The orange OBD2 scanner that AutoZone uses...it reads codes. Which unit do they use? I called and they said is was just an OBD2 scanner...uhhh no kidding? So who makes it? And is there a better one out there and what would that be. Also, I called a AZ location and said that 6 months ago they no longer scan cars for free. Well, the location I go to seems to be letting me use it for free. Is this true?

Thanks!

 

The unit they use is an Actron. It is not a scanner. It is a code puller. The cheapest OBDII code puller I have ran across is one sold by Harbor Freight Tools. It's about 50 bucks.

 

Whats the difference between a scanner and a code puller?
Bill

 

Yeah, thats it, Actron. I like how that thing gives you the code and description. It's $149 at A-Zone. Anything better than this tool? I wanna know if theres any tools like, code puller/sensor reader/programmer all in one. But basically I'm trying to find the best code puller since my car has been acting lame.

 

AutoXray. Google it, you should be able to come up with some decent prices. It'll cost more than the code reader, but will give you much more useful info.

 

AutoXray, looks pretty useful. I looked at the EZ 4000 scan tool..$325.00 ouch. So who's used this?

 

If you have a laptop, order a cable from www.akmcables.com and download Freescan or Datamaster (or both!) and scan away. You'll only spend about $100 or less.

If you've got a PC, do what I did before I got a laptop and drag the whole shebang into the garage for some scanning. Granted, you're going to have some issues if you want to log while driving around, but it's a start.

Something else to consider - check out eBay and see if you can get a 233mhz or so laptop and order the cable mentioned above. It'll still be in the $300 price range or more for everything, but it'll be very, very useful.