Code Readers

What Code Readers are you using? I am looking for something that can be used on both my Tacoma and my F-150. I am not wanting to use my phone but an actual Reader. I am not that much of a Tech Geek to figure out the Blue Tooth Phone thing LOL.

 

I know you said no phone, but bear with me. Using the Torque app and an ELM327 device from Amazon (combined cost of about $25) you can read most anything on any vehicle. Setup is super easy, just plug in the ELM, fire up the Torque app, and they talk to each other. Maybe worth considering?

 

I guess it works with all smart phones and vehicles?

 

Yes sir. Lookup the Torque Pro app, I think its $5. Here's a link to the ELM327:

Mini Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner OBDATOR ELM327 Automotive OBD OBDII Code Reader Car Check Engine Light Diagnostic Scan Tool for Android PC

https://www.amazon.com/obdator-Blue...&qid=1654194002&sprefix=elm327,aps,135&sr=8-6

 

Ok I looked it up, I use an Apple IPhone which is the IOS version. It doesn't offer as much coverage with my phone.

 

Ah, too bad. I guess you need to stick with a handheld reader then. I don't have any suggestions since I've used the setup above for years.

 

I am looking to see if I can fine one of these more compatible with the IPhone.

 

I still have my first code reader, a $30 Actron I got at autozone about 15 yrs ago. It it is a basic model but reads live data.
I then got an Innova 3040 in 2015. I loaned it to my bro and never got it back.
In 2019 I splurged on a Foxwell NT520Pro. The OBD cable broke and it hasnt been replaced.
In 2020, I got an Autel ML329. A no-frills model that loads up fast.

With the Foxwell model you select a car brand software to download for vehicle specific features. But, it’s slow to boot up; I usually grab the Autel to read codes and see live data. The Actron, I threw in the Taco should I need it on the trail.

 

Be careful what or which one you buy online. I have a Launch CP 129E, purchased online from a New Jersey seller, and it is now a brick. It did one of its automatic updates and it wiped the internal serial number out of it and without the internal SN it is useless. All you get when you plug it in is an error message about the SN. When I email the U.S. distributor about how to get the internal SN back in, I was told that 129E is not supported in the U.S. and they deferred me to the Chinese manufacturer which in turn referred me back to the U.S. seller in New Jersey. It appears Launch U.S. and the New Jersey seller are two different organizations. Right now, it is an expensive brick.

 

I am looking at a Bosch 1200. We use 2 big Bosch Professional type at work. We are going with a Snap On or Matco this budget year. Just waiting on quotes.

 

OBD Link MX2. Not bad

 

I have an Autel MS906BT that I bought new and a SnapOn Verus Edge that I picked up used, not really in the price range of the average DIYer but between the 2 they cover pretty much everything but module programming.

I recently bought the ThinkDiag and so far I'm very impressed at what it can do at the price point $90-$120 for the dongle and ~$40/year per vehicle make or ~$100/year for all makes and models for enhanced functions (generic OBD functions are free to use without any extra purchase).
Like all scan tools it has it's quirks and glitches but for the functionality it has I don't think there's much out there at that price point.

If you keep an eye out on Ebay you can snag some pretty good deals on older SnapOn scanners in good condition, just make sure you know what update they have as many sold there are a few years behind on updates.