Q's for Harbor Freight code reader

[dans01camry]

Was just wondering how many people on this forum have used the code reader from Harbor Freight tools. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=46030

I know buying tools from harbor freight and autozone is like going to the 99 cent store to get wrenches. What I would like is for those who have purchased this piece of equipment to list
1. when you bought it
2. how many times have you used it
3. any problems over the duration of owning it
4. does it still work
5. How satisfied were you with the product?

Thanks!

[Hajoca]

I have the same one bought elsewhere.

Good price (I paid $70 CDN) for it back in 2004.
It will retrieve code(s) and if you leave it connected so it initiates the read cycle 4 times (for a minute or so) it will clear all codes stored in the engine computer.
Works just fine. Very handy and compact.

I bought a scangauge after and like it better.

[dans01camry]

What do you like more about the scangauge? More functions? I had heard about the HF tool being left for a minute before it clears the codes, which doesn't bother me since its pretty cheap.

[TheKevin]

the code reader from HF is pretty good for the price for just reading and clearing codes.

scangauge costs more and has a lot of useful features. it's also compact and easy to use.

if you have the money, go for the scangauge.

[dans01camry]

Dam, just looked at a few of the features for the scangauge. Wish I could rent one! Mostly for tracking the cam's fuel efficiency. I might look for a used 1, but I really hate doing that especially with electronic stuff.

[Eye8Pussies]

I have a similar one from an ebay vendor and it works great.

I would just get it from ebay if its cheaper since it's all the same stuff



as for scangauges- waste of money. lots of "features", but similar to the real obdII scanners with live readings, you soon get really tired of it all and put it away, so why pay so much for it?

[thaharlequin]

Build a MPGuino if ya wanna keep tabs on your fuel economy w/o spending $150. It's ~$25-30 if you order your own parts from digi-key or similar, and someone sells a kit for ~$45 shipped IIRC.

[dans01camry]

I actually saw that site today, and I have been writing down the mileage, gallons pumped, cost, date, average speed, etc. BTW Eye8Pussies, what make/model scanner did u purchase? Just merely looking at different aspects of driving to optimize fuel efficiency (I drive with a very soft foot and don't go above 65 here in crazy Los Angles). I had no intention of spending that kind of money anyway.

Also, can it reset or diagnose codes other than for the engine? I think I have something malfunction with the safety features as the airbag ligth stays on for a about 2-3 seconds after the engine starts up. In the manual it says that if it stays on for 6 seconds if there is a problem.

[ghettosled]

I have that code reader from harbor freight. i bought it about two years ago and it reads codes very well. full scanners are nice, but costly. i have probably used it about 12-18 times on jeeps and my toyota. though it wouldnt work on my mom's 2002 subaru forrester. this was the only problem i faced with this product.

heck, i just used it last week.

[trninhds]

I would suggest getting a low end Actron Scanner off of ebay. I've seen them go between $20 - $30 if your only looking to check DTC's and clear them. Just a thought