Hi all! Couldn't find this topic through search of forum. I want to buy a code reader soon and I was wondering if I should shell out an extra $100 for a reader that will read and give you data while the car is running? Does anyone use such a beast and what data will it give me that a standard reader can't?

Thanks, Shawn

 

Your post doesn't say which code reader you are considering buying.

The typical "generic" code readers will display most codes, but can not map the code value to the brand specific translation. E.G.: The code reader will read out "P0032" but there is no clue what P0032 means.

There are a lot of code readers that will take the basic codes and translate them to real-tme charts and graphs. The state of California is planning to convert their smog testing to use the ODB-II ports to read out the engine codes instead of sticking a sensor up the tailpipe - more accurate, dependable and harder to fake the results.

There are some code readers that have USB interfaces and software for your laptop. Not only can you see real-time graphics and readout, but now you can store history and see how things are trending over time.

Some of the car magazines get there performance test data from portable boxes with ODB-II ports and accelerometers - then the software reads out G-force, 0-60 times, engine stats - etc etc.

I guess it just depends on how much you want to pay for them.

 

I can't remember the brand name of the reader I am looking at. It is a stock item at a Part Source store where I get most of my maintenance supplies. There are about four models ranging in price from $90 - $300. the bottom 2 only read fault codes that you must then look up on internet to translate. The top two models will read fault codes as well but will also give you data while the car is running to let yoy know what is going on. These models also read OBD-1 and ABS codes. What I was asking is if anyone is using a model like these top two and if the extra that they do is worth the extra $100-$200 compared to a base model?

Shawn