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January 22, 9:45 AM [GMT -5]
I got one and it works on most cars.. but beware I tried it on a Honda Civic and you needed a special purchase to pull the codes.. It worked on a toyota matrix and vw passat.. I guess just make sure it'll work on your car without buying anything else. If you find the tool at your store there may be multiple types I'd rcommend getting the best one --- the cheaper ones lack features that help in investigating the codes. Clearing the codes will only clear them.. it won't show as "passed" if you're going to a state emission test - so you'll need to actually fix it.
January 10, 9:08 PM [GMT -5]
Although I frequently buy tools and hardware items from Harbor Freight, I had a bad experience with a Harbor Freight OBD Diagnostic Reader. It read, "No Diagnostic Codes Present." But the Check Engine Light was on. A visit to an AutoZone Store resulted in a FREE OBD Code Check reading. The resulting code was caused by a damaged gas tank cap. After replacing the gas tank cap, the Check Engine Light eventually went out; but it took nearly a week to disappear. Again, I'm not bashing Harbor Freight, just saying I would NOT recommend their OBD Code Reading Tools.
December 26, 2:19 AM [GMT -5]
I recommend the Eqqus 3100 Inova model. You can pick one up at WalMart for about $80. I have one, and I love it. I prefer it over Actron for the novice user. (They have a nice digital electrical meter up there too.) It's easy to use (just hook it up to the OBD-II port in your car and view the readout) and comes with software and a very informative owner's manual that contains educational information about the "On-Board Diagnostics" capabilities of modern cars and trucks, as well as a list of dozens of trouble codes for all sorts of problems. The unit is updatable via the internet also. It's a nice way to find out what is wrong and keep your mechanic honest (not that he wouldn't be...). Sometimes, the Check Engine light is on merely because the gas cap is loose, so always check that first. Good luck and have fun!
September 24, 5:39 PM [GMT -5]
i have not used one yet but would like to know where i can buy a vehicle diagnostic code reader
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