What code reader to get? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

krue · 10-09-2017, 04:11 PM

I am swapping an 03 6.0l/4l80e into my truck and all I have is a cheapo code reader. What's a good obd2 reader to get without breaking the bank? Would love it to read abs codes too.

LeesTruk · 10-10-2017, 05:06 AM

If you live near a city or town, look around for a tool distributer(Snap On, Mac, Matco, etc.) that is stopped at a shop. Talk to the driver and see if they have any trade-in units for sale. Usually shops will update their scanners (not code readers) for the newest versions (read touch-screen) and the driver will take the shops' scanner in trade. I was able to buy, from Snap On, a used Solis Pro scanner with Domestic/Asian software, complete with cables and keys, and storage case, for $400. It was updated to 2015, too. It's a bi-directional tool, meaning that you can interact with your PCM, if needed (not for reprogramming). If you're just a hobbyist, like most, you won't need all the "bells and whistles" like a tech., and your tool will spend most of its' life just sitting in storage, so don't think you gotta get the most expensive unit out there

**MidLifer** · 10-10-2017, 03:34 PM

I've had good luck with a bluetooth OBDII unit and apps for my phone. There are a bunch of apps out there and most of them work pretty well for diagnosing codes and reading engine values. I haven't tried reprogramming a PCM using one though.

Amazon has the readers for about $20.

krue · 10-10-2017, 04:11 PM

Just bought the BAFX 34t5 Bluetooth based on good reviews as a get by. Any good apps?

**MidLifer** · 10-10-2017, 04:21 PM

When I had an Android phone I used Torque and liked that. Now on my iPhone I use BlueDriver and that works good too. I'm sure others on this list have opinions too...

68c10airstream · 10-10-2017, 11:58 PM

I use the torque app through google play store on my android based phone. Torque pro costs a bit more but does more. Works well

Green67Stepper · 10-11-2017, 12:32 PM

i'm using the GoPoint OBD2 bluetooth reader for my iPhone with the DashCommand App

solidaxel · 10-20-2017, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MidLifer

I've had good luck with a bluetooth OBDII unit and apps for my phone. There are a bunch of apps out there and most of them work pretty well for diagnosing codes and reading engine values. I haven't tried reprogramming a PCM using one though.

Amazon has the readers for about $20.

Take a look at Torque Pro the 5.00 version it will read what your computer tuner has "turned on" only

10-09-2017, 04:11 PM	#1
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	What code reader to get? I am swapping an 03 6.0l/4l80e into my truck and all I have is a cheapo code reader. What's a good obd2 reader to get without breaking the bank? Would love it to read abs codes too. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

10-10-2017, 05:06 AM	#2
LeesTruk Registered User Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Manchester, CT Posts: 433	Re: What code reader to get? If you live near a city or town, look around for a tool distributer(Snap On, Mac, Matco, etc.) that is stopped at a shop. Talk to the driver and see if they have any trade-in units for sale. Usually shops will update their scanners (not code readers) for the newest versions (read touch-screen) and the driver will take the shops' scanner in trade. I was able to buy, from Snap On, a used Solis Pro scanner with Domestic/Asian software, complete with cables and keys, and storage case, for $400. It was updated to 2015, too. It's a bi-directional tool, meaning that you can interact with your PCM, if needed (not for reprogramming). If you're just a hobbyist, like most, you won't need all the "bells and whistles" like a tech., and your tool will spend most of its' life just sitting in storage, so don't think you gotta get the most expensive unit out there

10-10-2017, 03:34 PM	#3
MidLifer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: South NJ Posts: 1,268	Re: What code reader to get? I've had good luck with a bluetooth OBDII unit and apps for my phone. There are a bunch of apps out there and most of them work pretty well for diagnosing codes and reading engine values. I haven't tried reprogramming a PCM using one though. Amazon has the readers for about $20.

10-10-2017, 04:11 PM	#4
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	Re: What code reader to get? Just bought the BAFX 34t5 Bluetooth based on good reviews as a get by. Any good apps? __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

10-10-2017, 04:21 PM	#5
MidLifer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: South NJ Posts: 1,268	Re: What code reader to get? When I had an Android phone I used Torque and liked that. Now on my iPhone I use BlueDriver and that works good too. I'm sure others on this list have opinions too...

10-10-2017, 11:58 PM	#6
68c10airstream Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Marquette michigan Posts: 828	Re: What code reader to get? I use the torque app through google play store on my android based phone. Torque pro costs a bit more but does more. Works well

10-11-2017, 12:32 PM	#7
Green67Stepper Registered User Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 109	Re: What code reader to get? i'm using the GoPoint OBD2 bluetooth reader for my iPhone with the DashCommand App

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