I guess somethings wrong, does anyone know what's the cheapest code reader that can read/display codes for a 2006? Will a cheapo OBD code reader work? Or do I have to get one with CANBUS? Any help much appreciated!

 

I got a Actron OBD II, CP9135 AutoScanner, it was around $80. I believe it was an Autozone. The key on-off trick wouldn't always work for me and I know it's operator error . But this time of year (fall & spring) my truck will give me a 0514 or 0071, I like the hand held unit to ease my mind. You can even clear the codes if you want.

 

I picked this one up at Sears. I walked into a Sears store and they were having a tool sale, (they have one every other week). It was only $89 plus tax, works excellent. Having 3 children with junk-box cars, here in Massachusetts we need a inspection sticker every year. This thing will turn off all code's and check engine light for 3 or 4 days. They never pick it up on their computers at the inspection stations.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...7059000P?mv=rr

There are cheaper ones, I believe it's http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...455&pricetype= that has one for around $40, don't know how good it is or how long it will last.

You can aways buy a Smarty, I hear they do all kinds of tricks.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...7059000P?mv=rr

 

2nd vote for a smarty, you get a power programmer and a FREE code reader.
Can't beat that!

 

You can't go wrong with a Smarty!

 

Will the smarty read codes on other cars though?

 

sure is quiet in here!!!!!

 

My Smarty works on my wifes Durango...

 

Somebody allready mentioned the key on and off trick, but I thought I'd bring it up again just to make sure you were aware of how that works.

Turn your key on and then off 3 times and leave it on the third time and the codes stored will be displayed in the odometer window.

 

Ok, so can the chip read codes on a ford escort? I think OBII codes are generic, but I don't want to destroy something this expensive.

 

bump

 

Personally I have not tried it. To the original poster, Advance Auto, Autozone etc will loan you a code reader for free. Some of the quickie oil change folks will read them as well for free.

 

So I just plugged it in to see if the smarty would work. It didn't read anything and told me to turn the key on and off several times. Thing is though, the primary circuit is down because it won't turn over at all. So maybe it would work on a car that ran.

 

This doesn't work on my 07 CTD RAM, but i know it did work on my 01 Dakota. I just got a check engine light today and can't figure out why. I have a predator programmer that is supposed to read codes, but it says no codes found. Might have to run down to autozone to see what their scanner says.

 

The key is a cheep as you can get.