Best OBDII Code Readers

Actron CP9410 PocketScan Plus Diagnostic Code Reader for OBDII Vehicles

• Product Dimensions: 2.7 x 6.3 x 10.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• ASIN: B000YIW5VA
• Item model number: CP9410

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Description

• Reads, displays, and clears diagnostic trouble codes--the reason the check engine light is on
• On-screen indicator points to the urgency level of the specific code
• Online database explains the code's causes, severity, and symptoms
• USB connectivity keeps the unit up-to-date for future vehicles
• Compatible with all 1996 and newer vehicles

When your Check Engine light turns on, find out immediately if you should stop or keep driving with the Actron PocketScan Plus OBD-II Code Reader with Urgency Indicator. There are many reasons that can cause this indicator to appear -- from minor to critical -- but the PocketScan Plus is here to provide you with the code information you need as well as an immediate recommendation on the urgency of the Check Engine Light problem.
 
The Check Engine Light appears on the dashboards of all late-model vehicles to signal that there is a possible mechanical or electrical problem that needs to be addressed. The compact and easy-to-use PocketScan Plus attaches to the automobile's OBD-II port, displaying the error code involved on its large, backlit display. Three severity levels tell you at a glance if it safe to continue driving or if immediate repair is needed. The PocketScan Plus also puts you in touch with the emissions status of vehicles and allows you to easily review and erase codes from the automobile.

According to a nationwide phone survey, over 20% of all vehicles newer than 12 years old have experienced a Check Engine Light appearance in the past 12 months. That’s 32 million automobiles on the road every year that are signaling for a potentially costly repair. Your time and money are valuable, and the information provided by the PocketScan Plus can save you both by telling you if the Check Engine Light is appearing for a critical reason, or for a less important one.

The PocketScan Plus gives you the information you need before you visit your auto technician. Not only does it provide you with the code for the Check Engine Light, but you also receive access to an online information database that further explains the problem, its severity, possible symptoms, and common causes--all in easy-to-understand terms. Being empowered with this wealth of knowledge enables you to visit your auto technician with confidence.

The PocketScan Plus is compatible with all 1996 and newer vehicles. Once connected, it automatically links to the vehicle computer, displaying both Check Engine Light error codes and severity on its large backlit display. Issue severity is color coded for easy reference: green for no problems present, yellow for non-dangerous issues, orange meaning repair at your earliest convenience, and red for a problem that needs immediate repair. Three large buttons allow you to turn the unit on and off, read current codes, and review and erase past codes from the vehicle's onboard computer. A convenient battery backup saves information in the system, allowing you to continue reviewing codes away from the vehicle.

Actron makes certain that you will always have the information you need when your Check Engine Light appears. Their online database is available 24 hours a day to explain codes as well as their causes, severity, and symptoms. You can also contact their toll free phone number for additional assistance. Furthermore, the PocketScan Plus has a USB port that allows it to be updated from your computer, ensuring that you will always have correct, current information to diagnose the vehicles of today as well as those of the future.




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Amazon Customer Reviews

Works as described., 
December 23, 2009
5 Stars

Easy to use, no batteries required to do a basic scan, seems well constructed. After looking at the more expensive scanners with more features (all of which are fairly heavily discounted here on Amazon) I decided on this one, since the codes can easily be researched on the internet. I am not a mechanic but this device at least gives me information to be able to discuss options with a repair shop. If your CEL comes on, you should find out why ASAP, and this saves a trip to a shop even for a free diagnosis. If your time is valuable to you, this is a good choice that will pay for itself with 1 or 2 uses.


Not worried about my check engine light anymore, 
November 25, 2009
5 Stars

The Actron cp9410 was easy to use right out of the package. Very easy to understand instructions and easy to find out what the codes mean. Now you can shut that light off and repair your own car. I would recommend this to anyone who doesnt neeed a big complicated computer readout for simple engine diagnostics.




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AutoXray 700 CodeScout

• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• ASIN: B000GBC60A
• Item model number: AX700

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Description

This codescout efficiently and effectively determines the cause of the check engine" light. It also saves time and money by performing diagnostic scans at any time or place when your "check engine" light comes on. It is easy to operate and includes a bilingual manual of generic trouble code descriptions in English and Spanish.



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Black & Decker AD925 Smart Scan Automotive Check Engine Light Diagnostic Tool

• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.1 x 2.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• ASIN: B001KVQQAG
• Item model number: AD925
• Batteries: 4 AAA batteries required.

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Description

When your "Check Engine" light comes on, the Black & Decker AD950 self-diagnostic tool displays the same information stored in a car’s computer that a mechanic uses to diagnose and fix problems. When the "Check Engine" light comes on, for cars manufactured after 1995, insert the SmartScan in the OBDII port near the steering wheel column. The easy-to-read LED screen displays the fault code – the same information a mechanic will see – for why the "Check Engine" light illuminated. The SmartScan is sold with a reference manual of the fault codes which easily stores in the glove compartment. Urgency Indicators also display how serious the problem is. Arrow pointing to green bar indicates the car’s computer is not reporting a problem, and the Smart Scan has the ability to turn off the “Check Engine” light. Arrow pointing to yellow bar indicates the car should be looked at in the next five days. Arrow pointing to amber bar indicates a mechanic should see the car soon before further damage can occur. Arrow pointing to red bar indicates an immediate repair is needed. Catch minor problems before they become big – and expensive. Visit a mechanic armed with knowledge about what is wrong, including which parts might be affected, and don’t be charged for unnecessary repairs. If buying a used car, evaluate the overall condition of the car before purchasing.

• Displays codes used to diagnose and fix problems
• Diagnose problems instantly, whether at home, in a parking lot or on the side of the road
• Urgency Indicators display seriousness of the problem
• Save time and money by diagnosing codes yourself instead of going to a mechanic
• When a problem is fixed turn the check engine light off without visiting a mechanic

Amazon Customer Reviews

Easy to use, quality product. Buy it!, 
August 12, 2009
5 Stars

The B&D Smart Scan does the job easily and well. It is a quality built product that should save the owner money for years to come. I used it and replaced the AIC Valve in my Honda Accord. I saved $225 compared to the dealer cost of part and labor. I purchased the part at Auto Zone for half the dealer cost. The original part was made in Mexico and the replacement from Auto Zone was Japanese. I got the best deal all around and paid for the Smart Scan with $135 to spare for the next repair! I prefer the convenience of having the tool rather than having to get to a part store for their test......my choice.


Cool Product, 
December 8, 2008
5 Stars

Easy to use product that tells you immediately if you have something to worry about with your car. The web site is nicely done and is free when you buy the product.


Excellent product, 
December 4, 2008
5 Stars

This is an excellent product. I saw a review on a local news broadcast and it truly is a deal. I've been looking for one of these code readers for a while and this was a great price. Does exactly as advertised.



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Autel MaxiScan MS300 CAN OBD-II Scan Tool

• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• ASIN: B001LHVOVK
• Item model number: MS300

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Description

The MaxiScan code reader supports all OBD2 protocols, including the newly released Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol. Though it is small, it is able to retrieve same information as large expensive scanners. This code reader reviews the emission readiness status of OBD monitors and determines the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) status as well as turns off check engine light. It comes with free CD software with over 7000 DTC definitions and is powered via detachable OBD2 cable.


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Equus 3100 Innova CanOBD2 Diagnostic Tool

• Product Dimensions: 12 x 8.5 x 2.5 inches ;
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• ASIN: B000EVWDAK
• Item model number: 3100

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Description

• Retrieves diagnostic trouble codes from your vehicle's computer to help diagnose problems
• Reads check engine light warnings on 1996 and newer vehicles through any OBDII protocol, including CAN (Controller Area Network)
• Features built-in memory to store codes, even when reader is unplugged
• Automatic refresh updates data every 30 seconds when connected to the vehicle
• Unique patented all-in-one screen display and LED display

The Equus 3100 Innova Diagnostic Code Reader offers an easy, effective way to troubleshoot OBD II vehicles. This powerful and rugged tool quickly reveals the cause of "Check Engine" light warnings on any 1996 and newer car, light truck, or SUV--foreign and domestic.

The tool features a unique, patented all-in-one screen display and an LED display for quick emissions status checks. Meanwhile, the 3100's automatic refresh updates data every 30 seconds when connected to the vehicle, offering an easy way to verify repair completion. The tool communicates with all OBD II protocols, including CAN (Controller Area Network).

An internal battery stores the latest test results for later review and analysis, and to accommodate future vehicles, the tool is fully upgradeable via a standard Windows-based PC. Equus' OBD-PC Link software is included with the tool, making upgrades a snap.

Amazon Customer Reviews

Excellent Tool for DIY Mechanic, 
November 2, 2009
5 Stars

Product worked as advertised. At half the cost of a single diagnostic test, this was a bargain. While not specific to any auto manufacturer, this unit does supply you with helpful codes. Although I have only used it twice to date, knowing what error codes the computer is sending is helpful, especially if the fix is something the do-it-yourselfer is able to fix on his/her own. It can reset the 'check engine' light as well, which not all OBC II instruments are capable of doing.


Great tool - save heaps!, 
April 25, 2009
5 Stars

This is a great tool and does exectly what I needed it to do. I was sick and tired of being charged $100 for clearing the check engine light each time I or my wife didn't happen to tighten the fuel cap enough after filling up. I was also sick and tired of the guys down at Purfect Auto telling me how 'severe' the engine problem was and that I would need about $500 to fix it!

Now I just download the data, review it and clear the light from the dashboard! If, in the event I find something needs to be fixed, I'm armed with all the data that ensures I don't get ripped.

This tool has now paid for itself 3 times over and also highlighted just what a ripoff the auto guys are. I can't tell you how many times they've tried to tell me something needs fixing when it actually doesn't - (yeah, and it's based on their data download too!) This should be a standard tool in any garage and is VERY easy to use!


Highly recommended!, 
January 10, 2009
5 Stars

Plugged this in to my 2005 volvo s60r and instantly got the reason why my engine light was on. It was a minor problem so I cleared it out of my car's computer and no more engine light. The volvo place charges $100 EACH time just to run a diagnostic test so this has already paid for itself. It's very easy to use and I'd recommend this unit to anybody looking for an ODB2/CAN reader. It also tells you in plain english on the screen what the trouble code is, no looking up numbers like some readers.


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Actron CP9135 AutoScanner Diagnostic Code Scanner with On Screen Definitions for OBDII Vehicles

• Item Weight: 2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• ASIN: B00009RAX7
• Item model number: CP9135

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Description


Is your car's check engine light on? If it is, your car is trying to tell you something and the Actron CP9135 OBD II AutoScanner speaks its language. Use this scanner to unlock the information stored in your car's computer. The scanner is compatible with all OBD II (On-Board Diagnosis II) compliant vehicles manufactured in North America, Asia, and Europe from 1996 to the present.

Turn off that distracting "check engine" light.
In addition, the CP9135 is fully updateable, so it is designed to accommodate future vehicles as well. The device features a large, easy-to-read liquid crystal display that shows the trouble code and its definition. And although you still have to fix the problem, the scanner will deactivate the "check engine" light on your dash so you'll no longer be distracted while you drive.

The CP9135 is simple and easy to use. The attached OBD II 16-pin connector cable provides both data and power connections, while the eight-foot cable and rugged housing are both oil- and grease-resistant for added durability. Once the scanner is connected, the extremely user friendly menu provides a variety of information in a snap. Use the Monitor Status and I/M Readiness (Inspection/Maintenance) function to determine if your vehicle is ready for an emissions test. The I/M Readiness is an excellent function to use prior to having a vehicle inspected for compliance to a state emissions program, so you'll have a good idea if your vehicle will pass the standards.

Another important thing to remember is that all emission testing facilities will fail a vehicle that has the "check engine" light illuminated at the time of the test--even if it is only lit to remind you of a past-due oil change or 60,000-mile tune-up. With this scanner, you can shut off the check engine light and pass the emissions test on your terms. The menu also alerts you of any pending DTCs and reads the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) status. By reading the MIL status the scanner gives insight into what might cause your "check engine" light to turn on in the near future. In this way, the scanner also provides some preventive measures to help you keep a close eye on your vehicle's systems. These functions, combined with the simple "hot keys" used to read and erase DTCs, make the CP9135 scanner a perfect solution for identifying problems with your vehicle and keeping you safe on the road.



Amazon Customer Reviews 


Life Saver, 
June 30, 2009
5 Stars


This little gadget has helped both hubby and several of our friends un-needed trips to the dealership or a mechanic to hook up to a diagnostic machine! Worth the money several times over!!!!



Outstanding product, 
June 19, 2008
5 Stars

This is an easy to use inexpesive product, especially when you couple it to getting the Amazon credit card. Instead of shelling out over $100 for my mechanic to tell me the check engine lite was a nusance lite, I can check the status and clear the lite myself and keep up with any problems that may be lurking. Best thing I've bought for my Jag in a long time.


Great for inspections!, 
June 10, 2008
5 Stars

I bought this scanner because my nissan's check engine light went off and on over and over again. I went to an auto store to have them read codes. They read the codes for free, however would NOT reset the light for me. I can now reset my light and also check to see if it is in what is called the "ready" mode for me to get it inspected. Turned off light, got it inspected, and I am good for one more year! I have also reset about 5 of my friend's vehicles for them. Great product and great price!


Saved me the purchase price, 
April 3, 2008
5 Stars

I had the Check Engine light come on in my 1997 Honda. I bought this to see why. The O2 sensor reported bad. But I reset the MIL light and it has not come on since. If I took it to a shop, they would have sold me a new O2 sensor and labor $200,00 or so. I'm ahead $150.


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ScanGauge II 3-in-1 Compact Multifunction Vehicle Computer with Customizable Display

• Product Dimensions: 5 x 1 x 2 inches ; 7 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• ASIN: B000AAMY86
• Item model number: SG2

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Description

The ScanGaugeII is a 3-in-1 automotive computer that combines a multifunction trip computer, diagnostic scan tool, and up to 37 digital gauges in one small package. It connects easily to your vehicle's On-Board Diagnostic (OBDII) port and communicates directly with the vehicle's computer. Not sure if your car uses OBDII or Controller Area Network (CAN)? The unit will automatically determine which system to use and switch to it. The ScanGaugeII works on all 1996 or newer OBDII cars, including gas, diesel, propane and hybrid vehicles, as well as vehicles with the latest CAN systems. A detachable cable allows for easy transfer between multiple vehicles. Its menu-driven operation means there's no need to memorize complex sequences, and no tools are required for installation.


Gauges include:

• Horsepower
• Fuel Consumption Rate to 1/100th per gallon/liter
• Vehicle speed (MPH)
• Fuel Economy
• Cost Per Mile/Cost Per Trip
• Manifold Pressure (not available on some vehicles)
• Battery Voltage
• Engine Load
• Coolant Temperature
• Throttle Position
• Intake Air Temperature
• Ignition Timing
• Engine Speed (RPM)
• O2 Sensor Data
• Fuel Trim
• Hybrid Battery Charge (for Toyota Prius and Ford Escape)
• And many more, depending on your vehicle's sensor design

Amazon Customer Reviews

Very easy to install. Very informative gauge displays., 
November 23, 2009 
5 Stars

I bought this to read and clear trouble codes but the X-Gauge displays are great.

Installation was very quick. The OBD connector (at least in my Honda) is not buried in the wiring under the dash. It's mounted on the bottom edge of the dash sheet metal just above the gas pedal, very easy to find.

I mounted the ScanGauge on my steering column cover with the supplied velcro in a few minutes. It's very light so the velcro works and it blocks only part of my odometer.

It displays your choice of four gauges and many of the 'gauges' are things never available in a 'gauge' before like instant, trip and ave. MPG and intake air temp. The data is fascinating.


Paid for itself in <3 months, 
September 2, 2009
5 Stars

The device itself does not make any changes to your vehicle to improve fuel mileage. What it WILL do is show you how much fuel you are using based on your current driving habits. If you are willing to make changes to the way you drive based on the feedback this device provides, you might just experience some impressive increases in fuel economy.

Some vehicle models come from the factory with trip/mileage computers and for those vehicles this gauge MIGHT be redundant UNLESS you might also be interested in some of the other parameters this gauge might measure. One parameter in particular might be transmission temperature for those who tow and have automatic transmissions. Before you order, it would be a good idea to contact the Scangauge folks in Mesa, Az to see if this device will function with your model
vehicle for parameters in which you are interested.

I run this device on 2 different vehicles: 1) 1999 F250 Superduty with the 7.3l Powerstroke and 2) a 2004 Subaru Forester 2.5x with a 5sp manual transmission. To switch vehicles, engine displacement, size of the fuel tank and type of fuel have to be changed. Easy enough. The unit can give you bit of a headache setting it up, but after you've done it a few times, it really is a piece of cake. The tougher part can be setting up the XGauge, which allows
you to program the device to read certain parameters that your OBDII computer might be monitoring. It is important to note that not all vehicles will have sensors installed that will provide the data to the Scanguage. Also, the commands provided just might not work on all vehicles. However, there should be few problems measuring parameters associated with fuel economy.

Most of our driving could be considered a rural 35 mile commute to town. The Subaru gets that duty. Prior to using the Scangauge, we were getting a solid 27-28 mpg on our Subaru. We were really kind of pleased with that. After hooking the SG up and inputting some necessary information for our engine size, etc., it pretty much sustained what we already knew by calculating fuel consumption the old-fashioned way.

But then we started using the feedback from the Scangauge to adjust how much throttle we were applying under certain conditions. This is where it gets good. The feedback is instantaneous, so you don't have to wait til the next fillup to see how well you did. I had always believed that better fuel mileage could be obtained by shifting to a lower gear and not using as much throttle to go up a hill. The Scanguage showed me that was not always true and that it
was sometimes best to stay in the taller gear as long as you don't lug the engine.

I also decided that if there was no traffic bearing down on me, I would take A LOT longer to accelerate to reach highway speeds. The same went for slowing down. With no traffic behind me, I could take A LOT longer to DECELERATE making full use of engine compression to slow the vehicle down. Not only did our fuel economy improve to 31-32 mpg (14.3% better!), but I'm also still on the ORIGINAL brake pads...coming up on 135,000 miles!

I've done a LOT of driving in my time, much of it on the autobahns of Germany for 10 years and I know brakes. I still have 25% of the original brake pad material available which could conceivably put me at 168,000 miles before I do my first brake job on this car! Not only are the pads not wearing, but the discs look pretty good, too!

On the Powerstroke, results were even better. I was seeing an average of 13 mpg and that improved 23% to 16 mpg average for a local 12 mile round trips. On trips to the mountains I can get 18 mpg. Also, the Scangauge keeps me informed on my transmission fluid temperature when towing our 5th wheel trailer. I had also hoped that the Scangauge would provide information on torque at the torque converter (CTQ), Torque Converter Line Pressure (LPC), and Torque Converter
Speed Ratio (SLP), but my truck does not have sensors for those parameters. I also learned with the gallons per hour (GPH) feature that this truck would burn .6+ GPH sitting at a stop light with the transmission in D. By shifting into N, consumption dropped to .43 GPH, a 31% savings. The display can be set to show 4 parameters at once.

In summary, after you drive with this device for a while, you are likely to change the way you drive. These changes can become so well ingrained that you might find that you will maintain your fuel economy, even after you remove the device and put it in another vehicle.

This device does a few other things as well, so look the literature over and remember to contact the company to see if it will work for your intended application if you intend to use for more than just monitoring fuel econmomy.

The Scangauge II isn't for everybody. Folks who are not technically inclined might find it a bit laborious to set up and may not really be interested in the information it provides. Also, if you are already an experienced "hypermiler", you might have already honed your driving skills to the point where you might not see much improvement in fuel economy. You might even already own one of these!

It is easy to fault this device for a somewhat laboriously techie setup, etc. But, as you use it, you begin to appreciate the thought that went into it. There is only so much you can put into a small package and still make this thing useful and fit in the cockpit of your car. But really, once it is setup,
you really don't have to fool with it anymore. Changing vehicles is simple. It has already paid for itself in the first 3 months. It gets 5 stars from me.


A Delighted Scan Gauge User, 
May 17, 2009
5 Stars

I recently got ambitious and decided to install a Scangauge II. I purchased this particular device because of the positive reviews it had on Amazon. My unit was a little over a year old and although it had never been previously installed I sadly discovered that it did not work in my 2007 Hybrid Highlander. Nothing at all appeared on the screen. It was just dead. I called the company in Arizona to find out how much it would cost to get it repaired. I was amazed when they said the repair would be free. After all the unit was a month or two out of warranty but they said this would not a problem.

I sent the unit back to them last Tuesday, and on Saturday in four days I received the repaired (or replaced) unit. I was amazed by the prompt service. You can imagine how delighted I was when I plugged it in and it worked fine! I have been playing with the multitude of screens and settings possible. I took a brief drive and it seems to agree with my built in gauges but also includes much more information. I am sure it will help me desire to find the most fuel efficient route between home and work. I have several possible routes, but it is difficult to guess which is better for fuel consumption.

It is not every day that a supplier impresses me with service! After this good experience I thought I owed the company a very positive review.



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