so ive been thinking its probably time to look into investing in one of these things. I was thinking of getting a simple one just to read the codes but then i thought i might as well look for something better, something that can erase the code and also give me all sorts of information as to what each sensor is sending to the computer and all that fancy stuff.

what are some product names and prices. would it be cheaper to find a old laptop and get some software for a laptop?

i dont know much about any of this. i dont want to go spending like a thousand dollars, probably only a few hundred. I live in canada.

thanks


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2000 Cavalier z24-5 spd, 2.4L - thinking of selling.....

Well, a "cheap" one can still erase the codes. The manufacturer-specific ones (ie. GM, Ford, Chrysler) that are at Canadian Tire for around $30-40 will generate the codes, which you then have to look up either online or in the book that is supplied with it. Also, with that type, if you leave the code reader in for a set amount of time (usually 3-5 cycles), it will erase all DTCs. The one major drawback of this style of OBD tool is that most of them require the car to be running in order to retrieve the DTCs, and in some situations, you need to get a code to see why the car isn't running, so it's of no help.

A step up from that would be the Innova (Equus) 3030. For me personally, if it was between this and a "cheap" scan tool, I would go with the later. This model is more or less a glorified entry-level reader. It has a large LCD, and that's about it for usable differences, as it still does not generate on-screen code definitions.

If you want to drop "a few hundred", then get the 3100 (same manufacturer: Innova). This one produces on-screen code definitions, as well as freeze-frame data. Both of those attributes are major differences over the 3030. It can also be connected to your PC, allowing for updates via this connection as well. The one we use at work is the 3110 (one step up from the 3100), and there's not a whole lot of difference. I can say nothing but good things about the 3110 as it's lightning quick, gives a scrollable list of all the DTCs, stores DTCs, displays freeze frame data (if available), and stores that as well. Be careful though if going with the 3100, as if I remember correctly (and I could be way off here) there was an older model named the "3100" as well, but it was very similar to what is now the 3030. You will be able to tell right away if it's the new 3100, as the newer style has the on-screen code definitions so the display is completely different.

If you're only going to be using one a couple times a year, the little Canadian Tire one will do (I have one sitting in my garage should I ever need to quickly scan or erase something at home). If you're constantly using one, then maybe you should get a new car... (I had to throw that in there). Seriously though, if you will be frequently using one, then the 3100 is the way to go, no questions asked.

Look at the ScanGaugeII

It's a trip computer, a code scanner capable of clearing codes, an MPG meter and it lets you view four engine parameters at once.

MSRP=$170

2002 Cavalier 2200 5spd

i got mine at pep-boys for ten dollars.
and it reads and erases codes just fine.
it has only 2 buttons. hahahaha


I'm back from the dead.
Currently Driving: RSX Type-S.
My Cavalier Burnt up :-(

thanks, i think im going to look into the scangaugeII .... seems to suit my needs best...



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2000 Cavalier z24-5 spd, 2.4L - thinking of selling.....

here you go!

I have this reader, it requires a laptop, and is $200, but it is really cool! you can get "enhanced" parameters for GM, Ford and Chrysler.

Bowser Electronics has a good one I paid 160 for mine and it works great.

BowserElectronics.com