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What's the best affordable Code reader/reset tool for our trucks and why?

SS502

By SS502
in Troubleshooting & Recalls

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SS502 Senior Enthusiast

SS502

Posted
Posted

I am probably one of the few who do not own one YET and was looking for inputs on the best reader/reset tool for the K2 trucks? I realize I can get ahold of Snap-On for a high dollar unit but what are the more reasonably priced units out there? Not really interested in a tuner that does the job because I am not anywhere close to where I feel comfortable doing any tuning. Thanks. 

1SLOW1500 Senior Enthusiast

1SLOW1500

Posted
Posted

I'm in the market also. There are small bluetooth and wifi readers that are great. $20 to $100. And they claim to do many vehicles. They read and clear codes.

TXGREEK Senior Enthusiast

TXGREEK

Posted
Posted
I am probably one of the few who do not own one YET and was looking for inputs on the best reader/reset tool for the K2 trucks? I realize I can get ahold of Snap-On for a high dollar unit but what are the more reasonably priced units out there? Not really interested in a tuner that does the job because I am not anywhere close to where I feel comfortable doing any tuning. Thanks. 


I love my SuperChips F5, affordable, simple and yet noticeable performance difference. Just the other day, I remote started the truck, left my truck (performance setting) sitting in the parking lot for over 20 minutes, thinking it’s definitely turned itself off by now, nope! Simple little things like this just puts a smile on my face knowing lots of gains for so little.

Here’s the one for your 2018 bad boy 6.2

https://superchips.com/shop/f5-gm-flashpaq-for-2017-up-gas


Sent from above
aseibel Senior Enthusiast

aseibel

Posted
Posted

If you don't need to tune - Get any wifi/bluetooth one for $20 that you use with an app on your phone. There are free apps, or pay ones depending what you want to do with it. With Torqe (lite) free app, I have been able to monitor transmission temp while driving. I haven't had any codes on my truck yet, but I've used it to clear codes on my other vehicles.

 

Here's an example, but there are several that do the same thing:

https://www.amazon.com/Foseal-Scanner-Adapter-Diagnostic-Android/dp/B00W0SDLRY/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?keywords=obdII+reader+bluetooth&qid=1551807513&s=gateway&sr=8-3-spons&psc=1

SS502 Senior Enthusiast

SS502

Posted
  • Author
Posted
3 minutes ago, TXGREEK said:

 

 


I love my SuperChips F5, affordable, simple and yet noticeable performance difference. Just the other day, I remote started the truck, left my truck (performance setting) sitting in the parking lot for over 20 minutes, thinking it’s definitely turned itself off by now, nope! Simple little things like this just puts a smile on my face knowing lots of gains for so little.

Here’s the one for your 2018 bad boy 6.2

https://superchips.com/shop/f5-gm-flashpaq-for-2017-up-gas


Sent from above

 

Thank you, really but I am not looking for a Tuner yet, just a Code reader. When I am out of warranty, I will order an unlocked TCM from HPT and start playing with the tuning aspect of added performance. So far, I have done nothing that can be "discovered" by the dealership (that I know of) but with that said, I do run a dual catch-can setup, RANGE AFM disable and the Pedal Commander...IF I get a CEL, I want to know what it's for and to clear it if it's caused by anything I've done. In theory, nothing I have done SHOULD kick a CEL but as it stands right now I have to rely on Autozone or someone else to just read a code should one occur.

SS502 Senior Enthusiast

SS502

Posted
  • Author
Posted
6 minutes ago, aseibel said:

If you don't need to tune - Get any bluetooth one for $20 that you use with an app on your phone. There are free apps, or pay ones depending what you want to do with it. With Torqe (lite) free app, I have been able to monitor transmission temp while driving. I haven't had any codes on my truck yet, but I've used it to clear codes on my other vehicles.

 

Here's an example, but there are several that do the same thing:

https://www.amazon.com/Foseal-Scanner-Adapter-Diagnostic-Android/dp/B00W0SDLRY/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?keywords=obdII+reader+bluetooth&qid=1551807513&s=gateway&sr=8-3-spons&psc=1

Yes, this is what I am looking for. I will add it to my watch list until this thread dies away, just to allow other options to be listed. That looks like a simple and very cost friendly option! Thank you!

TXGREEK Senior Enthusiast

TXGREEK

Posted
Posted
Thank you, really but I am not looking for a Tuner yet, just a Code reader. When I am out of warranty, I will order an unlocked TCM from HPT and start playing with the tuning aspect of added performance. So far, I have done nothing that can be "discovered" by the dealership (that I know of) but with that said, I do run a dual catch-can setup, RANGE AFM disable and the Pedal Commander...IF I get a CEL, I want to know what it's for and to clear it if it's caused by anything I've done. In theory, nothing I have done SHOULD kick a CEL but as it stands right now I have to rely on Autozone or someone else to just read a code should one occur.


Fully understood but You can just use it to read and clear codes too and not having to do any kind of performance upgrade, always ready when the time does come years later.


Sent from above
Black02Silverado Senior Enthusiast

Black02Silverado

Posted
Posted

I got a Blue Driver for Christmas one year.  Love it.  Probably more than you want to pay but this thing does a ton.  I scan my vehicle out in the garage and can print it out in the house.

TXGREEK Senior Enthusiast

TXGREEK

Posted
Posted
I got a Blue Driver for Christmas one year.  Love it.  Probably more than you want to pay but this thing does a ton.  I scan my vehicle out in the garage and can print it out in the house.


Never seen it before but looks like a really great device to have as long as it stays updatable.


Sent from above
SS502 Senior Enthusiast

SS502

Posted
  • Author
Posted
25 minutes ago, Black02Silverado said:

I got a Blue Driver for Christmas one year.  Love it.  Probably more than you want to pay but this thing does a ton.  I scan my vehicle out in the garage and can print it out in the house.

I like this one, this is why I opened this thread to gather inputs! This particular device comes with an App designed specifically for this product, I like that...

"There are no additional fees to use BlueDriver once you have a sensor. The BlueDriver App is free, and all features are unlocked and included in the single BlueDriver App."

wforrest08 Senior Enthusiast

wforrest08

Posted
Posted

I’ve had this one for 5 years now. Has worked on every vehicle I’ve tried. I wanted something that would do SRS & ABS also. Has a handful of “test” functions such as O2 sensor ect & live real time gauge readings voltage ect. I didn’t set out to buy this particular brand and the functionality/easy of use is kinda wonky IMO. I’m use to it now just took awhile. If buying a new on I’d find one with all the same features but a different brand. I’m sure mine is a couple generations old and I see there is a boobtooth version of this model I believe it was 200ish at that time I paid around 120 for it off Amazon on sale deal of the day or something.  I actually prefer a corded model as I have my IPad sitting next to me to look up the code on the net and on reoccurring codes it’s a simple plug and done if I don’t have a device handy. The  time to buy stuff like this is off Amazon/eBay is around the major holidays Forth of July, Memorial Day, Turkey day, Xmas, ect they’ll run deals 3 days before and after the holidays. Also something like this that you won’t use much I wouldn’t be afraid to buy a “refurbished”, “blemish”, or old stock one to same a couple bucks. And as already stated if you want a simple get code # and reset code you can get a corded one on sale Amazon/Ebay for under 20 to keep the truck or toolbox.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Innova-3160g-Display-Bluetooth-Vehicles/dp/B001QIUGVI/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Innova%2B3160&qid=1551809962&s=gateway&sr=8-1&th=1

flyingfool Senior Enthusiast

flyingfool

Posted
Posted

I have the innova, its a total turd...

 

I use the $7 blue chinese, ALDL bluetooth adapter , and run $8 torque App on android device.  this it by far the best I've found, after that I use tunerpro scanner software on a cheapo laptop, thats pro grade scanning and recording right there!

diyer2 Senior Enthusiast

diyer2

Posted
Posted
9 minutes ago, flyingfool said:

I have the innova, its a total turd...

 

I use the $7 blue chinese, ALDL bluetooth adapter , and run $8 torque App on android device.  this it by far the best I've found, after that I use tunerpro scanner software on a cheapo laptop, thats pro grade scanning and recording right there!

How's the Innova a turd?

Explain please.

 

:)

1SLOW1500 Senior Enthusiast

1SLOW1500

Posted
Posted

I have a few I have now liked and about to buy. Issue is the software and what it is used for. In my opinion $30 and under is pocket change when compared to  the cost and time of a issue or just to clear out a code after service. 

I think this is just like tuning software may will do it but few are the best. and What do you need out of it.

I have never needed a scanner like this. But I had a licensed GM TECH II with all cards and license then the HPT can do all mod software. But maybe you just want to read and erase a code. As I had to last week, 2004 honda accord exhaust, cat and 2 o2 sensors. Just need to reset the code after the new parts. In this case worth every cent. Quote was $1600 at a shop, at my shop less than $250. Done for family member but still worlds of difference. 

OP do the leg work and let me know so I can just click the buy button. Thanks.  

aseibel Senior Enthusiast

aseibel

Posted
Posted

It really comes down to the intended use. If you're like me and just want to avoid the trip to Auto Zone for their free scan, and clear the code, then the under $30 one that links to you phone will do everything you could ever want.

 

If you are a serious mechanic and plan to tune and change settings in the BCM, obviously then you are looking at a high end model. I got the idea that the OP was more in my boat.

 

My reader will send live data to my phone, scan for codes, erase codes, what more could I want?

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