Can anyone recommend a good engine scanner for my RX? I have a 2000 RX 300 with 43,000 miles. My check "engine light" came on and I want to diagnose myself whats causing it. I reset the light by removing one of the fuses in the fuse box and putting it back after a minute or so(I followed LEXMEX's picture/diagram). I also replaced the fuel tank cap. The light has been off for three days now since I reset it. If it comes on again I want to diagnose the problem myself before I take it to the mechanic if it needs repair. Any suggestion for a good scanner that is compatible with Lexus cars?

 

This is the Actron scanner I use. Under $100 USD (it will pay for itself) and very simple to use.

 

Very nice pic LEXMEX. I'll get one of those. Thank you, I appreciate it.

 

Thank you for the picture/information!!!

Can you also adjust C-best settings with your scanner? And go deeeeeeeep down in the software of the car?? ;o)

 

For that, Lexus is the one that has access to that.

This scanner above only reads and resets check engine light error codes (known as OBDII codes).

Some of OBDII scanners can even check the O2 sensors and other readiness monitor settings that are often check in U.S. states that have emissions testing that requires the OBDII system to be checked out.

 

If you are looking for the cheapest way to read the codes get a reader from Harbor Freight for about $40. If you want to do a little more monitoring check out scanguage.com

 

I know this one. I bought one for my track friend Mario to use with his OBDII Volkswagens after they do modifications to reset any lights. With this one, you plug it in, but there are no buttons. You insert, it just reads the code out after a few seconds and then reads the code for about 2 to 3 more times, and then resets the light. I prefer the Actron one as Mario found out that sometimes the lights don't get reset with this one from Harbor Freight or that it takes a few tries.

However, you are right mikey00, I couldn't find one (except perhaps on a lucky search on ebay) that would be cheaper.

 

Did you actually go to harborfreight.com and look? They have buttons now.

 

They do have one with buttons, same price as the other one, you have to type in OBD in the search to see all of them. Mine was that small black one. The one that retailed for $79.99 seems like an even better deal (about the same as my Actron) as it includes readiness monitors, which are often test in some states with emissions testing (see if the cat, O2 sensors are ready, etc.).

 

All I did was search on code readers to come up with all of them at harborfreight.com. I don't think their deal can be beat if all you need to do is read codes and they do have buttons. I haven't had the need to buy one yet but I am leaning toward the one at scanguage.com which costs more but has a lot of other monitoring features.

 

Why do you need to buy a scanner when you can go to Autozone and borrow one? You can check one out with your driver's license.

 

It can be an inconvenience. There is no Autozone (though they do exist in some areas of Mexico north and coast) and a lot of mechanics charge $10 USD. Toyota here charges a fee of about $25 USD to do an OBDII diagnostic, but they have one that can also check the O2 sensors.

 

It's more cost effective for me to buy a cheap one then to do the Autozone pick up and return.