Advice on Purchasing Code Scanner

[Johnny Danger]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Depends upon where you are going; for Porsche only work, the Durametric system is you current best bet. For general purpose OBD II on multiple makes, Actron makes some great tools at very reasonable prices, but they cannot read or clear Porsche “protected code” areas (ABS, airbags, etc.), while the Durametric can, but cannot be used on non-Porsche vehicles…………

For starters, I'm looking to clear a code (P0102) involving the MAF sensor. I don't imagine that I will ever have a need to address issues with the ABS, airbags ect... Will the Actron reset this code ?

[JFP in PA]

Yes. The areas where it won't work (protected codes) are all "saftey" related, such as ABS, PSM, PASM, airbags, etc. The Actron (as well as just about everyone else's OBD II scanners) also cannot activate the "drive modules" like the Durametric system can.

[Box on 19's]

I bought this one and works great.. on my Lexus, wifes Escalade, and the Porsche.. easy to use and not too expensive..



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CRAFTSMAN-87702-OBD2-DIAGNOSTIC-TOOL-BRAND-NEW-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem5643d68f02QQitemZ37050 5322242QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools

[j.fro]

I've got an Actron that I purchased back in 2005. It works great on my 00 986, but it doesn't work on my wife's 07 BMW X3.
I've seen OBD II apps for my iPhone, and I am intrigued.

I've also got the Durametric, and I am a bit disappointed (got it with my Softronic reflash). Yeah, it does all of the OBD II stuff, and I can reset an airbag light, but I was hoping for more. It allows you to test many systems by activating them with the engine off, but it does not permit permanent deactivation of anything. I need to disable the spoiler mechanism (I've got the Aerokit II, so all of the factory moveable spoiler is gone), remove the door airbags, and get rid of the secondary air injection. All of that is beyond the Durametric programing.

[jmatta]

I purchased an Actron...does the job for me, though it is very basic. I use it more on the daily drivers than I do the Box, as it has never thrown a code.

[clickman]

You can't get more basic or more portable (or cheaper) than the one I bought:

http://www.launchx431.ca/c-reader-iv.php

I paid $40

[Johnny Danger]

There's a slew of no name brand scanners going for cheap on ebay. I wonder if any of them are acceptable for what I need it for ?


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/OBD-II-SCANNER-OBD2-2-SCAN-TOOL-CODE-READER-OBDII-ENHAN-/380335464236?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item588dc29f2c#ht_8585wt_1167