Can anyone recommend a fault code scanner?

Y

YorkshireSam

New member
Evening all,
Could anyone pls recommend a DIY plug-in OBD fault code reader that allows you to clear codes?

If possible I'd like to avoid anything with apps/ subscription and being a Yorkshireman I obviously want to pay as little as I can possibly get away with, without it being rubbish.

It's all new to me, so any recommendations appreciated.
Thanks in advance👍
 
This works really well. Not the cheapest but very robust, standalone (no apps required) and practical. I leave it in the boot now. It won't drain your battery after reading or deleting a code either if you:

1) Close the diagnostic session
2) Return to the home menu
3) Power it down and unplug it from the OBD connector

https://amzn.eu/d/dhCPTyC
 
I use iCarsoft V2 Jaguar/Landrover
Widely available, cheap enough, plug an play , no subscription and cleared many codes on my former Evoque and does the same on the F Type. Lots of other functionality and real time car data
V3 now available for a bit more which if I didn't have V2 I'd buy it instead as a step up

Parent website, but buy in the UK for around £135 for V2
https://www.icarsoft.eu/V2-SERIES
 
How easy is it to use these as there was an issue on Jaguar in particular that it has to be "shut down" properly otherwise it creates all sorts of battery drain problems.
Would either of these work on Lexus and Honda. I'm thinking if one had to get a scanner, might as well get something that reads all the family cars.
 
santoshlv426 said:
How easy is it to use these as there was an issue on Jaguar in particular that it has to be "shut down" properly otherwise it creates all sorts of battery drain problems.
Would either of these work on Lexus and Honda. I'm thinking if one had to get a scanner, might as well get something that reads all the family cars.
Click to expand...

Carsoft is certainly manufacturer specific, so no.
To get multiple makes and have a decent depth of functionality the cost will likely be much higher, app based or have a fee. My local garage uses on for all cars, models, years and it costs him a fortune, but it's used a dozen times a day.
Never had battery drain issues as a result of using Carsoft.
 
cj10jeeper said:
Carsoft is certainly manufacturer specific, so no.
Click to expand...

I've no experience of the brand, but from their website Carsoft appear to do multi vehicle scanners too
https://www.icarsoft.eu/multi-brand
 
NavigatorNI said:
cj10jeeper said:
Carsoft is certainly manufacturer specific, so no.
Click to expand...

I've no experience of the brand, but from their website Carsoft appear to do multi vehicle scanners too
https://www.icarsoft.eu/multi-brand
Click to expand...

Yes they do, but to my earlier point a quick look at the chart in the link shows they cost a lot more, or miss lots of key functionality such as 'airbag reset', which is a common question on here, so for OP would need to go to 'Global' to cover Honda and Toyota, etc. and up to the top spec units at twice the price.
In the opening post he is proudly a Yorkshireman and doesn't want to spend any brass :)
 
YorkshireSam said:
If possible I'd like to avoid anything with apps/ subscription ...
Click to expand...

Is the no app preference a strong preference? Cheaper options would be a Bluetooth OBD2 adapter and an app on your phone.

Looking through threads on here it seems some are successfully using those (have to be careful to close down app properly to avoid battery issues), though I suspect the apps won't have as many options for resetting codes as the more expensive options listed above
 
The app based ones tend to be generic OBD based using a BT/Wireless dongle rather than something specific to the make of car itself but then you're talking more money...

It really depends how far you want to go with it, whether it's just to do a service reset or delving more in depth. You won't be able to change any configuration files or update modules, you'd need an online Topix account and a CCF editor
 
Kev said:
It really depends how far you want to go with it, whether it's just to do a service reset or delving more in depth.
Click to expand...

Service reset can be done sitting in the car using brake and throttle pedals!
 
Thanks everyone for the recommendations - some really good knowledge and advice on here, as ever.

I primarily want something to diagnose/reset, so I can determine any small fixes/code clearance I can do myself, idetify any jobs that can go into a local garage and any that need specialist dealer attention (the cost of buying code reader being on a par with paying a main dealer to plug one in).

Just had an O2 sensor code pop up/EML on, so it got me thinking. I'll read up on the units recommended here and choose from them, thanks again.
 
I have this, simple but effective. I can read and reset error codes. Perfect for £32.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/195807052865?fits=Car+Make%3AJaguar&_nkw=Pro+OBD2+Code+Reader+for+Jaguar.+Diagnostic+Scanner+Engine+Light+Clear&itmmeta=01J5WPP64REYRJJ0YN5K4G74H9&hash=item2d97028441:g:4HkAAOSwd0pdndu0&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAABIHoV3kP08IDx%2BKZ9MfhVJKlh0xHZKf7i4RH3SKShhESaa1I0cH5N4fojKXVhW9P8nDe8dfzeGClw7CJuXRkxnNCJ5%2F1E17JZMn034kAYSOCH%2BPV7TkLG0IhpDOH8ji5a1jmp5i2HXemhCZHDiEz%2BPc7TyGeR72XSrxuweDpDGC8lvmXX0FI8pNuEvDILXCuLFJ8XdDHHw0nrkZiLFviRSr8IPPqc0NCZSo%2FzdjPXYEK%2FaSUcG%2FTlHkH5lYp3WdMPYACqROgdSokBb%2Bc00u6OkNQkbI%2FvZSCKXnAXjHadVWm%2Fqx2ue8U9G4G5fbrVFH8rwpt74yAh0a4WgGoz%2B7t%2FwLeWZwG6uddP%2Fqz5hYxCNLBh4J%2FjFPtYf25g9msQQWNOSw%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABFBMvOLYlq9k

Last weeks effort on my P450
PXL_20240801_170721291.jpg
 
On my side, I need to be extra careful as we don't have the above mentioned brands in South Africa. I tested on which claimed to work on Jaguar, Lexus, Honda etc.
When we plugged it into the Honda (2009 Accord), it could even pic up the car. Then there's the whole "shut down" thing. I'm just hesitant to tinker with these cars as I'm not mechanically savvy and then create a bigger problem which I'll have to pay a dealer to clear up.
 
Morning all

I'm looking at buying a used Topdon ArtiDiag 600s from the murky waters that is Ebay.
On the basis that the seller is a genuine person and it is exactly as described (as new, used a handful of times etc) are there any issues with registering a pre owned device etc?

Cheers for any info 👍🏼
 
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