Good OBDII scan tool?

[Dane]

Hey folks,

The wifey's Honda just turned on the check engine light. I did the diag jumper thing to read the fault code, but can't count the blinks right. Last year it was a secondary oxygen sensor heater circuit and was easy to diagnose/fix. This time it seems to be blinking 0111, but the part that code refers to checked out OK.



I'm looking for a cheap ($200 or less) code reader or scanner that will read both my Dodge and her Honda. I don't care to have backwards function to OBDI or others. I'm not sure how helpfull being able to read "live" data is rather than just the fault code?



What are you shadetree and pros keeping in your tool box for reading codes?

 

[Paulsdodge]

Scanner

The scanner I use is a Autoxray scanner. You can choose from several models-- some more features more money, some less features less money. I have three Dodge vehicles and the scanner works on all three. It does have live scanner information-- very important when you consider you can actually see what the sensor is reading-- to tell if the sensor is on the edge (flaky). I would urge you to get a well known brand name scanner because software support will be the most important part of the purchase not the scanner. Also these scanners do not require a cartridge, and can be upgraded, for free, if you buy the pc link, which in my opinion is well worth the money.

 

[OTRPU]

So will it read AND CLEAR an (ABS) code when set on a 99 Ram w/Cummins diesel?



Cheers,

Steve J.

 

[DavidC]

If you have a laptop you could use this

http://www.obd-2.com/

I purchased it for the Dodge and have reset codes on Japanese cars with it. I hate to say it but it seems that Dodge and the Japanese have something in common when it comes to the computers.



Dave

 

[y-knot]

Another option is to get one that will not only read the Honda, but your dodge as well. I have used OTC diagnostic scanners with alot of seccess. The OTC monitor elite deluxe is a very nice scanner, and it will do every car and truck on the market, it is up-gradable for future cars and trucks. And you can get as wild as you want with it, lots of options. It is alittle more, retails for 1300-1400, but can be found on the web for around 800.

 

[OTRPU]

Has anybody specifically cleared the (ABS) code? When abs is set it usually sets the BRAKE light on the dash also. No shop I've been to that isn't Dodge dealer can touch these codes. Will the one's you mention above do this? Also read the transmission information?



Thanks,

Steve J