towaltz
toms river NJ
New Member
Joined: 04/05/2003
View Profile
 Offline
|
I am thinking to buy a hand held device to read my trucks computer codes when I get a check engine warning. Are these devices able to reset the truck's computer or do they only display the codes.
|
rlh6805
Michigan
Senior Member
Joined: 05/15/2001
View Profile
Offline
|
Yes, all generic OBDII scan tools have a "clear codes" option. This will in effect reset the computer.
Rob and Cindy in Michigan
2004 Prowler Regal
2001 Ford Excursion V10 4x4
Tasha, Deanna (RIP), and Abby (our dogs)
|
campercajun
Central Texas Hill Country
Senior Member
Joined: 08/09/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
They will clear the codes if you choose that option, but if you don't fix the problem the code was telling you about, the "Check Engine" light will probably be back on soon.
2003 GMC Sierra Crew HD; 6.0L; Prodigy
2006 Thor Tundra 30RL-DSL; Reese Strait-Line & Dual-cam HP
2001 Honda Elite Scooter
Jim & Gayle Bryant
Murphy's Law: "Anything that CAN happen, WILL."
Bryant's Law: "31 years of RVing? Probably already HAS."
|
rich racin
Easton,Pa
Full Member
Joined: 05/14/2003
View Profile
Offline
|
I recommend not clearing the code until you know what was wrong. When you clear the code you also erase the freeze data that helps you trouble shoot the problem.
Rich & Karen
1999 Coachman Santara
Malibu Tow'd
|
bigslim
NC
Full Member
Joined: 06/07/2008
View Profile
Offline
|
Harbor Freight has some nice readers for around $69.00. That is where I got mine.
04' Ram 3500 2wd, 5.9 CTD, 6-speed
04' Prowler 295BHS 5'er
The wife and the kid!
|
|
|
othertonka
Stockton, CA
Senior Member
Joined: 11/15/2003
View Profile
|
This is the one I have, Actron pocket scan. Pep boys, Kragen, ect sometimes have them on sale. It comes with a book that tells you what the system the code refers to, but that system could have many parts or sensors related to it and it doesn't tell you which is bad or caused the code, so you still have to figure that out but at least it points you to where to start looking. You can reset the codes also with the Pocket Scan.
Actron.
Othertonka
2004 Southwind 32VS
2002 CRV Toad
U. S. Gear Unified brake system
Retired Fire Captain, SFD
|
mr. ed
Madison, SD (currently traveling the US)
Senior Member
Joined: 02/06/2002
View Profile
Offline
|
I bought one at Wal*Mart for less than $100 (they have a cheaper model with less features also available). Both of them will check codes and clear the CEL. I download any info onto my computer directly from the device and erase the CEL sat the same time. Most of my codes have been "nuisance" ones and clearing the CEL keeps it off for weeks at a time. Sure beats running to the dealer and killing half a day waiting for them to do the same thing. If I notice the CEL coming on more frequently, I'll take the truck to a dealer at that time, while it's still under warranty.
Mr. Ed (fulltiming since 1987)
2007 Hitchhiker II LS Model 29.5 LKTG
2007 Dodge Ram 3500/6.7 CTD/QC/4X4/SB/SRW/6-speed man/Big Horn edition
|
Albin
North Alabama
Full Member
Joined: 05/19/2006
View Profile
Offline
|
The Scan Gauge II that I have will read and clear codes, provides about 12 different gauge readings (mph, temp, volt, bunch others) and reads your instant and trip mileage. Pretty versatile device.
http://www.scangauge.com/
KI4Dxx
‘85 Toy 4Runner
'06 F-350 SRW 6.0 PSD XLT 4x4,
|
