Do you actually have to have your check engine light trip to read OBD2 codes? I was thinking it would be handy to have a reader but I don't have a check engine light on right now, would it pick up other codes anyways?

I'm looking at this one, $79 from $199 Innova Model 3100...

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/AutoTools/AutoCodeReaders/PRD~0251030P/OBD+II+Code+Reader.jsp?locale=en#tab_page_reviews_ li

 

man it's quiet around here...

 

Pretty sure it only reads codes if the light is on.

 

I bought one from ebay a few years ago that was about 15 dollars with shipping. It does exactly what I want it to do, read the code then clear it. But yeah, I've only been able to get a code when the CEL is on....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/U380-...item336b667e24

 

i think you guys are right, i read a fairly critical review (although most were very favorable for people who had the check engine light on) in which the reviewer stated that for the suggested retail he could not believe it had NO 'Scan Tool' technology... which is pretty much what i want it for.