Automobile trouble code readers - under $100.

[J. Peterman]

When I was in Plattsburg, I also saw automobile trouble code readers for less than $100. ( $40 - $100 ) If you have one of these you can tell if the rat bastard theiving mechanic is taking you for a ride or not.

 

[sting]

if you know how to use it, and understand what the codes mean

 

[naughtylady]

for example if it says oxygen sensor that doesn't mean your O2 sensor need to be changed but that the O2 sensor is sensing a problem... running a little to rich for example...

Ronnie,
Naughtylady

 

[mtwallet]

You hit the nail right on the head Naughtylady. The cheaper units, and a lot of the expensive ones, will tell you what part is reading a problem but not what the problem actually is. The O2 sensor is the best example. It reads a rich condition in the exhaust and sets off the "Check Engine" light. But what's causing the rich condition? Bad injectors? Bad spark plug? Weak ignition coil? Plugged air filter? One of the best features to look for is one with "Instant Monitoring". That will measure the operating peramiters of most key systems. Many code readers offer a definition setting to translate the code into layman's language. A Haynes manual does the same thing.

Hey Ronnie. You're not a mechanic on the side are you?

 

[naughtylady]

No but I worked in a garage for 10 years...

Ronnie,
Naughtylady

 

[J. Peterman]

The advantage of having a code reader is..............

.................if you are a fairly competant week end mechanic it can tell you where the problem is and you may be able to fix it yourself. If you are not a competant mechanic, then at least when GREASY JOE at the corner garage tell your the problem you havea second unbiased opinion from your handy code reader.
While the cheaper code readers will only tell you a 2 digit code, you can always look it up in a manual or the internet.