Does anyone know of a inexpensive code scanner to read and erase codes? I know there are some cheep ones out there($50), but something that someone has tried and works. Remember, I'm not running a garage, just for my personal use. Thanks all.

 

To just read basic codes you don't need anything but your key. Turn on-off-on-off-on to read codes on the odometer (don't START it). Now clearing them is a different story. I'd stay away from the $40 HarborFreight specials, but they make some nice ones for USB that hook up to a laptop. They can usually be had for around $200 with the software, but of course you need a laptop

 

i borrowed a cheap one to try out. it would read codes most of the time, but rarely will it erase, it says communication error alot. you get what you pay for. that is another reason why i am getting a smarty.

 

Thanks for the reply. I know how to read codes by turning the key. Mostly wanted it to erase codes, you know, for those times when I pull the air filter and start the engine before I re-plug the air senor. You what I mean, when I do those dumb--s things.

 

i say buy a smarty from DTR. is scans and erases codes, corrects for tire diameter change, and adds a whole lot of FUN!!!

 

I went to an AutoZone and got the Actron OBDII "AutoScanner" CP9135. The cost was around $80. It works fine.Gives the code number & description. I was going out of town and that day got a CEL light. Did not know if this was battery temperature or something serious. Turned out to be one of the temperatures battery or air temperature. Clearing the code was easy but weird. You had to either turn off the truck first or during the clear procedure. I just read the hand held and it worked like a charm.
Now as I expected, no CEL lights since. That AutoScanner under the back seat must keep the light out .

 

Foxborough, Thanks, I'll check them out. (Hay, is that Foxborough, Mass?)
Buy a Smarty, $$$$ just to erase codes??????
Not what I was looking for, Thanks anyway.

 

Foxborough is just the street I live on (not very inventive am I). On thing to think about AlCorr, there is a more expensive one that they say could monitor more stuff. I believe it was about twice the price. But at that range there are some computer software kits that would be even better. Price range for the kits were around $250. That woud be neat to have, just don't believe I really need it. I am happy with what I got .

 

I like to use my predator to read and clear now but I had a $70 walmart special and it always worked fine to read and erase all the codes I ever got.

 

Tell me more, I have the laptop!

 

young man, you didnt read all of the post. smarty does much more than erase codes. 9 different power level, up to 195hp. correct of tire size changes. fogs intersections. etc......

 

Since when is the Smarty 195HP, I thought it was 170 for you 04.5+ guys??

By the way YEAH, the Smarty is the best code reader! w/ a couple of great side effects

 

OK, young man, Thank you, I know what a Smarty is and can do and don't have a need for one. I have no plans on up-grading my tran. and I don't know anyone that if they had a Smarty wouldn't turn it up. I know I would. Also I'm not downing the Smarty, from what I hear they are one of the best out their. I'm just looking for a inexpensive scanner, but thanks again on the Smarty lesson.

 

oppps. 170, my mistake