Which Code Reader to buy?

[k2500]

With my recent purchase of a 99, I am now in the world of OBD2 and would like to buy a code reader to help with the diagnostics. As I understand it, most OBD2 readers will only read the mandated OBD2 codes, and not the specific manufacturer codes. Are there any readers out there that will read the GM codes out of the box, or will I need to buy one that has some capability for expansion. If I have to buy one with expansion capability, which brands are a good option.

Thanks,

Jay

[k2500]

No responses on this so let me ask a slightly different question. What code reader/scanners are people using on their trucks that work well? I need to tell Santa which one to get me but am not sure which one will work. I am looking at some of the Innova Equus units (models 3040 or 3160) so if anyone has any experience with these specific units it would be great to hear about them.

Thanks,

Jay

[CRTurboGuy]

I don't have anything specific for these trucks, but I can tell you that I've used a ScangaugeII purchased for my since departed 1996 Subaru and my wife's 2007 Honda on my 2011 GMC truck and it seems to work just fine. Granted, I haven't had to reset any codes with it, but it read sensor data just fine and I don't anticipate having any problems clearing codes if I need to.

 

--JOsh

[k2500]

There are a couple of people that are following this thread so I thought I would provide an update. I checked into the Scangauge II as well as a few others and ultimately decided on an Actron 9580 based on the review here-

 

http://www.auto-facts.org/automotivescantoolreviews.html

 

I have yet to use it extensively, but it was truly a plug it in and start using it. All of the scantools may be like this, but this is my first so I it is all new to me. So far it has read and reset GM specific codes (not the General OBD2 codes) on my '99 and correctly diagnosed a temp sensor problem on my neighbors 2006 HD 2500 diesel. The feature that was the big selling point for this over the other units I looked at was the Code connect feature where it gives the most probable causes of the code. According to the literature, it does not cover all codes, but so far has covered the codes I have been reading. I have not interfaced it to the computer yet, so do not have experience with that feature, but will be doing that in the next couple of weeks.

Jay

[RyanbabZ71]

My autocal I have (for my blackbear tune) reads and clears codes.

[kstruckcountry]

I just got an Innova, i have cleared codes with it and looked at data, also you can download performance info onto the computer I think, haven't tried that feature out yet. It definitely is nice to be able to clear your own codes.

[chrisjr123]

Snap on solus pro should do the trick. Any code reader is the same cheaper the better. More money starts giving you ability to watch live data misfires 02 sensors and fuel trims. The next step is abs info and some more diag capability for commanding switches active. For what you would need as cheap as you can find. You can always clear codes by unhoking battery.