Code reader recommendation?
 

Looking for some info on which type of code reader to get to use with our 2000 V70 XC.

Looking for something that will be useful & helpful, but economic as well. Our other vehicles are a 93 Toyota Corolla, and a 2003 Ford Ranger pickup.

I'm not going to be using it for much more than to make a determination as to what is wrong, to ask questions here & to know what I'm talking about to a mechanic, and to do relatively minor repair to it myself. That said, I'd like for it to be able to give a little more information than just what's throwing the error & the ability to clear it.

I'd appreciate any recommendations for/against any readers that are generally available.
One I've seen is an Equus 3030 Innova Diagnostic Code Reader, which is available at a number of local auto repair places.

Thanks!

Scan Gauge II

There is another cheaper scanner like the Scan Gauge. You may want to search in the REVIEWS section.

I'll look around & see if I can find it.

I did see one of the Innotek 3100's yesterday (about $100) that I think would do some of the more advanced things that some intro level monitors. I've yet to see one that would be able to read both the old vehicle (93 Toyota) and the newer ones (03 Ranger, 00 V70).

Thanks,

Pre '96 cars do not have a port. It became law for '96 cars. There were a very few auto makers that offered it pre '96 like Volvo. Some '94 Turbo 850's have OBD-II ports.
https://volvoforums.com/forum/audio-...anguage-47174/

http://www.amazon.com/Autel-MaxiScan...=5336121816-20


I have a brand new Autel maxiscan ms509 OBD II reader for $70 shipped. Received as a gift, not needed since I already have another reader at home.

This is a nice scanner that has descriptions of the codes on the display, plus has a live datastream of different components, ie O2, ETM, etc. The ETM live data is nice when you think your ETM is failing.

for full specs read above link.

I just bought Autel MaxiScan MS300 from Amazon for $22.
This is great as a glovebox item for long trips far away from home.
Thanks!

I'm interested - it seems to do many of the same things the Scan Guage II does, and - at least to me - seems to be relatively portable to another vehicle. It lacks the "gas economy" and that type of display, but that's not something I have a great need to have.

There are a couple things though, that give me pause (based on the reviews I read). First one is the "burn date" (possible factory refurbs w/o updated software), the other being the company's lack of a response on connecting to an F-150 review (we have a full size Chevrolet pickup).

Have you ever used this unit, or dealt with that company?

Please feel free to message me off the forum if you would like.

Thanks!

I picked up a copy of the last Harbor Frieght flier I got & saw that their (Harbor Freight Tools) "Cen-Tech" ODB-II reader looked very similar to the Autel Maxi-Scan.

Harbor Freight:
CAN OBD II Code Reader / EOBD Scanner

Autel:
Autel

One of the HFT reviewers even said that they were directed to Autel Tech for questions.

No, I have not used the unit, but before I bought the one that I have now, I told a relative that I was thinking on getting the Autel Maxiscan because of the live data feature. That's why I got it as a gift.:p

I had read great reviews of this unit on other volvo sites. A fellow volvo enthusiast was able to record the ETM fluctuations of his 2001 P2 volvo on this unit and argued the dealer on getting a free ETM under warranty.

Do some research, but I think you would be pleased with this unit. It can be used on any OBD II vehicle 1996 and newer.

Here is the other item I was referring to: UltraGauge Automotive Information Center and OBDII Scan Tool