Best code readers & scan tools according to Reddit
Reddit mentions of Goliton ELM327 Bluetooth OBDII OBD2 Diagnostic Scanner Can ELM 327 Scantool Check Engine Light Car Code Reader
Sentiment score: 6
Reddit mentions: 13
We found 13 Reddit mentions of Goliton ELM327 Bluetooth OBDII OBD2 Diagnostic Scanner Can ELM 327 Scantool Check Engine Light Car Code Reader. Here are the top ones.
- Newly developed wireless scan tool
- Works with all OBD-II compliant vehicles
- Display current sensor data
- Read diagnostic trouble codes, both generic and manufacturer-specific
Features:
Specs:
Weight | 0.02 Pounds |
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#15 of 203
This is a cheap Amazon version of what I use to integrate with my Android phone. If you have a phone that can use the Torque app, download it (the free one works just fine) and connect your phone and the OBDII reader via bluetooth. It will display the code and give you the option to clear it. I do this every once in a while because the O2 sensor in my downpipe trips out every once in a while and throws P0420 at me. If after you clear the code using Torque it comes back, you probably have a problem you need to fix.
Go buy a $15 blutooth OBDII reader as well as Dash Command if you have an iPhone, or there's also an equivalent Android app, $9. It'll spit out the actual code thrown, and you can look it up online.
http://imgur.com/mh08pNW
> how and where do you get the car registered?
If you're in the US, you phone the local DMV and ask them how to register the car. You probably go to an office, write a cheque, fill out forms, prove that you didn't steal it, and then get registration.
If not, you text a car-savvy relative and ask them who you contact.
> How do you know when something is broken, and how do you fix/handle that?
You suspect that something is broken if a dashboard light comes on or if the car makes a motion or sound that it didn't used to. Then you Google it, watch some YouTube, read the car's manual, and maybe take it to a mechanic. For most newish cars you can also plug one of these things into a port under the dashboard, pair it with an app on your phone, and listen to the computer telling you what it thinks is wrong with itself.
> How do you choose a mechanic that isn't awful?
I dunno... Ask your friends, and read online reviews? How do you choose, like, a doctor or a lawyer?
> What are the basic parts under the hood, and what do they do?
Depends on the car. Depends on if it's gas or diesel. Probably best to Google your exact model of car once you've picked one.
> What sort of insurance coverage should I get?
If you're in the US, your state probably has a legally mandated minimum amount of insurance. If not, uh, ask someone car-savvy whom you trust.
> Etc.
It wont help you now but you can get OBDII bluetooth receivers off ebay/amazon for about $20. You can hook them up to your phone and read/clear codes with the Torque app (free version).
I bought a scanner just like this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Diagnostic-Scanner-Engine-Reader/dp/B0051CAE1C
You'll need an app to use it with your phone via bluetooth, I use the free version of torque. Have had it for a couple years now and it hasn't let me down.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051CAE1C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I just got this. Works fine. Takes maybe a minute or two to fully connect though,
Unlikely. The check engine light comes on for a variety of reasons but fuel economy and tire pressure is not one of them, not directly at least. What is causing the check engine light to come on may indirectly affect your fuel economy but it definitely won't come on just because the mileage has gone down or the tire pressure sensor light is on.
Get one of these ($13) and any one of the myriad programs for your phone that will read your codes. Torque is excellent if you have Android, and there is a free version.
How fast is your deadline? Order a bluetooth or wifi elm 327 adapter & get the code yourself. You'll need wifi for iphone or bluetooth will work with android: https://www.amazon.ca/ELM327-Bluetooth-Diagnostic-Scanner-Scantool/dp/B0051CAE1C
theyre $12 not really that special.
https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Diagnostic-Scanner-Engine-Reader/dp/B0051CAE1C
Getcha one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/ELM327-Bluetooth-Diagnostic-Scanner-Scantool/dp/B0051CAE1C
And this app:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.prowl.torque&hl=en
I don't know the iPhone equivalent but I'm sure there is one.
App was $5 when I bought it so you're looking at an outlay of about $20.
Being a former VW owner myself...you're going to want to spend this money.
In order for this to work would I need to get something like this? http://www.amazon.com/ELM327-Bluetooth-Diagnostic-Scanner-Scantool/dp/B0051CAE1C
If so, what's the best scanner for the money
A simpler option is to tie things to a bluetooth device that is always in the car, and is only turned on when the car is turned on. There are bluetooth car kits available. Another option (if you don't want a car kit) is to get a bluetooth ELM327 adapter like this http://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Diagnostic-Scanner-Engine-Reader/dp/B0051CAE1C. It plugs into the ODBII port on the car. If you install an app like Torque you can read the information from your car computer as well - helpful if the "check engine" light comes on.
A friendly reminder that just about any repair for any vehicle is available on youtube. Give your symptoms a google or post in /r/cartalk. Maybe pick up a cheap OBDII scanner.
I have zero training in person on how to fix cars. Everything I know came from youtube. I now do all of my own repairs. Even if you have to buy tools, the total cost comes out cheaper. When I started doing my own repair work, I didn't know the difference between an intake and a spark plug; if I can do it, you can do it.