone have any experience with them, recommendations,

etc. My check engine light is on, and I've had it scanned, but it seems like one of those scanners

might be a worthwhile investment.

I have an Actron that works just fine. As Greg said, they won't read the manufacturer extended codes (chassis, special controllers, etc.), but they will read the basic engine codes.

I have an indy mechanic that has the Chevy specific tool. He read the codes on the 'vette when the brake and traction control module went out. It was still under warranty, so he sent me off to the dealer and didn't charge me a dime.

The 'vette is now gone and an Audi A6 has taken it's place. It has the same issue as all new vehicles in that the reader only pulls the most basic codes. The aftermarket reader for it is a $350 software and cable package you run on a laptop. It allows you access to a ton of features and settings that only the dealer can see. Stuff like turning on the window up/down from your keyfob, internal and external lighting settings, playing DVDs on the screen while moving, etc. And many service modes, too. With the 100k mile warranty, I doubt I'll pop for it, though.

On 6/30/2014 2:44 PM, F*O*A*D wrote:
On 6/30/14, 2:01 PM, True North wrote:
My #2 son gave me one a couple Christmas ago.
I've had no use for it driving reliable new Toyotas, but he used it a
number of times on his Dodge Charger and one of his buddies vehicles.
Believe he has to take the error code from the reader and use his
smartphone to access a Site where he enters the code and gets the
details.



Herring needs to be scanned for Alzheimers...

Count on Krause to be a ****head.

--
"I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the
government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of
taking care of them".
Thomas Jefferson

On 6/30/14, 4:05 PM, wrote:
On Mon, 30 Jun 2014 14:52:55 -0400, KC wrote:

On 6/30/2014 1:32 PM, Poquito Loco wrote:
I want to buy one of those code scanners. Anyone have any experience with them, recommendations,
etc. My check engine light is on, and I've had it scanned, but it seems like one of those scanners
might be a worthwhile investment.


Don't know if you can do it on yours, but my old Chevys would let you
jump the prongs on the connector under the dash (they acutally made a
tool for it that went on your keyring) and you would see the code
flashed on the check engine light.

That was the original GM system not the OBDII

I know I need a scanner for my Ford truck and my Honda. There is no
jumper trick that I can find documented anywhere.
I have not really played with the bluetooh dongle much. The last time
I had a light, I went to Autozone for a free scan.


You need a scanner? Are you having a lot of car problems?

--
If right-wing assholes could fly,
rec.boats would be an airport!

On 6/30/2014 4:05 PM, wrote:
On Mon, 30 Jun 2014 14:52:55 -0400, KC wrote:

On 6/30/2014 1:32 PM, Poquito Loco wrote:
I want to buy one of those code scanners. Anyone have any experience with them, recommendations,
etc. My check engine light is on, and I've had it scanned, but it seems like one of those scanners
might be a worthwhile investment.


Don't know if you can do it on yours, but my old Chevys would let you
jump the prongs on the connector under the dash (they acutally made a
tool for it that went on your keyring) and you would see the code
flashed on the check engine light.

That was the original GM system not the OBDII

I know I need a scanner for my Ford truck and my Honda. There is no
jumper trick that I can find documented anywhere.
I have not really played with the bluetooh dongle much. The last time
I had a light, I went to Autozone for a free scan.


Just did a quick Google.. I am guessing they killed this little mistake
in about 95 for all practical purposes.