CEL Code Reader/Clearer Options

gdgraph · 02-17-2017, 08:24 AM

Just wanted to start this thread to see what devices people have gone out and purchased so I can weigh out the optoins and see if I want to invest in getting one.

I know you can go to the dealer or an autozone to get the code read, but if you plan to eventually mod your car and void the warrenty those trips to the dealer are not free and autozone stopped clearing codes (they only read) so I want to invest in my own since I'll be doing most of the work on the car myself anyways.

From some of the other threads there sounds like there are a few options out there, you can get an actual scan tool (seems like they run around $150+) and I've also heard there are some bluetooth OBDII devices that you can use with an app on your phone for around $25.

If you have a scan tool or a blue tooth OBDII reader and app that works on an iphone that can both read & clear codes I'd be interested to know the brand, model, and price.

SuperSound · 02-17-2017, 10:21 AM

Any of the BT OBDII adapters will work for what you want. The differences in them are really quality and response speeds for data logging. I got one of the cheap ones from Amazon (think it was $25). The app on your phone is the "brains". I use a free version of Torque, but there are a multitude of options. IMO purpose built scan tools are overpriced and not nearly as useful. Most have no way of data logging last I checked.

Another option is to get an OBDII cable for a PC. Believe you can even use the BT adapters, then get some software to use it.

KirkH · 02-17-2017, 10:25 AM

I use the AutoEnginuity Scan Tool. It's not for an iphone, its for a laptop so it can do data logging. It is an amazing tool. I have the Chevy package and the Ford package. Indispensable on my 2002 ford diesel truck.

https://www.autoenginuity.com/wordpr...ucts/scantool/

TheRealJA105 · 02-17-2017, 11:56 AM

I use an OBDlinkLX and my Samsung phone. Also works great with TrackAddict software for dashcam video with integrated gauges.

Hyper16 · 02-17-2017, 12:48 PM

I use Xtools iOBD2mini on my iPhone along with a cheap sending unit I got on amazon.

ctrlz · 02-17-2017, 01:08 PM

I have a harbor freight code reader. It's the model that sells for about $120 in the store (with the mandatory 20% coupon). That unit allows data logging. I got it for about $60 on eBay.
If I had to do this again I would probably get a simple code reader for $20 off amazon. Really the way to troubleshoot these problems is to get the code and then google "P0301 2017 Camaro" and find out what that particular code means (typically) for that particular car. "Cylinder 1 misfire" is not as helpful as knowing that a PCV leak is often the cause of that particular code in your car (just making up an example here).
If I needed data logging, I would probably look at a Chinese Tech2 clone, as that will give you a lot more power than any iPhone or PC-based software. Right now the clones are about $300.

cellsafemode · 02-17-2017, 01:29 PM

just grab any bluetooth obd2 adapter ...they're like 20 bucks or less. Then use Torque on android ...which has a free version.... to read and clear codes.

ctrlz · 02-17-2017, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cellsafemode

just grab any bluetooth obd2 adapter ...they're like 20 bucks or less. Then use Torque on android ...which has a free version.... to read and clear codes.

This sounds like a good way to start! Plus it is small and portable.

SuperSound · 02-17-2017, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctrlz

This sounds like a good way to start! Plus it is small and portable.

Exactly why I did the same. I leave the adapter in my car. I've actually used it more on other people's cars than my own.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk

detltu · 02-17-2017, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheRealJA105

I use an OBDlinkLX and my Samsung phone. Also works great with TrackAddict software for dashcam video with integrated gauges.

This is the one I use. I also use it with Harry's lap timer.

gdgraph · 02-17-2017, 03:03 PM

Sounds like the cheap Bluetooth OBFII will do the trick, just need to find the right software to read and clear codes with my iPhone. Unfortunately the Torque app is android only so I don't know what the equivalent app would be for apple.

GTIanZ28 · 02-17-2017, 03:53 PM

I bought this one. works pretty well.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

on the iphone with OBDCarDoctor

GroundhogSS · 02-17-2017, 05:56 PM

I got one of the inexpensive blue tooth ODB II scanners on Amazon and the paid Torque app. Works great. It sounds like the above mentioned iPhone app is similar.

gdgraph · 02-20-2017, 07:19 PM

Awesome! Exactly what I was looking for, a Bluetooth OBD 2 device and an apple compatible app, thanks for the help!

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTIanZ28

I bought this one. works pretty well.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

on the iphone with OBDCarDoctor

02-17-2017, 08:24 AM	#1
gdgraph Drives: 2016 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 916 View My Garage	CEL Code Reader/Clearer Options Just wanted to start this thread to see what devices people have gone out and purchased so I can weigh out the optoins and see if I want to invest in getting one. I know you can go to the dealer or an autozone to get the code read, but if you plan to eventually mod your car and void the warrenty those trips to the dealer are not free and autozone stopped clearing codes (they only read) so I want to invest in my own since I'll be doing most of the work on the car myself anyways. From some of the other threads there sounds like there are a few options out there, you can get an actual scan tool (seems like they run around $150+) and I've also heard there are some bluetooth OBDII devices that you can use with an app on your phone for around $25. If you have a scan tool or a blue tooth OBDII reader and app that works on an iphone that can both read & clear codes I'd be interested to know the brand, model, and price.

02-17-2017, 10:21 AM	#2
SuperSound Drives: '17 Camaro 2SS A8 Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Eastern NC Posts: 5,063 View My Garage	Any of the BT OBDII adapters will work for what you want. The differences in them are really quality and response speeds for data logging. I got one of the cheap ones from Amazon (think it was $25). The app on your phone is the "brains". I use a free version of Torque, but there are a multitude of options. IMO purpose built scan tools are overpriced and not nearly as useful. Most have no way of data logging last I checked. Another option is to get an OBDII cable for a PC. Believe you can even use the BT adapters, then get some software to use it. __________________ Current: '17 2SS Hyper Blue, A8, MRC, NPP Past: '99 SS Camaro A4, '73 Camaro 383 A3 "Voices in your head are not considered insider information." 3800 Status - 6/16/16 (Built!) 6000 status - 6/29/16 (Delivered!)

02-17-2017, 10:25 AM	#3
KirkH Drives: 2016 2SS M6 Mosaic Blk Met-SOLD Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: KY Posts: 2,934	I use the AutoEnginuity Scan Tool. It's not for an iphone, its for a laptop so it can do data logging. It is an amazing tool. I have the Chevy package and the Ford package. Indispensable on my 2002 ford diesel truck. https://www.autoenginuity.com/wordpr...ucts/scantool/ __________________ Official Detailer of CamaroFest 8 & 9 https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...st-8-pics.html https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showt...=521655&page=1 https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showt...=547470&page=1 https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=527474 No one on Earth has detailed more Camaros. http://KirkTheDetailer.com

02-17-2017, 12:48 PM	#5
Hyper16 A Heartbeat Away......... Drives: Not As Fast As I Would Like To Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,379	I use Xtools iOBD2mini on my iPhone along with a cheap sending unit I got on amazon. __________________ ,,,,,,, 2016 Hyper Blue Metallic 2SS \| A8 \| MRC \| Sunroof \| Nav \| Mishimoto Catch Can \| GM CAI \| Hurst Shifter \| Borla S-Type Exhaust \| Body Color Splash Guards \| 1LE Splitter \| GM Dark Tail Lights \| ZL1 Third Brake Light \| Custom Fuel Door, Badges & Bowties \| Oracle Side Markers \| Blacked Out Stuff \| Opti-Coat Pro+ The problem with this world is stupidity. I'm not saying there should be penalties for stupidity, but why don't we just take the warning labels off everything and let the problem solve itself.

02-17-2017, 03:53 PM	#12
GTIanZ28 Drives: 2016 V6 RS Camaro 6MT Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 1,102	I bought this one. works pretty well. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 on the iphone with OBDCarDoctor __________________ Summit White 2LT RS V6 ZN2 NPP m6 khalihari interior. Order placed 9/26/15 - Picked up 12/17/15!

02-17-2017, 11:56 AM	#4
TheRealJA105 Drives: 2013 C6Z06 Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: PA Posts: 1,577	I use an OBDlinkLX and my Samsung phone. Also works great with TrackAddict software for dashcam video with integrated gauges.

02-17-2017, 01:08 PM	#6
ctrlz Drives: 2017 2SS, 50th pkg, M6, MRC, NPP Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Ocean City, NJ Posts: 3,559	I have a harbor freight code reader. It's the model that sells for about $120 in the store (with the mandatory 20% coupon). That unit allows data logging. I got it for about $60 on eBay. If I had to do this again I would probably get a simple code reader for $20 off amazon. Really the way to troubleshoot these problems is to get the code and then google "P0301 2017 Camaro" and find out what that particular code means (typically) for that particular car. "Cylinder 1 misfire" is not as helpful as knowing that a PCV leak is often the cause of that particular code in your car (just making up an example here). If I needed data logging, I would probably look at a Chinese Tech2 clone, as that will give you a lot more power than any iPhone or PC-based software. Right now the clones are about $300.

02-17-2017, 01:29 PM	#7
cellsafemode Drives: 2016 Camaro 1LT Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: California Posts: 3,514	just grab any bluetooth obd2 adapter ...they're like 20 bucks or less. Then use Torque on android ...which has a free version.... to read and clear codes.

02-17-2017, 03:03 PM	#11
gdgraph Drives: 2016 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 916 View My Garage	Sounds like the cheap Bluetooth OBFII will do the trick, just need to find the right software to read and clear codes with my iPhone. Unfortunately the Torque app is android only so I don't know what the equivalent app would be for apple.

02-17-2017, 05:56 PM	#13
GroundhogSS Drives: '17 2SS convertible'20 Yukon Denali Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Cedar Park, Texas Posts: 3,022	I got one of the inexpensive blue tooth ODB II scanners on Amazon and the paid Torque app. Works great. It sounds like the above mentioned iPhone app is similar. __________________ Richard 2017 2SS SIM convertible, A8, NPP, MRC, 56R wheels, GM CAI, Diode Dynamics Side Markers, Mamo Throttle Body Delivered: 08/15/2016 #TeamBeckyD

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