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