reader suggestion

[puller]

I just had a problem with my 2006 3500 and I had to take it to a dealer to get them to hook it up to a computer to find out what was wrong. They did a reset and everything is working fine now. My question is is there a reader that can be purchased at a reasonable price that I can use to diagnose any problem and reset the on board computer system?



Thanks



Puller

 

[snuff]

any auto parts store, from cheap to sky's the limit

 

[Simplysmn]

Harbor Freight for around 50 buck's

 

[surfbeetle]

The cheap ones will usually just read the codes and you'll have to know/interpret the codes into english. The pricier ones give you all of info.

 

[RBridenbaugh]

I'm in the process of looking for an ODB II tool as well (ODB II for 1996 and later).



"Code readers" just read codes and can clear the codes. So they are a little better than me cycling the key on and off three times and finding the text for the code on my PC.



"Scan Tools" have the code reader functions, plus the ability to read real time data from the ECM and the capacity to turn switches / relays / solenoids on and off as part of diagnostic tests. A very neat feature, as it allows you to individually turn off the solenoid to each fuel injector, making it very easy to determine if the fuel injectors are the problem and which one. How similar it will be to the factory DRBIII tool capacities I don't know.



The Smarty POD has code reader functionality built in. :-laf



The more tradional, low priced, generic code readers that you can find at Action Auto, Autozone or Sears are made by Actron.



I'm waiting for the Actron Scan Tool CP9180 to go on sale. They list for 230, internet 130. An earlier model CP9145 originally listed for ~230 and now is ~80 on the net or Autozone. You might check out the users manual on the Actron site to see if it will meet your needs.



Since a dealer charges 80-120 just to hook up a meter to run the diagnosis, then everybody should probably own a generic one.

 

[puller]

RBridenbaugh,



Thanks for the suggestion. I just purchased a cp9180 from Advance Auto for $149. 00. It appears to be just what I needed.



Puller

 

[Fitterguy]

I too am looking for a reader/scaner. Advance Auto has the CP9180 on sale @ 50% off. $94. 00 I thought I had found what I wanted until I told the clerk it was to be used on a Dodge Diesel. She called someone @ Actron & was told there was a compatability issue. So I'm still in the dark.

Fitterguy 99 3500 Dually Auto.

 

[jelag]

The code reader I found that I liked was 50% less on line than it was in the auto parts store... . I did call them, ask them to meet the price... . and they said no... . so I ordered it on line. .