Recommendations for a code scanner?

[jem556]

I'm having issues with an intermittent check engine light on my 03 tahoe even though it seems to be running ok. It had been off for several weeks but came on again when I started it up today after picking it up from the shop (shocks installed and a frontend alignment done).

Looking for recommendations on a code scanner.

 

[2005yukonxl]

do what i did and get a USB OBDII interface off flebay from china. i think i paid all of 18 bucks for it. free software that was included, as well as available online, and ****. your laptop is now a code scanner that can read codes, decode codes, clear faults thus resetting the CEL, and show real time data as far as fuel trims, 0 2 sensor readings etc. cant beat that with a stick.

 

[ezdaar]

Buy a used diablo predator. even a gen 1 for 25$ works GREAT for real time diagnostics and code scanning...
Heck, send that puppie in and for 150$ you get the latest bran new version direct from Diablo...
Saves a Ton of cash...

 

[Mac]

If you have the money get a TECH 2......lol....check autozone they should have 1.

 

[bkboatnsleds]

I have a nice Matco one.. but you can get cheap ones now just for pulling / resetting codes..

 

[01HDtahoeNJN]

I'm looking to do this too but everyone's got a different answer lol

 

[ntxstallion]

I like the laptop idea. I think I will follow suit.

 

[jem556]

Well, I ended up going with this ElmScan 5 Compact USB OBD-II Scan Tool & OBDWiz Engine Diagnostic Software, which is an interface cable and software for your laptop pc. It was $38.95 off of Amazon.com. There were cheaper ones on ebay but I am an Amazon Prime member so I get free 2 day shipping and I like their return policy.


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002PYBZJO/ref%3Das_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=mactecenterprise&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399377&creativeASIN=B002PYBZJO

It arrived yesterday and installed the software on my laptop, hooked it up to my tahoe and it immediately displayed a P0136 "O2 Sensor Circuit Malfunction (Sensor 2)". I logged the code, cleared it and the engine light went out. So I guess I will replace the sensor if the engine light comes back on.