Inexpensive Code Reader for OBDII

[Harritwo]

i needed a code reader that i could own, wasnt sure what to buy, but was pretty sure i didnt want a Harbor Freight tool for this application. A local Ford Mech recommended that i purchase a code reader called ELM 327. It was $10.00 and it is available on Ebay as well. The advantage is you can use a laptop, smart phone, or I phone as the interface and besides the codes, you can clear the codes when you desire. Just thought I would pass this tip on to those who might need an inexpensive code reader.

 

[bruceb58]

They are a crap shoot. Some work and some are just terribly intermittent.

I bought one once for the hell of it. Ended up throwing it away.

 

[bigdee]

I bought 2 off ebay, a bluetooth and a WiFi. The BT was $10 and the WiFi was $20. I have not tried the BT but the ELM327 WiFi works great. I downloaded an app called AutoDoctor to monitor and capture live data. The WiFi range is limited to about 20 feet which is not an issue with a laptop. I can also park in my front yard and use my office desktop in the house. Bruce may be correct but 10 or 20 bucks is a low risk crapshoot. The AutoDoctor is $40 but you can use a trial version before purchase.

 

[eavega]

I bought one off of DealExtreme website for $15. Its bluetooth connected, and I run an app on my phone (Torque) which not only reads codes, but does some other fancy tricks with fuel mileage, engine efficiency, realtime diagnostics, etc. For what I have used it for (reading and clearing codes) its has performed flawlessly on 3 or 4 vehicles.

Rgds

E

 

[Boomyal]

I bought three of these for gifts for Christmas. One of them was for me. I have not tried it yet so I cannot vouch.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111505350079?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[MTboatguy]

I bought three of these for gifts for Christmas. One of them was for me. I have not tried it yet so I cannot vouch.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111505350079?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

They work fine, that is one of the same ones that Harbor Freight sells, it is just branded for HF, the company that makes that one, makes and brands it for many different companies, bought one a couple of years ago for my Father in law.