What is the best code reader? [Archive] - Diesel Place : Chevrolet and GMC Diesel Truck Forums

: What is the best code reader?


Meisndj
11-09-2011, 09:47 PM
What is the best code reader (bang for your buck). My truck is not programmed or chipped. In the future (once warranty is up) I have set my sights on EFI Live. Does EFI live read codes and tell you what they are? For the next year or two during my warranty days, what unit should I get to read codes - 150$ for a diagnostic hurts every time...

19psi
11-09-2011, 09:53 PM
if you want to just read codes, get a cheap obdII code reader from napa. I think they're $69. it will read every OBDII code in your truck and anything else made since 1996.

HawkChevy
11-09-2011, 10:19 PM
Actron makes good code readers.

Ramblinrodney
11-10-2011, 08:20 AM
I'm sure theres more vendors that sell them but Kennedy sells a nice one.

jeffster
11-10-2011, 11:20 AM
I bought an Innova 3100 and so far it works well. Was $100 at WalMart.

DirtymaxLLY
11-13-2011, 10:28 PM
Picked up a nice OBDII scanner on eBay that reads all the protocols from 1996 on. There's one just like it on sale now for $109.99 plus $7.99 S&H. Comes with a book, two interface cables and a nylon case. Also, if you put a 9 volt battery in it the codes will be stored. Go on eBay and look for item 360408919583. The seller is very nice and will refund ALL your money if it won't read your truck. Mine wouldn't read and I found the fuse for the cigarette lighter blown which also provides power to the OBDII port. DUH! Remember, the Tech2 that Chevy uses has a way of diagnosing problems only the reeeally high end scanners can. The OBDII laws applying to gas engines don't apply the same to diesels. Unless you own a shop, $1000 for a scanner is a bit much. If it gets that bad, go to Chevy for a $100 scan. You'll waste more time than that reading forums and chasing your tail. I did.

06bowtie_guy
11-14-2011, 12:38 PM
Does EFI live read codes and tell you what they are?

Yup it does. That's how I do it since i have efi live.

jpatrickc
11-14-2011, 04:09 PM
I went for a really cheap reader from someone that worked with me. As long as it gives you the code you can find the info on the code on the internet. I think I got mine for around $40.00

Pat

MKUSMAUL
11-18-2011, 12:57 PM
Yeah NAPA's code reader or at Sears they have a cheap o.e also since your looking for something cheap

Heartbeat Hauler
11-18-2011, 01:14 PM
Tom Hanks? ):h


Ahem...sorry. Anyways, if all you want to do is know what the codes are you can go to any AutoZone or Advance Auto and they will tell you the codes and clear them for free. Can't beat that. As mentioned above, if all you want is to read the codes and clear them then any OBDII scanner will do the job.

When you take your truck to the dealer they are using a Tech II about $3000+ , but they also have a If this, then that diagnostic procedure that helps them figure out what is what....most of the time. EFILive is great for tuning, but if you just want something to read codes and clear them this is NOT the best bang for the buck.

PrivatePilot
11-18-2011, 01:16 PM
Thread moved to shop talk forum.