Hey guys, I'm thinking about getting something to diagnose my family cars. We got a honda and a subaru. I was looking into 2 options:

1) get a cheap OBD2 reader just for the codes like this. Then a better quality cable that I can connect to my laptop and see how all the sensors are working.

2) Get a better quality OBD2 reader from canadian tire, that can do Live Data but fewer sensors than a laptop.

My goal is to be able to troubleshoot the car as much as possible, and determine which sensor needs replacing. Not looking to do any tuning. I just don't know whether it is worth spending money on an expensive reader or a usb cable.

Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

Welcome to Iron Piston. Don't get the cheap ones, specially eBay cheap. If it doesn't work, it's $35 out of your pocket for nothing.

Keep an eye on Canadian Tire sales. I picked up a reader for like $59 or something like that about 2 years ago and worked like a charm.

Remember, you get what you pay for.

__________________

 

I know a guy on this forums "camaroman" and he will gladly read your codes, even in the middle of the night <-- j/k

He lives in Richmond hill so until you can find something give him a shout.

 

Thanks for the offer. i also have a partsource close by but i want to do it on my own without taking my car anywhere at anytime.

i dont want to buy a cheap cable and fry my ecu. if i go with the first options what cable should i buy?

 

Try something like this obd ii code reader | Diagnostic Tools | Auto Repair | Tools | Princess Auto but wait for a deal.

anything more than this would be waste of money.

As for the cable, I've heard good things about Tactrix (i think) and I think you can do stuff with SD chip and use the Learning View app. A little much though since you can tune your ride with tactrix too. Just my opinion.

 

So did someone figure something out because I'm tired of going to camaroman for checking my codes and would want to invest in my own.

 

If you car was ALDL I could make a cable in 10 minutes

I used these guys to get my ODB1 cable with USB port. Never had an issue with there product and prefer to use my laptop then a little scan tool that just gives a code number. They sell OBDII kits with the software.
ALDL OBD1 OBD cable OBDI OBD2 engine codes

 

I'm mostly used to using the little devices but would like to know how I can use my computer with software.

 

Thanks Fieronut3400 - I will check it out for the cable because i still need it.

The other day i tried to use this reader from princess auto. Works well, read and erased the code fine, so if anyone is looking to buy one of these, it does work on a 02 wrx and a 97 golf.

Going to purchase a cable soon, will let you guys know which one and how it works.

 

Please find out and let me know. Funny you came here to get help and now you're helping me. I thank you for that.