G_Body_Man
G_Body_Man Dork
11/6/15 2:09 p.m.

So the Sienna threw a CEL, so I'm using it as an excuse to get an OBDII code reader. I stumbled across the Autel AL319. It supports live data, comes with a CD ROM or whatever of definitions, and supports manufacturer specific codes. Do I really need anything more? It will run me $100.

pointofdeparture
pointofdeparture GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
11/6/15 2:16 p.m.

If all you want to do is read and clear codes you shouldn't need anything more than a $50 one that does the exact same thing without a fancy color LCD. Or get a wireless one that works with your phone via Bluetooth.

http://m.harborfreight.com/can-obdii-code-reader-with-multilingual-menu-98568.html

I have had that one for the past four years and never needed anything more until I got into BMW coding and low-level diagnostics (completely different ballpark).

bigdaddylee82
bigdaddylee82 SuperDork
11/6/15 2:42 p.m.

I bought the Autel AL519, the color screen is a gimmick, but it's been handy. I bought it for VW CAN-Bus and OBDII. It worked to read and clear codes on our TDI Jetta, but it couldn't decipher what the codes actually were, it just gave me the code, and I still needed the Bentley Manual and/or Google search to find out what the VW specific codes were.

It has identified every GM, Jeep, and Volvo code I've used it for though.

Doesn't do SRS or ABS, but it's the but does live data, I don't recall if it stores it though. It does store codes. I haven't needed the live data function for anything as of yet.

I don't know if it matters or not, but I discovered that the Harbor Freight scanners are (were) Autel scanners with a different sticker on them, so you could probably get the same thing cheaper with a 20% coupon at HF.

Mine came with a CD and USB cable, but I've never gotten my laptop to recognize it when it's plugged into any USB port. The firmware was already the latest version when I got it, but I haven't checked for updates in over a year, doesn't matter I guess since I can't get it to communicate with a PC anyway, and it's well out of warranty.

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