Need my 1st code reader - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

xstuntman · 11-06-2020, 10:53 AM

Old carb guy being drug into the Injected ECU world.
Looking at Harbor Freights Zurich 8 reader for $80 and it resets and does ABS too. Not sure on air bags yet though. 4.6 outta 5 on reviews. Yeah or nay? Anything better for the money?

mikeman · 11-06-2020, 04:02 PM

Probably not.

sdynak · 11-07-2020, 06:13 AM

Not familiar with the HF unit but I have this one and have no complaints.. it does SRS and ABS.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

CamaroDreams76 · 11-07-2020, 08:09 AM

I have Aeroforce scan gaugues that can read codes but i also have this.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H9S71LW...ing=UTF8&psc=1

Not sure if it can do abs or srs tho

LCPLPunk · 11-07-2020, 08:59 AM

Here go! https://www.amazon.com/Scanner-Diagn...761139&sr=8-32

ADVMax · 11-07-2020, 09:26 AM

I’ve got this one to monitor engine codes and do resets to the engine control across several vehicles, it works pretty well.

https://www.amazon.com/FIXD-Professi.../dp/B013RIQMEO

You can also see all engine parameters, fuel trims, ignition, etc. you of course just can’t change or “program” anything but it’s cool to be able to monitor all that stuff.

I can link to my iPhone or iPad.

hudson773 · 11-07-2020, 03:27 PM

there are REAL tools and there are things that look like real tools. HB doesn't sell real tools. unless you are only going to use it a couple of times, then maybe.

SS Performance · 11-07-2020, 05:18 PM

I have an Autel works good for the money does everything your likely to need.

Level300 · 11-09-2020, 07:33 AM

I use foxwell. You can use it for different cars by loading a manufacturer specific library (sold separately). You “own” the library. It is not a subscription. You can get access to a lot of other settings/metrics that you can’t get with a generic code scanner. You won’t even know the code was thrown with a generic scanner if it’s a manufacturer specific code. You will only see it if your scanner has the codes. For example, if my HUD (head up display) was faulty in some way, I would be able to see the codes thrown for that piece of electronics. I can also “test” stuff like gauges, steering, abs, etc. where you’ll see the gauges cycle or hear the abs pumps whirring. I can also data log sensors and control settings that you can’t control via key fob or via the settings menu. It takes a good 4 to 5 minutes to cycle through the all the systems and subsystems and read all the codes.

Pricey I know. But a comprehensive code reader and shop manual are the two things that will pay for itself over and over again the longer you own your car. Hell even one repair that you troubleshoot and fix yourself and you’ve made your money back.
Obviously, if you don’t do your own repairs, don’t waste your money on this stuff.

CamaroCracka · 11-09-2020, 11:29 AM

I would not pay 80 bucks for an HF unit. I have a $20 Autel that is ok and an AutoCal that does data logging as well as code reading, but its primary purpose was for flashing email tunes.

Before I bought the the Autel, I bought a cheap unit that was supposed to do ABS, but it did not work on the car I needed it for, so I returned it.

If you are looking for something in <$100 price range, try the OBDLink MX+ on Amazon. Has thousands of highly rated reviews. If I did not have my AutoCal, I would have already bought one and might get one anyway because of the phone interface.

xstuntman · 11-09-2020, 11:39 AM

So I'm digging the Autel ones.
Do you download your car or are they preloaded on the unit?

sdynak · 11-09-2020, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xstuntman

So I'm digging the Autel ones.
Do you download your car or are they preloaded on the unit?

They do pretty much all cars pre-loaded and have lifetime updates. Never had a car it didn't do yet and the ABS has helped to have for sure.

SS Performance · 11-09-2020, 05:40 PM

Mine is designed for doing lots of different cars. When you get it you have to update the files for the makes you expect to use it on.

Camar0Guy · 11-09-2020, 05:56 PM

I have both the AUTEL and FOXWELL units. I probably use the AUTEL one more then anything. I use the datalogger when I run into any weird noise while only driving down the road situations. The unit allows for updates through a USB port. The FOXWELL I have not bought the library pack or whatever since I bought it so not sure about that. Here are the models I have:
FOXWELL NT301
AUTEL AL619

11-06-2020, 10:53 AM	#1
xstuntman Drives: 2012 Victory Red LFX Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: west central Texas Posts: 1,310	Need my 1st code reader Old carb guy being drug into the Injected ECU world. Looking at Harbor Freights Zurich 8 reader for $80 and it resets and does ABS too. Not sure on air bags yet though. 4.6 outta 5 on reviews. Yeah or nay? Anything better for the money? __________________ 2018 SS wheels, red Heritage grille, actual driving lights, ZL1 strut tower brace, GM Performance billet aluminum fuel door, front grille Bowtie delete, painted red rotors and calipers, 1/4 window American Flags, splash guards, AEM dry panel air filter. Last edited by xstuntman; 11-06-2020 at 01:31 PM.

11-07-2020, 06:13 AM	#3
sdynak Drives: 2010 1SS Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Bayville, NJ Posts: 936	Not familiar with the HF unit but I have this one and have no complaints.. it does SRS and ABS. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 __________________ 2010 1SS LS3, Black, 235/250, .621/.615, 114 + 4, Kooks Stepped Headers, 3.91's, Bo White PTB, Flowmaster Mufflers, Cold Air Industries CAI, Apex Scoop & Windshield Washer Relocate, SLP Wheels, Skip Shift Eliminate, Barton Flat Stick, OEM HID/Halos, Dyno Tuned by ECS

11-07-2020, 08:09 AM	#4
CamaroDreams76 Tri-County Camaro SWFL Drives: 2013 IOM 2SS/RS/1LE Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: South West FL Posts: 3,086 View My Garage	I have Aeroforce scan gaugues that can read codes but i also have this. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H9S71LW...ing=UTF8&psc=1 Not sure if it can do abs or srs tho __________________ Just bolt ons........ https://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=343023

11-07-2020, 08:59 AM	#5
LCPLPunk USA-1 Drives: 2010 Camaro SS L99 Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Near DC Posts: 1,893 View My Garage	Here go! https://www.amazon.com/Scanner-Diagn...761139&sr=8-32 __________________ "A Camaro in the garage is safe, but that's not what Camaros are built for..." R2C CAI / Apex Scoop / VMAX Ported TB / Speed Engineering LTHs / X-pipe / GPI port/rod-mod intake manifold / Circle D 3200 278mm Converter / 3.91 gears / DynoSteve tuned / 1LE Shocks/Struts/Toe Links / ZL1 Rear Sway Bar / Z/28 Trailing arms / Prothane Radius Arm & Subframe Bushings / BMR UCA Bracket, Steering rack bushing / B&M Tranny Cooler / RX Catch Can / Jannetty Tranny Dipstick / 2012+ Heater Hose / 2013+ Rearview Mirror / Fuel rail flip / Drake shifter / Oil Cooler Delete

11-07-2020, 05:18 PM	#8
SS Performance Drives: 02 Camaro B4C Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Cape May County NJ Posts: 750	I have an Autel works good for the money does everything your likely to need. __________________ A man's garage is his castle 1969 Camaro SS 1970 Camaro SS 2002 Camaro B4C 2014 Camaro SS Dedicated Track Car 2015 Camaro 1SS 1LE 2008 HHR SS 1996 Silverado Crew Cab Long Bed Dual Rear Wheel

11-06-2020, 04:02 PM	#2
mikeman Banned Drives: 2015 Camaro Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: My Garage Posts: 1,125	Probably not.

11-07-2020, 09:26 AM	#6
ADVMax Sporting Foole Drives: 2010 Camaro SS Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Alabama Posts: 501	I’ve got this one to monitor engine codes and do resets to the engine control across several vehicles, it works pretty well. https://www.amazon.com/FIXD-Professi.../dp/B013RIQMEO You can also see all engine parameters, fuel trims, ignition, etc. you of course just can’t change or “program” anything but it’s cool to be able to monitor all that stuff. I can link to my iPhone or iPad.

11-07-2020, 03:27 PM	#7
hudson773 Account Suspended Drives: 2014 camaro SS Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: nj Posts: 268	there are REAL tools and there are things that look like real tools. HB doesn't sell real tools. unless you are only going to use it a couple of times, then maybe.

11-09-2020, 07:33 AM	#9
Level300 Drives: 2015 Black rs/ss/1le Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: PA Posts: 271	I use foxwell. You can use it for different cars by loading a manufacturer specific library (sold separately). You “own” the library. It is not a subscription. You can get access to a lot of other settings/metrics that you can’t get with a generic code scanner. You won’t even know the code was thrown with a generic scanner if it’s a manufacturer specific code. You will only see it if your scanner has the codes. For example, if my HUD (head up display) was faulty in some way, I would be able to see the codes thrown for that piece of electronics. I can also “test” stuff like gauges, steering, abs, etc. where you’ll see the gauges cycle or hear the abs pumps whirring. I can also data log sensors and control settings that you can’t control via key fob or via the settings menu. It takes a good 4 to 5 minutes to cycle through the all the systems and subsystems and read all the codes. Pricey I know. But a comprehensive code reader and shop manual are the two things that will pay for itself over and over again the longer you own your car. Hell even one repair that you troubleshoot and fix yourself and you’ve made your money back. Obviously, if you don’t do your own repairs, don’t waste your money on this stuff.

11-09-2020, 11:29 AM	#10
CamaroCracka Drives: 2010 Turbo LS3 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Palm Bay, FL Posts: 2,743	I would not pay 80 bucks for an HF unit. I have a $20 Autel that is ok and an AutoCal that does data logging as well as code reading, but its primary purpose was for flashing email tunes. Before I bought the the Autel, I bought a cheap unit that was supposed to do ABS, but it did not work on the car I needed it for, so I returned it. If you are looking for something in <$100 price range, try the OBDLink MX+ on Amazon. Has thousands of highly rated reviews. If I did not have my AutoCal, I would have already bought one and might get one anyway because of the phone interface. __________________ 2010 SS - On3 kit with downpipe cutout, CTR 78/80, CompCam 239/251 620/632 122+4, E85, Z28 suspension and ZL1 diff with Outlaw axles. Gen6 ZL1/1LE brakes. 2011 Vert - 416/w 230/236 .612/.602 115lsa, 1LE suspension w/32mm rear bar. Z28 diff. ZL1 brakes.

11-09-2020, 11:39 AM	#11
xstuntman Drives: 2012 Victory Red LFX Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: west central Texas Posts: 1,310	So I'm digging the Autel ones. Do you download your car or are they preloaded on the unit? __________________ 2018 SS wheels, red Heritage grille, actual driving lights, ZL1 strut tower brace, GM Performance billet aluminum fuel door, front grille Bowtie delete, painted red rotors and calipers, 1/4 window American Flags, splash guards, AEM dry panel air filter.

11-09-2020, 05:40 PM	#13
SS Performance Drives: 02 Camaro B4C Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Cape May County NJ Posts: 750	Mine is designed for doing lots of different cars. When you get it you have to update the files for the makes you expect to use it on. __________________ A man's garage is his castle 1969 Camaro SS 1970 Camaro SS 2002 Camaro B4C 2014 Camaro SS Dedicated Track Car 2015 Camaro 1SS 1LE 2008 HHR SS 1996 Silverado Crew Cab Long Bed Dual Rear Wheel

11-09-2020, 05:56 PM	#14
Camar0Guy Drives: 15 2SS, 96 JDM SPEC Z28, 95 Z28 Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: San Diego Posts: 5 View My Garage	I have both the AUTEL and FOXWELL units. I probably use the AUTEL one more then anything. I use the datalogger when I run into any weird noise while only driving down the road situations. The unit allows for updates through a USB port. The FOXWELL I have not bought the library pack or whatever since I bought it so not sure about that. Here are the models I have: FOXWELL NT301 AUTEL AL619