Code reader

[ssrfr03]

Hi guys what’s the best coder reader that people are using thanks

[calnorth]

ODBII code readers (OnBoard Diagnostics) for Android/IOS/Windows

I have had two types and lost them. One at about £13 and the other about £50. Both connected by cable to a PC. The cheaper one worked better than the costlier on a Mondeo ST 220. By better I mean it picked up code errors that the expensive one didn't...or appeared not to.

These readers are limited in what they can do compared to the car manufacturers diagnostic tools at a few thousand pounds of course. Safety function errors like ABS/Air Bag cannot be reset...should not anyway! However, many engine sensor faults can be detected and reset...if the fault is fixed. I used them to detect a faulty air flow meter unit. Faults on ICE/Nav system cannot be detected

I think the bother with many of them is that they are of various Chinese makers who use fake chips and knock off software. Hence a lot of Bluetooth and Wifi failings (pairing etc).

The chipset commonly seen is ELM327 and commonly faked...perhaps whats below is? Maybe a good fake..difficult to know.

I am likely going to buy a cheapo one for fun and whats interesting is the link below on AliExpress. A good few buyers of this common ELM 327 reader if you look. This store has sold about 11,000 of these units. Customer reviews 6,221 and good. I'm interested in the unit with the big blue ON/OFF button. I'll steer clear of eBay UK as often its odd sellers in Asia..selling junk.

So for about £7 delivered I might get a reasonable little device?

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/959062486.html

[gloucester]

I have a code reader from Aldi - appears to work

[calnorth]

I have a code reader from Aldi - appears to work

Not that Aldi knows much about what they sell here. However, at least you can give it a try and return it easily if no good/not wanted.

I ordered the ELM 327 USB unit yesterday from the AlieExpress link above which should come with the Windows Scantool software. It was shipped yesterday as well. Some of the AlieExpress shippers are very quick on this and sometimes achieving 2 weeks delivery with Free Post. About $10 delivered to UK using PayPal. Credit Cards and all other payment methods are far too risky...its bad enough using your email address.

As I understand it Chinese Free Post is government subsidised.

[calnorth]

Just to complicate matters:

Nonsense Codes - Why Some OBD II Trouble Codes Don’t Make Sense

https://www.troublecodes.net/nonsense-codes/