OBD2 code readers

[milehighXR]

Years ago I bought an OBD2 code reader that connects to the PC with USB cable(android had not quite become a thing when I bought it). Anyhow, it seems as if it doesn't do as much as I apparently need it to.

I am working on our 2002 Chevy Venture WB Edition, and need to do an automated test on the ABS system. What I'm curious about is do I really need to pay for a subscription to have access to the FCA Gateway if I find that I end up needing to work on an FCA(Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, post 2018)? I'm of the opinion that "I'd rather have a sister in the whorehouse, than a dodge in the garage", but who knows what the kids will demand I help them work on. I mean one has already demanded I learn more about Subies than I ever wanted to know

I just don't wanna spend money on another code reader to find out in 15yrs that it won't do what I need it to, simply because I don't need it everyday. Paying $130.00/hr plus for diagnostics or repairs on this van is not gonna happen. It only has 110k miles on it, and it seems like the engine and trans may want some serious repairs soon, and I'd much rather get rid of it before spending that kind of coin on it. Of course we're probably gonna find ourselves with an auto fleet like Cubas pretty soon aren't we

[andyofcolumbusmerkur]

I have one of the $25 dollar cheapies, it doesn't do abs functions. Do you ever watch Alex on LegitStreetCars? He was showing a real cool scanner/programmer on his channel that could do all sorts of things on modern cars. You can buy it and use it as is, or pay a monthly fee to unlock even more functions. In the comments section people seem to feel it is unnecessary to pay monthly, unless you run a shop, because you can find downloads online for free.

[my8950]

I am not sure of the unit we have, or if it has ABS controls, however, I do see it advertised on other OBD tools stating it can do ABS systems.
That may be something to put in your search criteria when looking.

[milehighXR]

I think I found one on Amazon that has lifetime updates and does what I need for $125. I'm waiting on confirmation that what I have now won't do what I need it to.

Really frustrating working on this obd2 Chevy. Way more hoops to jump thru than should be necessary. I need to spend more time getting the xr to pass smog. At least with her all she requires is a paper clip and a voltmeter

[Ed Lijewski]

Autozone has loaner tools, maybe an OBD2code reader.

YMMV

[milehighXR]

I'll check, but I doubt theirs is gonna be able to run the automated test that is step 1 for diagnosing the current abs code...

[zxr250cc]

Hi all,

The Innova 5610 reader offers an add on cable accessory kit to read OBD1 as well as OBD2 and it offers lifetime software updates. I am shopping for a better code reader than the $39 cheapie I have used for years. The 6030P model is discontinued but available new for ~$80 or so on fleabay and will do almost all of the 5610 stuff but is for 2022 and older only for specs. (I have no connection to this mentioned brand.) 6030P will not do OBD1 though, it seems. I have one of the old OBD1 Ford readers and it is a pain to use. A newer design would be very nice to have..

Cheers

[milehighXR]

The only OBD1 I work on is the XR. IF I work on any other OBD1 I bet that I can find service info that will tell me how to use a paper clip and a volt meter the same way the OBD1 Fords were. I have a Rotunda tool for the XR, and have used the paper clip and analog voltmeter to pull codes on it too just to verify I could do it.

I saw an OBD2 bi-directional code reader on Amazon for $125 with lifetime updates. The reviews looked good. Down side is that the display is the smart phone, or an android tablet. I do have an android tablet just taking up space, but some of the reviews did state that some android versions weren't playing nicely with it...

I am going to check the relay, and the fuse on this van first, and pray that I can fix it without buying a tool that I don't really need right this second, and is very situational in use. Of course I should buy sooner rather than later as dear leader seems hell bent on starting a trade war

[zxr250cc]

Hi all,

I ordered an Innova 3060P on fleabay today for ~$72 (15% discount till the 16th) and it has functions for all stuff on my OBD2 cars and lifetime software updates. It uses its' own color screen and will be much better than the old cheap code reader I have used for the last five years or so.

This could save you money enough for about a tank of gas and Jeff is already rich enough..

Cheers