[TXFIFTYSS]

I have tools for days, but sadly I don’t own a code reader. It’s been on my list for quite some time, but there are so many out there I really don’t know where to begin. I’m not looking for the best one or one to spend a fortune on, but I’m also not looking for a cheap unreliable one either.

I would like it to be universal where I can use it on domestic and imports, that way I can use it for myself or others. I would also like to delete/clear codes if the vehicle doesn’t do that automatically once the problem is fixed.

Other than reading/clearing codes...is there any other feature/function I should really consider when deciding?

For those that recommend a dongle and app...I am not an Android user, I own/use an iPhone.

[TXFIFTYSS]

105 views and no one has any input?

I’m tempted to get one from Harbor Freight, just to mark it off my list. They offer several, but I’m thinking about the Zurich ZR4 since it’s $40 and had good reviews.

I am still open for opinions. I haven’t made up my mind.

[teddyca]

I got a funny story for you LOL. So I have had my fair share of code readers. All under $100 so nothing to fancy. I have a 2005 Chevy 2500HD with a big lift and a hypertech programmer which is at least 12 years old. The tuner allows me to delete codes and read them as well. For the last decade I have dealt with the same error codes from this truck and check engine light. The Hypertech tells me its a sensor in the tank so I just deal with it. 2 weeks ago I pull out the https://www.harborfreight.com/mercha...ata-63809.html I bought and it tells me something completely different. It states the MAF. I think to myself you have to be kidding me that is a 5 min fix. I order a new MAF and BAM!!!! Light has stayed off. I cant believe all this time and it was the MAF. The ZR8 is a nice unit and worth the upgrade

[jwaked]

In my Avalanche it was also de MAF

Originally Posted by teddyca

I got a funny story for you LOL. So I have had my fair share of code readers. All under $100 so nothing to fancy. I have a 2005 Chevy 2500HD with a big lift and a hypertech programmer which is at least 12 years old. The tuner allows me to delete codes and read them as well. For the last decade I have dealt with the same error codes from this truck and check engine light. The Hypertech tells me its a sensor in the tank so I just deal with it. 2 weeks ago I pull out the https://www.harborfreight.com/mercha...ata-63809.html I bought and it tells me something completely different. It states the MAF. I think to myself you have to be kidding me that is a 5 min fix. I order a new MAF and BAM!!!! Light has stayed off. I cant believe all this time and it was the MAF. The ZR8 is a nice unit and worth the upgrade

[teddyca]

Originally Posted by jwaked

In my Avalanche it was also de MAF

Its the #1 failure on these 4.6, 5.3, 6.0 LS motors. Sad thing is I likely did the damage by oiling my K&N filter when cleaning it at one point. After replacing maf I cleaned the filter and left it dry. LOL

[UrbanKnight]

You can always grab the el cheapo bluetooth dongle and an app for your phone... cheap and easy

https://www.amazon.com/Panlong-Bluet...s%2C169&sr=8-6

[overdriv]

OBD2Link MX

[crosive]

I second the dongle and app. for less than $20 you can read codes, clear them, and have much more via the app than just a code reader.

[TXFIFTYSS]

Man...never fails. All the Zurich products went up 5 bucks.

teddyca, yeah the one you posted is the next level up from the one I posted. Is it really worth nearly double the price?

UrbanKnight, the word cheap scares me. lol Is it reliable? Do you own one? Do they make it for an iPhone?

overdriv, do they make it for an iPhone? I did a quick search and Windows and Android popped up.

crosive, is it something you own? “And much more”...can you elaborate?

I’m not trying to skimp here, but I also don’t need any high dollar professional equipment.

[crosive]

Originally Posted by TXFIFTYSS

Man...never fails. All the Zurich products went up 5 bucks.

teddyca, yeah the one you posted is the next level up from the one I posted. Is it really worth nearly double the price?

UrbanKnight, the word cheap scares me. lol Is it reliable? Do you own one? Do they make it for an iPhone?

overdriv, do they make it for an iPhone? I did a quick search and Windows and Android popped up.

crosive, is it something you own? “And much more”...can you elaborate?

I’m not trying to skimp here, but I also don’t need any high dollar professional equipment.

I own several obdII bluetooth scanners that I use for my phone. I keep one in each car.

it can scan codes and clear everything from the ecu (had no luck on any other control unit however).

with torque pro on my phone, I can see everything the ecu can see.

Boost
timing advance
anything fuel related (level, current mpg, miles to empty, etc)
cat temps
fuel rail pressure
map pressure, before and after the throttle body
intake air temps from various sensors
injector duty cycle
injector pulse width
lambda actual
lambda commanded

too many to list here, but there are a few that I use on my vehicles.

not all of these are related to the camaro, or specifically. It all boils down to what vehicle you plug it into and what the ecu is actually let it read.

[TXFIFTYSS]

crosive, that’s a good idea if I decide to go that route (likely I will, one in each car). I searched for Torque Pro in the App Store and found it for $8.99. Is there a free version? You stated that you have/used a bunch of Bluetooth scanners...did you have a favorite or was that the one you posted? Do you have any experience with the one that was posted/linked to Amazon? Panlong.

[crosive]

Originally Posted by TXFIFTYSS

crosive, that’s a good idea if I decide to go that route (likely I will, one in each car). I searched for Torque Pro in the App Store and found it for $8.99. Is there a free version? You stated that you have/used a bunch of Bluetooth scanners...did you have a favorite or was that the one you posted? Do you have any experience with the one that was posted/linked to Amazon? Panlong.

torque does have a free version, and it does do some things, but it's been so long that I don't remember what exactly differentiates it from the pro version. you can atleast try the free version to make sure it works for you.

I don't have any specific experience with the one listed, but if he says it works, then it should be fine.

I have several of these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1.

they work great, but are a tad long, and can get in the way if you leave them plugged in.

my favorite one isn't sold anywhere that I can find anymore, but it's the size of the panlong one, except it has an on/off button, so you can keep it plugged in all the time, and just turn it on/off as needed instead of unplugging it.

[ZarusSS]

Originally Posted by UrbanKnight

You can always grab the el cheapo bluetooth dongle and an app for your phone... cheap and easy

https://www.amazon.com/Panlong-Bluet...s%2C169&sr=8-6

Can this be just plugged in when there's a check engine light or do i have to leave it plugged in all the time?

[UrbanKnight]

Just when needed