OBD II Code Reader

[alfonsi4]

Hi,

I was looking at purchasing a INNOVA EQUUS 3100 Code Reader, it is an OBD II Code Reader; sells for appox. $125

Does anyone have any knowledge or experience they can share about this product?

Also another one called Creader OBD II Code Reader; sells for appox. $50.

Thanks!

 

[alfonsi4]

This is to bring this to the top again in hopes of getting a reply!

 

[Vettelt193]

are you just trying to get the codes? you can get the codes for free, you don't need a reader at all

 

[alfonsi4]

Vettelt193,

Yes, I would like to get the codes. However if that entails paying someone to read them, then I would rather invest in a reader I could use for the future.

In the meantime if you have a way for me to read them, please let me know.

So... if someone has knowledge or experience about these readers, please reply.


Thanks

 

[Vettelt193]

I am just about ready to try this on my '96. I understand it works... the numbers should be displayed on the dash.

All you have to do is jump pins 4 and 12 with a bent paperclip. (The port is under the dash on the drivers side, above where your legs normally go.) After the pins are jumped turn the key to the on position, but don't start. The codes should start to come up, and if it is like my previous corvettes, the fans will come on.

 

[alfonsi4]

still looking for an answer to this question... any help would be appreciated.......

OBD II Code Reader
Hi,

I was looking at purchasing a INNOVA EQUUS 3100 Code Reader, it is an OBD II Code Reader; sells for appox. $125

Does anyone have any knowledge or experience they can share about this product?

Also another one called Creader OBD II Code Reader; sells for appox. $50.

 

[ocrick]

Reading Codes

Actually there are two types of tools out there. There are code "readers" and code "scanners". Readers will only report back the OBDII code (and usually clear it temporarily). Scanners will do that and will allow you to see the sensor inputs from the engine as the computer (ECM) sees them.

It all depends on what you want to do. If you have a "service engine soon" light currently and want to know what it is about before taking the car in for repair...that is one thing. If you are fixing the car yourself...that is another. Note that if you don't have a SES light now the reader won't tell you anything. There are many readers out there but an OBDII one is usually $99 to $199 (OBDI readers wich are generally for pre-96 cars) are usually $29-$149.

IMHO you get what you pay for (hopefully). If you just want to see and possibly clear a code go to your local Autozone or Kragen they will read your codes for free with scanner.

Remember that the codes are somewhat cryptic. When you go the the manual it will say something like "Misfire CYL 4". It won't really tell you why #4 is misfiring. You will still have to continue testing to determine if the problem is mechanical or electrical.

What I have found most useful is the ability to view datastream. Datastream is the actual output of the individual sensors (while the engine is running) that either provide infformation to the ECM or control the engine and transmission. An example of this would be seeing that your O2 sensor is spending most of it's time above 0.45V which means it is old and costing you gas. A scanner to do this is $200 to $2500.

Anyway that's my 2c!

Have fun!

 

[CKA_Racing]

I doubt you'll find many people on here that have experience with this specific scanner. So you may need to be patient and wait a long time for a response. Most people buy the AutoXray scanner which does plenty more than the cheaper scanners.
Did you try searching for info on the internet? I type in the model name in google and found this review.

http://www.batauto.com/articles/equus/Equuis_OBD_II_code_reader.shtml
Seems like a nice scanner for $125.
I bought an Actron CP9135 for $150 and it does not do all the things the Equuis can do. My scanner displays what the code number means so I don't have to reference the book. But I like the many things the Equuis can do. I'd say it's a good buy for the money. If you are looking for a scanner to do more things like monitoring sensors and taking snap shots, take a look at the AutoXray scanner for approx. $250.

 

[safety_match]

Am I right in thinking that the OBDII reader/scanner is also backwards compatible?
That the OBDI reader only reads up to 1996 but the OBDII reads all years from the beginning to today's models? Then the OBDII is really the only one to buy if you want to access codes from any car?

 

[CKA_Racing]

ODBII - 1996 and up.

ODBI - up to 1995.

The scanners are not interchangable.

 

[alfonsi4]

ocrick... CKA_Racing...

Thanks for the information. It does help! It lets me know I need to research more to be sure of what I want, and it gives me a good article about that product. I will check on the AutoXray scanner too.

Thanks again.

 

[CKA_Racing]

Anytime.