Code reader

Technical info on the Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix including do-it-yourself info
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wallyuwl
Posts: 74
Joined: Fri Jul 09, 2010 5:05 am

Code reader

Post by wallyuwl »

Looking for a good code reader for a 2003 Vibe. Any suggestions? Obviously cheaper is better, but I'd like a good one. I thought I read of ones that can not only read the code, but also the sensor figures? If it would work with a 2010 Equinox that would be a plus. I know nothing about these. I'm not a mechanic, but have some mechanical skills.The story:I had a CEL a couple weeks ago, got it read at a shop and replaced the MAF sensor per their recommendation (they said it was likely that or a dirty throttle body, and they cleanred the throttle body). The code was P0171 or something like that.Today the CEL came back on. The symptoms are similar to the P0103 or whatever I've read about on here (bad O2 sensor caused by bad intake gasket). Rough idle and "dying" sensation after a cold soak.
Salsa Guy
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Re: Code reader (wallyuwl)

Post by Salsa Guy »

Scan Gauge ii is perhaps the best at getting "Live" information about $160 shipped. There are some cheapies out there that will read codes fine (removed) not "live" data.
05 Matrix XR 4WD and 03 Vibe GT
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Water boy
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Post by Water boy »

If all you want is a cheepy reedy reseety thingy then the ones at Harbor Freight are great.
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zionzr2
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Post by zionzr2 »

+1 for ScanGuageII
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Water boy
Posts: 398
Joined: Thu May 29, 2008 12:29 pm

Re: (zionzr2)

Post by Water boy »

Quote, originally posted by zionzr2 »+1 for ScanGuageII+1+1
2008
47,891 Added new horns
47,900 Yokohama Avid 205/55-16 $492.40 drive out w/TPMS rebuild kits
69,036 Added sound deadening
70,395 Battery
106,019 Yokohama YK580 205/55-16 $589.19 drive out
DressedInBlack
Posts: 702
Joined: Sun Aug 08, 2010 12:38 am

Re: (Water boy)

Post by DressedInBlack »

Quote, originally posted by Water boy »+1+11+2+1+1
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LarryKingsShoes
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Location: Cedar Falls, IA

Post by LarryKingsShoes »

I either have the fine folks at Advance Auto Parts do my readings or I use my Car Chip Pro.I like the Car Chip Pro because you can use it to track a variety of different data. I haven't hooked it up to my Vibe yet but I used it on my old Sunfire all of the time.The only downside about using it as a code reader is that in order to see the code, you need to hook it up to your computer via USB and upload the data from the chip into the Davis software. It wasn't a big deal for me because I didn't get engine codes very often, and when I did, I'd usually be on the computer looking up how to fix the problem anyway.It's something to consider. I haven't used it on my Vibe but it should work, assuming the OBD port is the same. They're under $80 on Amazon so it's not exactly cheap but it does a lot more than read engine codes.
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yyamad1
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Re: (DressedInBlack)

Post by yyamad1 »

ScanGauge II, its the best deal. reading and clearing the codes is only a bonus. this thing does Ave MPG, MPH, water temp, intake air temp (different than outside air), rpm, all kinds of data.. its Live and it will really teach u how to drive efficiently.amazing tool.
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