[JamesVasile]

I have a CEL and am looking for a recommendation on an OBD code reader. Is it true that some cars have specialized codes that can only be read by certain readers? If so, is a 2003 Outback such a car? What reader would you recommend for occasional use?

Thanks much.

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

I own an older Innova I bought from Amazon. Even Walmart has them hanging on a blisterpack rack IIRC.

you also have the option of a cable/laptop/software combo, a bluetooth/laptop or smartphone.

Years ago, I read of folks with cheap harbor Freight units and ebay units that would not read the ISO protocol that Subaru uses but if you stay with a known or well reviewed brand/model - you should be OK. Buy a newer Innova if you think you will be using the unit on friends/relative cars that might be CAN bus. Or make sure the unit you buy can be flashed/upgraded.

you can spend from about $20-25 up to hundreds I guess. Might find someone selling one used that has upgraded. Personally, working with a handheld unit with a cable is fine, cable plus laptop is kinda a hassle and not the best to loan to a buddy or haul to a remote location in bad weather.

Mine has been used on other people's cars more than my own, but I'm still glad I bought it. I think it cost $99 several years ago.

 

[xvimbi]

I have a CEL and am looking for a recommendation on an OBD code reader. Is it true that some cars have specialized codes that can only be read by certain readers? If so, is a 2003 Outback such a car? What reader would you recommend for occasional use?

It's not so much about how often you are going to use the reader but what for.

If you are just curious about which code you have and don't need/want any further information, a basic version will be fine. E.g.
Amazon.com: Autel MaxiScan MS300 CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for OBDII Vehicles: Automotive


If you want to dig deeper and need detailed life data (as you drive the car) for diagnostic purposes or tuning purposes or just to satisfy your curiosity, you will need a higher-end model. There are versions that connect to an iPhone/iPod Touch or a laptop. $100-200 would get you a decent hardware/software combination.

Another interesting application is a reader that you keep connected to your car and that shows you mileage for optimizing driving habits. E.g., ScanGauge:
Amazon.com: ScanGauge II Ultra Compact 3-in-1 Automotive Computer with Customizable Real-Time Fuel Economy Digital Gauges: Automotive

 

[JamesVasile]

Thanks much for the responses. Looks like I'm going to grab this one: [ame]http://www.amazon.com/MaxScan-VAG405-Code-Reader-OBD2/dp/B005WGR22Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1329107574&sr=8-1[/ame]

I'm going to wait until the weather warms up, though. I hate turning a wrench with frozen hands.

 

[Ed_S]

All I can say is buy the best one you can afford. My inspector has/ uses two different scanners; one he uses usually gives him a fit clearing codes and the other finds them every time with no problems. If course the better one is a bigger bulkier unit, that is probably flash update-able.