I'm thinking about buying a handheld scanner to check my codes. Any recommendations for me on a slight budget, maybe up to $125 or so. Is Actron a good company and what should I look for in unit capabilities. I'd like to order it online today if possible. Thanks for any replies.

Jim

 

I know it is a little more but this is the best for the money.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/AXY-AX2500/

I have this one. The problem with some of the lesser ones is they get more and more limited on what they will read or the systems they will work with.

Also updates are important. Mine will update with new firmware. Other do offer this but from reviews I have seen they are not easy to do and many have issues with them.

The one I have is not as good as it once was as they used to have mare features but they removed them and lowered the price.

There is a gap from 199.99-300.00 plus where there is little offered.

Best to read up on the units and see what fits you and what offers the most. Like anything else the more you spend the better unit you will get.

I deal with most of the major units offered at work and I could have gotten all of them including the Sears. I chose what I did as it had the most for less than $200. I would have gotten a better one but for all I use it this one covered anything I had and can update to do anything I may need in the future that has OBD II.

 

my tricecta program reads and clears codes, nice little extra.

 

Ive been looking at these too, but I dont know how to determine what works with our cars. Is there a central website that lists them?
Id like to get one of the bluetooth adapters that connects to a laptop or smartphone and displays realtime data. They are sold on ebay for less than $20.

 

amazon has some listed with descriptions and reviews. I guess being newer than 96 they are able to use the more recent ones, ob2 and can capability. I'm new and trying to learn also....

 

Or go wifi if your bluetooth is busy doing music.http://www.plxkiwi.com/kiwiwifi/, these folks have both.

 

Make sure what ever you buy is CAN compatible also. Live data is also a good feature with freeze frame.

I have this for home use (didn't pay anywhere near the MSRP-caught a good sale at Pep Boys a couple years ago):

http://www.equus.com/Product/3130/Scan-Tool-CanOBD2

I have this one to throw around in my car for anyone at work who needs a code read:

http://www.amazon.com/Actron-CP9135-...=cm_cr_pr_pb_t

I have had the actron for eons now and it has taken a beating but still looks & works perfect. Been discontinued, but if you don't have a lot of cash-on sale now at advance auto parts for $99 bucks and qualifies for free shipping-buy the below:

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...x_x#fragment-2

 

Here you go.

http://www.banggood.com/Wholesale-V1...r-p-39398.html

I have a bluetooth version.

There's a ton of freeware to use the thing. I use ScanXL.
You need a laptop, or if you can get your PC near the car.

I have custom dashboards on my netbook and you can watch and log all kinds of live data. Here's a post on it:
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/hhr-ss-45/my-roll-your-own-performance-display-28807/