I am looking for an OBD code reader. I have a 2000 Honda Accord EX that I maintain and I would like to be able to read and reset the various codes that are generated. I recently had one and I had to take it to the dealer. It would be nice to know them so I know when it is something I can fix rather than the dealer. Something that would hook up to my laptop would be cool. I do not have a PDA so that route isn't an option. A stand alone specific unit would be fine too.

I have a similar specific tool for BMWs made by Peake so I am familiar with simple code readers and diagnosis.

Cost is always an issue too. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

Best regards,

Rich

 

You really don't need a scan tool to diagnose a motor, if you have a piece of wire you could do it with any 92+ Honda.... '91 and older Honda's will throw a CEL on the dash and the LED in the ECU will flash just as the CEL would on '92+ Honda's in the cluster... To reset codes all you gotta do is unplug the battery, unplug the ECU, or pull the main backup fuse in your under the hood fuse box... If there is a problem causing the CEL to come on such as improper wiring or a bad sensor then simply reseting the ECU will only get rid of it until you start the car back up and it finds the problem again.... Also a Honda scan tool will probably run you anywhere from $1000.00-2000.00, I don't know if you wanna spend that much but that's probably about what they go for.... I personally have a lot of diagnosing to do building motors and wiring them, but i've never used them... a jumper wire works fine for me, and it coming across the codes a lot just imbeds them farther and farther into my little head.... but yea hope this helps... Peace

 

http://obddiagnostics.com/order.html

 

If you still want to buy one get the Auto XRay for about $189. You can get ones at Pep bOys cheaper, but the Auto Xray you can upgrade later to do datalogging, sensor analysis, etc if you want. THe $150 ones can't be upgraded.

 

Oh my bad i didn't realize that you were talkin about a basic OBD scan device.... Peace

 

Sounds good to all, I will look into the options suggested. Any further advice is appreciated. I searched the archives and didn't find a whole lot before my initial post.

Kataku2K3 - your advice was appreciated but I was confused initally when I realized you were really just talking about resetting the codes.

Thanks again all.

Regards,

Rich - glad I found a fairly technical forum...

 

Being that your car is a 2000, it has OBDII, an d will require a scanner, or code reader. Go to http://www.davisnet.com and take a look at their product. I have their CarChip EX, not only will it read codes, but it will remove them, as well as record 300 hours of trip info(good for intermitten)problems. The unit will read and record 23 parameters which can them be replayed on you PC

 

I personally own an Interro PST-500, however, I got it for less than $350, which is their current 'web deal'.

If you had some specific Q's about it, ask away.