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I bought a new OBD2 engine trouble code reader scanner the other day. It's a plugin with live data and a USB connection.
The USB connection allows you to get software updates via the internet and update the OBD2 scanner. The USB connection also allows you to print or save the results of a frame freeze scan and to do research on the internet with that freeze frame information.
So what the big deal you ask? it cost 20 bucks shipped. I've carried a cheaper unit in my car for a lot of years and on cross country trips it has paid for itself a thousand times.
Good examples are making the mistake of stopping for gas in a discount gas stations and having your car throw a code within 50 miles of having filled up your tank. At that point you thank goodness your on a cross country trip and just continue on so you can get the problematic gas used up as soon as possible.
Or how about the trouble codes having to do with gasoline evaporation containment always turning out to be the gas cap needing to be tightened or replaced. Another example is the cheap spring loaded style clamps on the PVC valve and other evap hoses needing to just be replaced with screw style clamps that actually keep the gas in the evap system contained.
Then there's the oil control filters and vvt solenoid codes, clean or replace the filter, erase the code and your good to go.
It is always the little things and with live data and graphs on this new OBD2 engine code reader checking out the cars before a cross country trip will be a snap.
So this unit is called the nexpeak NX301 model. I'm not selling or endorsing these I'm just pointing out a great troubleshooting tool buy. The link below is a great introduction to OBD2 scanners.
Im sure theres codes it wont read and wont work with certain cars, but it seems like this would be good for the average do it yourselfer, or even the not so mechanically inclined.
Your right here is what the pro's use being compared the a cheap obd2 scanner..
Quote:
Originally Posted by UpstateJohn
Im sure theres codes it wont read and wont work with certain cars, but it seems like this would be good for the average do it yourselfer, or even the not so mechanically inclined.
Your right here is a comparison between a 10,000 dollar snap on scanner combo and a scanner not quite as good as the scanner I just bought. My scanner comes up way short but beats any diagnostic tool that was available even ten years ago.
I bought a pretty decent Actron several years ago, about $140. I still have it and it works fine, but I am sure I could now find something similar a LOT cheaper.
I bought a pretty decent Actron several years ago, about $140. I still have it and it works fine, but I am sure I could now find something similar a LOT cheaper.
It's the way of electronics, smaller, faster, cheaper. Just a good tool to have in any tool-box, glove-box. OBD2 scanner gets you to the problem right now. Think about the monster SUN diagnostic unit and the rest of the pollution detection tools and transmission diagnostic equipment this thing replaces.
I’ve been using either a ScanGauge or an UltraGauge for years. It’s certainly not like having a Verus, but considering the cost difference, it works pretty well as a diagnostic tool, especially the UltraGauge.
Location: Formerly Pleasanton Ca, now in Marietta Ga
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I think that is a good idea. There was a guy on YouTube that had a Ferrari that kept throwing codes and the more expensive code reader wouldn’t work, but a cheap one did for some reason. He used it quite often to clear the same recurring code.
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Your right here is what the pro's use being compared the a cheap obd2 scanner..
