Fault Code Readers

[MattMoore]

Hi all,

I'm looking to buy a fault code reader to get the information from my girlfriends fiesta. The engine light comes on intermittently. I'd also like one that can reset service lights etc. There's a few other cars that it will be useful for, so I've got up to 200 to spend on one, new or second hand. Any recommendations?

Matt

[kambites]

I bought a 15 quid USB cable type thing from ebay and it does the job.

[T_Pot]

ebay £50 will do what you need mate

[ch427]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Autel-MaxiScan-MS409-OBD2-EO...

This is a great tool for the money,its just been given the best buy award in this months car mechanics mag.

Edited by ch427 on Sunday 23 January 13:36

[MattMoore]

Thanks for the replies so far, ideally i would like one which will record live data.
So that i can use it toidentify the exact part at fault.

Thanks

[Mroad]

As mentioned above the Autel MS409 came out as the Best Buy in the Car Mechanics review but for enhanced live data recording, graphing in the tool and downloading to a PC then the Autel MS509 is worth considering. It was given a Recommended award in the Car Mechanics test.
The Gendan range are also worth considering, the GCR25 received a Recommended award being similar to the MS409 but with an onboard fault code database.

Personally I use the PC based Bluetooth version of Gendan Engine Check Pro. The only reason being as people had used it successfully on my vehicle type before whereas other basic ELM327's interfaces and software have failed (it's an early OBD car).
It's certainly helped me narrow down faults but you still need your common sense and a meter to sort or confirm most problems, they are not a holy grail.