For those idependent types who don't like to depend on some dishonest shop to read your trouble codes on your truck's diagnostic computer now there is an affordable solution which will bring you one step closer to being completely independent.

I just purchased my own diagnostic code reader and it works like a charm. It all started when my wife's check engine light went on and I called around to see how much it was to get the code read. Well all the shops in town wanted at least $30 just to read the codes! Well I found a very baisic code reader that did absolutely everything I needed it to and it only cost me $39. Granted it's not top of the line or anything but it will perform the following functions.

- Reads and clears generic and manufacturer specific diagnostic trouble codes (DTC)
- Supports multiple trouble code requests
- Resets 'check engine light'
- Reviews the emission readiness status of OBD monitors
- Retrieves VIN number
- Free CD software with over 7000 diagnostic trouble codes

I was able to plug it in. It told me that I was having a problem with my O2 sensor and I cleaned the sensor and cleared the code and Voila! All is right with the world again. I also tested it to see if it worked properly with my 2000 ranger and of course there was no problems. It will work with all makes 96 or newer and which are OBD II compliant (Which most are). Here's the link http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=94169

 

I'm sure the people who produce O2 sensor cleaner solvent might disagree with you on that. I do realize that there is usually a larger more pressing reason why the DTC for the o2 sensor is given but I always like to put some solvent on it and wait for the light to go back on. If it does that's when I drop the $80 for a new sensor, I just don't like to pay if I don't have to. I do appreciate the "Correction" however I'll make sure to "Clean" up my language for my next post.

 

$30 for a code read isn't too bad, as my Ford dealer wanted $90. Like you, I also decided to purchase my own code reader.

http://george-novak.com/obd.html

The Harbor Frieght reader you posted is a great item for the home mechanic. Considering it reads the new CAN codes; $40 is a sweet deal.

 

i paid $415 for my code reader.......my XCalibrator2

mine even tells me what the code means.......

 

That's awesome! Yeah this one comes with a CD which gives you the meanings. I'm sure yours is a million times more fancy than this baisic one but it works pretty good for what I use it for.

 

I'm rolling my own reader with an ELM327 chip. (Electronics being a hobby of mine, I figured ~$60 for a DIY reader was a fun project). Just got done drafting the PCB setup (perfboard, yuck. But it's cheap.) and now I'm moving into the solder stage. Still got parts on order, but it's coming along smoothly.

 

I've got a ScanGaugeII paid $170 for it.

 

I purchased the adapter Elm327 ($ 30). It perfectly makes diagnosis and shows the error codes.Bluetooth Elm327 adapter + android smartphones = Best solution for my truck.

 

Way to dig up a thread from the grave. 6 years ago buddy

 

As we say in Russia: Archeologists On Forum :)

 

We use that word here too LOL. you have dug up a woolly mammoth from the dead sir

 

In Soviet Russia, old threads dig YOU up!

 

Yes, this threads is very important for me :)