OBDII Scanner/code reader

[Spektrewing386]

Im totally clueless about purchasing an OBDII thingy. I thought they were sopossed to be universal to all 1996+ cars, but when i search for used ones people say "this is for nissan,toyota,honda".... or something like that.

So my question is what is good OBDII device that i can buy for about $50 that will be pretty much universal. Also i see some listed as "scanners" and some as "readers".... whats the difference... teach me OBDII diagnostics.

[SSMTL01]

just go to autozone and get it done for free. The model specific scanners probably just include code translations for that manufacturer so you dont have to look them up

[koukis14]

All OBDII systems on any car are the same...to a point. They have to be by law. Getting a $50 scanner from autozone is better then nothing, but most codes can be caused by MANY things. Especially if its a VW.

Example

Your check engine light comes on, your car is running like shit, you scan it, you get a code saying your mass air flow sensor is faulty. You go to autozone, buy a MAF put it on....and.....the car still runs like shit. what do you do, WHAT DO YOU DO HOT SHOT.lol

You buy a chilton or hanes manual, a digital multi meter and to a little back probing to find out you have a broken wire that could have been fixed for 35 cents, or a internal short in the ecm that could cost you over a grand.

OBD systems on cars are great but there is far more to it then scanning it and throwing a part on. So my suggestion is get a scanner, fluke digital multimeter, and a repair manual...an expensive thick one.

With the right information and tools you can do anything. Good Luck and find a forum more dedicated to your brand of car so that you can have access to information from people in the industry and know alot about your car.

[dorin48]

I would also like to add that any code number in the 1XXX's is manufacturer specific. You will have to verify its actual meaning, the scanner will give you a general term like "Manufacturer controlled emissions control" Im a manager for Autozone I have to do this crap all the time...ugh

[koukis14]

Its not hard to find those codes, hell dont you guys have alldata there?? You could find them on the internet too.