I am looking to purchase a code reader on Amazon. It is my first one and I don't know much about them so this will seem like a really stupid question. I need a code reader to diagnose my check engine light when it comes on from time to time and clear a code. Even the cheapest ones seem to do that so my question is which one suits me best under about $40?

What does the difference between the code readers actually mean? for example this one is $18 bucks.


This one is $40

 

I have an Actron Pocketscan. Its a little different from the one here, probably the next model up (~$30) when I got it a few years ago. It clears the code & shuts off the ck. eng. light. It DOES NOT clear the code from the memory of the CPU. A "cheap" code reader is good for identifying a code which can point you in the right direction for a repair.

 

If you have an Android phone, the cheapest and far better app is called Torque Pro. Cost is $4.75 and you also get live data.

 

The average person has little use for live data. The first one will be just fine, you will just be taking the code to the internet anyway. That will point you in the right direction 99% of the time.

It is sometimes nice to have the ability to clear the code though, which it appears those don't have.

 

You don't need one the scanner to clear DTC's, you just pull fuse #19 under the dash. Doesn't really matter tho, all simple scanners have "ERASE"; that option comes up on every scanner I've used. Specially all Actrons. Read the reviews from the links above, - yea they both Erase DTC's.

Live Data is especially great for these model years because it taps into the Misfire monitor. That can be priceless with a hard to determine low grade misfire. Plus it's just five bucks. When it's acting up, just look at phone for the misfire count on any particular cylinder. The on-board Misfire Monitor won't record the cylinder until the misfire count is highly elevated. That's what makes it a PITA if you don't have diagnostics w/Mode $ -6 cylinder history.

And as much times as these coils can be problematic, the average person is made aware of this better option, vs's the ladder, - if they come here first. So blowing this information off could cost someone a ridiculous amount of money. I don't know about you, but that matters to most.

 

Thanks yall.
decided on this.

 

Looks like a good one, but it won't give you live misfire data. It just lets you know what monitors have run/ passed and which haven't had the time to run.

They all give you that type of "Live" data and they all erase/clear DTC's. I have that EXACT Actron you posted earlier and it's banged around in my tool box for years, it's been in sub zero temps as well. - Works every-time, - so far.

First I've heard of the BB, -it lists what you were asking about in the description. So,I see why it sold you, unless you like Big Bannas or something ? . Yea, it's nothing special.

 

That looks awesome. I had no idea it existed. What model do you use for the bluetooth adapter? I'm not shelling out a ton of money for one and the ebay ones look tempting.