I'm not sure this is the right forum to ask this question but does anyone have any recommendations on an OBD2 code reader that has the most bang for the buck. I've seen them on ebay and elsewhere for $30 and above, so just trying to separate the wheat from the chaff. Thanks, Rich

to NICO!

I think it has a lot to do with what you're trying to do with the reader. If you're just pulling codes, pretty much anything will work. If you're getting into data logging, etc. then there are more differences.

I personally don't have any experience with the OBDII readers... nothing that I own is OBDII that's had a problem, so hopefully others will chime in. I remember seeing a bluetooth plug-in unit that can be used with a smart phone and free app. mentioned somewhere. I think they're pretty cheap on eBay - so that might be an option.

Heath

Heath - Thanks for the feedback. I'm mainly looking for the codes and the ability to clear them but more info is always good. I have a 1999 Infinity QX4 that just failed smog (MIL on) with codes P0325 (KS) and P0158, P0159 and P0160 (Oxygen Sensors). It looks like the oxygen sensor codes all relate to the same sensor (Left Bank Rear) so I'm going to try and replace but I need to read the codes afterwards to be sure I've cleared them. Do you know if this sensor is easy to get to and replace? I've looked at the service manual and it looks easy enough but I need to get under the car and check it out today. I think I'll skip the Knock Sensor for now since it's in the V of the engine and doesn't affect the MIL.

I'll check out the Blue Tooth OBD readers. I saw the USB version but not these.

Thanks again, Rich

The rear o2 sensor is typically pretty easy to access... it'll be "south" of the catalytic converter and is a check to make sure the catalytic converter is working - so it could be a bad sensor, or maybe a bad catalytic converter. You can read the factory service manual, available at www.nicoclub.com/FSM/ to see all of the logic that goes behind that code.

I have found http://www.sparkplugs.com to be a good source for O2 sensors. Their OEM equivalent parts really are...

Heath

I bought one of the bluetooth readers for about $17 shipped. Seems to work pretty well. Not perfect, but I think it's probably my entry-level droid phone's slow processor (Samsung Intercept) as much as anything making it a little glitchy. It should certainly work fine for pulling codes.

Heath

Heath - You're right, the rear sensor is easy to reach. I had the most trouble with the bracket that protects the sensor but managed to finally get it off. I bought the sensor from sparkplugs.com and found a coupon on-line. Works great! And way cheaper than having it done by the local auto repair shop. Thanks for all the help. By the way, I was able to borrow an OBD reader from my daughter's friend at work and confirmed that the sensor was indeed working.

Thanks again, Rich

Glad I could help!

Heath