Okay, so on new years day I was off to a date and my car service engine soon light came on followed by total lost of acceleration. So I took the car to the stealership to get a code read out to find out that it would cost me $130 plus tax

I refused to pay them $130 for something that would literally take them 1-2 mins to get a read out. I went on ebay and ordered the OBD II code reader that came with the reader,manual,universal cord and dics for updates and it cost me less than a $100 shipped. Anyone who have a newer model car needs to get one because it's good to familarize yourself with the codes and stop the stealership from overcharging you for simple Do it yourdamnself. DIY 1, stealership 0

 

autozone..............FREE checking of CEL

 

You could've gone to Autozone for free but I refuse to pay $100 for a scanner.

This is what I got:
http://www.amazon.com/Autel-MaxiScan...6675609&sr=8-1

And here's my walkthrough and review on it:

 

Yeah that would be nice except I live in Canada where there isn't a Autozone and everywhere else charge. Besides $100 for knowledge is nothing because you're the one doing it yourself and you're the one learning. If you ask me it's a small price to pay for expereince.

I mean what happens if you live far from "Autozone" and you have no acceleration or you can't rev over 2500 rpm? You could cause and accident while merging or loose the acceleration while going through a red light camera and get caught.

 

I only paid $21 shipped for my knowledge/experience

 

There was a lot to choose from,cheap,expensive,big and small. I wanted something that offered more features,bigger than the average and reasonable. The one I bought is retailed at $300 so I think I got a great deal.

 

Here in CA, Autozone no longer checks/reads your CEL.

From what I read, too many auto repair shops made a stink claiming they were losing too much business and CA lawmakers made it stick with legislature.

IIRC, my code reader cost about $45 new.

 

I could see that happening. The other stores charge to give a read out, just not as much as the stealership. It's just too much of a hassle it you ask me. There are really cheap one, just buy one that you can afford

 

thats the ones they have at the autozone in my area. i personally don't like that one.

 

Mine or the OP's?

 

Yes sir, down in my part also cool with a couple mechanics that when I didnt have one they would read the code for free, but I got the same one as the OP love it since it gives a explanation of the code.....

 

working at a garage, free use of code reader

my Supra doesnt even have a CEL, just a sensor light

 

I use this on my Android phone. It pulls and resets codes, gives realtime info, 0-60 times, gps tracking, just a ton of good stuff.
http://torque-bhp.com/

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Auto-Car-USB...item1e6964a8ae

get that ^^^^ wire for like 15 bucks, comes with a cd hook it up to laptop, can easily download better software online if you want. Read codes, reset codes.. etc for like 15 Bucks

had it for over 2yrs and still works like a charm

 

I'm **** when it comes to computers. So you're saying with this cord I can do the same thing as the reader? I could probably get it and figure out how it works. Good looking man

 

This one is still free

http://www.nissanhelp.com/diy/common...des_read_2.htm

 

Thanks man but i'll stick with the code reader. The code chart would be helpful

 

That's what I was thinking. If it's a Nissan, or most cars, there's probably a way to get the codes easily.

That's pretty cool, used it before. But why stop at USB when you can get bluetooth? Because with bluetooth, you can also use it with the link below and many other free or low-cost software.

Dr J

 

Lmao. I mean if ya'll want to do that then go for it. There's many readers that would give a hassle free code for "every" car and I don't have to worry about finding out how to do it for other cars.

Besides, it's not like it's a one time use thing. Its yours to keep

 

Any basic OBD2 scanners will be fine. iPhones and Androids can do it nowadays too

 

89-94 maximas along with many other nissans have self diagnosis modes on the
cars ecu,transmission computer,abs control unit,srs system,digital climate and gauges even
had self diagnosis modes.......im just sayin

 

Not really sure why ya'll are against the code readers. And there may be other ways to getting a code read except not everyone know of it and not everyone drive maxima's that's 97 or older.

It's a universal code reader so I could read any and everyone's car codes in mins and save them from going to the stealership or a mechanic who would charge. Just saying

 

I'll bite... Here we go.

When you say "just sayin", it implies you're making a statement without adequate support, leaving yourself open to flaming and inviting a discussion.

The heart of your original post was to gripe about the expensive dealer service. If you're gonna talk price, the cheapest way is to read them manually.

You also said it's good to familiarize yourself with the codes. The codes are both free to read, and free to look up online.

Lastly, this "simple diy" requires simple tool (flat screwdriver) and simple procedure (turn the screw, count the blinks).

Your post talks about "newer cars", which we're gonna assume you meant 4th gens, but as others have pointed out, prior gens also have easily read codes, which your obd2 won't be able to read.

I think that pretty much sums up why we were giving you alternatives to the code reader which are cheaper, faster, easier, more convenient than the dealer option. We're not against readers, just giving options that fulfill your criteria.

Dr J

edit: All caps thread title will also invite discussion. Use appropriately.

 

I guess

 

sears has a wide range of OBD2 scanners for sale went and got one the other day... 45 bucks for the cheapest and goes all the way up to 3000... for anyone wondering you need to have a 96 and newer to use an OBD2 reader otherwise I belive you need obd0 (not sure though so dont take my word for it)

 

And I use my Android phone to read codes and other stuff.

 

Tracking by GPS isn't 100% accurate for 0-60 tests unless you have full bars and multiple satellites and you usually wont. I tried it and didn't like it. I think that obd2/usb is an awesome product. I might get that for the sole purpose of being able to clear codes to pass emissions and not have to let unqualified people touch my car

 

Even the '95s are OBDII.

 

95 was the crossover year. I don't know if it applies to the Maxima's as well. But the 95 Altima's can run a 93-94 JWT ECU as PnP whereas the rest of us, 96-01 have to re-pin the harness.

 

The OBDII port is just on the passenger side in the '95s instead of on the driver side.

 

Thanks nice find.

 

http://www.ultra-gauge.com/ultragauge/index.htm

I got this!

 

That looks really cool man. Looks like a radar,gps,scanner and camera in one. Great find

 

I'm liking the Ultra Gauge, and the price is great for as many functions as it has!

Powered by the car's 12v?

 

Mr. Lube checks codes for free

 

powered by the obd2 port

 

I ended up going with Torque (android app) and a bluetooth OBD unit, which should be here soon.

Total of $30 ($5/app, $25/OBD unit)

 

Nice find

 

I bought me 1, it makes my life easier. There's been times my car would shut down and I couldn't get it to autozone. Sometimes I have to trick my ecu into thinking the problem is fixed just to get the car to start. People it comes in handy

 

Trust me man.I've already used it on 4 cars.I should of bought one of these a long time ago