Code talkers...er, code readers.

[oldmako]

I am in the market for an OBD code reader and would like to solicit some advice from youse guys.

I own a 99. All I need is an OBD II correct? There are jillions of them available and I'd like to narrow it down a tad. Is there any feature which I can't live without? Or is it adequate to merely get a basic reader. It looks as though they are all pretty much compliant with Infiniti's by design.

My search was lame, either through my ignorance, or to the 7 million references to "OBD II". Lot's of info, but not too much on specific devices.

Thanks in advance.

[maxnix]

Get one with a memeory and reset that reads the codes in detail. Should be able to find one for $200. The very cheapest are not the best, but most mid level ones will have all the functions.

[qship96]

I bought the basic Actron obd2 scanner, I think it is called the pocket scanner and is their most basic model of 4-5 that they offer, about $60 if I recall.

It works well enough for me {check engine light has only came on TWO times in 210,676 miles.....once when throttle position sensor went bad, and the other when Byron left a vacuum hose disconnected on the EGR system after completing a plenum job.

Most Sears and chain auto stores carry the Actron brand and have frequent sales on them.

[oldmako]

There are a ton of them available on ebay. I am watching them and trying to determine the major differences so I can compare apples to apples.

I saw some today at advance, and I figured that I may as well start looking for one. I know it just a matter of time before I need one, and I hate to schlep to the dealer for anything, let alone diagnostics. They want 50 bucks just to park in their lot and walk towards the shop. It's always easier to shop and compare when everything is copacetic. When the big light comes on I tend to reach for the VISA and all hell breaks loose.

Congrats on the high mileage / illumination ratio. Must be some kind of record!

[qsiguy]

Scangauge II is awesome! I am a reseller for them. Let me know if you want one. Reading/resetting codes is only a small part of what it does and it's under $200 @ $164.95 w/free shipping.

If you just want a simple code reader I got one at Harbor Freight for abut $40 that does the job. One problem with the simple/cheap readers is that they may not show you all the codes. My Scangauge picked up several codes on my wifes '99 Ford Windstar that the Harbor Freight one didn't read.

[atlq45]

I like Autoenginuity software installed on a laptop.

[oldmako]

I picked up an Actron CP9135 on ebay for 20 bucks.

Now, does it work???

[qship96]

Google ACTRON to get manufacturers wbsite, instructions should be there for all their models- is yours called the pocket scan? small orange body about the size of a pack of cigarettes?

[oldmako]

Thanks for the input Qship, I will do just that.

This unit is larger than a pack of smokes, but not too much larger. It's about 6x3x3/4 and orange.

6 buttons on the front, read-erase-yes-no-back-enter. It lists for over 100 but you can get it brand new on Amazon for 70 bucks The seller maintains that it functions as new. I have had excellent luck purchasing stuff on ebay so I am comfortable with this unit.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obi...28-20

Hopefully I will never need it and it will just collect dust on one of the shelves.