http://www.amazon.com/Autel-MaxiScan...0884221&sr=1-3

18.99 right now.

This is the same little scanner I keep with me. It reads current vehicles, too. It is about the best simple OBD2 reader you can get out there right now for that price.

 

great find...

 

Thanks Lexmex! I've been looking to get a reader for some time, and the fact that it also reads the current vehicles too is a HUGE bonus.

I just hope that I get one that actually works.

 

Everyone should have one of these in their glove box - just don't loose the code sheet!

 

Same one I purchased about a year ago. Saves the time of running to AutoZone to have the codes read.
Excellent device for the money.

 

the price just jumped up to 29.99 =(

 

Wow that was close, ordered this morning and got the cheaper price...Had to order a quilt book for wife to justify the purchase...plus made it free shipping....

 

Why do we do this to oursleves........................

 

You know why.....just admit it.

 

$21.87 now.

 

I'm getting a CEL and "Trac Off" light consistently each time my '99 (2WD) warms up to full operating temp. I'm wondering if a scan tool such as this will tell me what I need to know in order to fix it, or does it just give a code that is so general I'd still be guessing what to fix.

Will I be able to know what sensor is bad from the information given on a scan tool? I notice there is a big difference in price among these tools... Are some able to read more information than others? Does the code then need translation?

Thanks for helping...

 

the cheaper ones read codes, dont give definitions of what code is...The more expensive ones give definitions, and as the price goes up some measure sensor readings....Getting the code is the first step,

 

Thanks for this. This is about what I thought... but what do I do with the codes once I've read them (how do I know what sensor to order to fix the problem)?

For the inexpensive scan tool referenced in this thread, is there something else I need to buy to translate the codes into information I can use, or does anyone know if it comes with that?

P.S. I was thinking of this dash-mountable (real-time?) sensor reader/code reader http://www.jcwhitney.com/scan-gauge-...d=d1391y1999j2
but thought it too expensive right now... does anyone have experience with it? Would this translate code errors to DIY usable information to fix the CEL errors?

Thanks!

 

THat scanner comes with a CD listing the codes as well as what they mean...It also has a quick reference booklet...Hey for the price great deal, and you dont have to run to the stealership or auto parts store...then log on to this site, and you will gets lots of guidance...The scan guage is OK, but I use mine for measuring Transmission temp...It is geared more for use as a guage and info device...It does give codes, but does not tell you what they are...

 

A cheap, basic code reader will give you a code #. Then search this forum for that number and you will likely get a lot of information on what your problems may be with some great DIY fixes specific to your vehicle.