If he has usb-c they might have one, micro-usb is on the way out. Is there a reason you can't use bluetooth? It's what I have. I think that's what mosts of us wannabe mechanics use.

 

Having trouble finding a bluetooth one that is functional for a 2009 gmc sierra. For example this link says universal but a customer left comments saying no function on 06 silverado

Amazon.com: Elm327 Launchh OBD2 Professional Bluetooth Scan Tool and Code Reader for Android and PC,Interface OBDII OBD2 Car Auto Diagnostic Scanner，Not Support J1850 VPW & J1850 PWM : Automotive

Buy Elm327 Launchh OBD2 Professional Bluetooth Scan Tool and Code Reader for Android and PC,Interface OBDII OBD2 Car Auto Diagnostic Scanner，Not Support J1850 VPW & J1850 PWM: Code Readers & Scan Tools - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

Maybe try the veepeak one. The one you linked causes all kinds of lights on my dashboard of my newer car but the veepeak one does not. The one you linked works fine for my older car.

 

Hands down one of the BEST solutions for cell phone users: BlueDriver’s purchase is for the hardware and lifetime free firmware/software updates. BD also incorporates “IdentiFix” solutions to repair questions, a MAJOR benefit, especially for new mechanics. You will be hard pressed to find anything better at the $100 price point. It does NOT incorporate bi-directional control, but for everything else, this is a WINNER.

 

How can it be the best when it costs $100 and the other ones cost $5?

 

How can it be the best

Say one wants the repair info. The $5 unit does not offer that capability.

That would make the $100 unit the best.

Now you probably know that. But maybe it does not make sense somehow. Not everything is about being the cheapest, or even lowest cost.

For me personally, money is hard to come by, so whatever it is better be good for $100.

I got my plug in scanner for a song basically. It was in a bin with a bunch of other stuff for $0.25! Great deal.

I downloaded "Car Scanner" for free and was off to the races in nothing flat.

Mine works via wi-fi. When it powers on, it makes a wi-fi network one can join. From there it works just like one that plugs in.

I have one of those plug in ones with cord too. It has a tiny display and does show me the stuff needed, but is otherwise slow.

Ones that use a phone as the display terminal are much nicer to use. I am happy.

 

I've got a cheap bluetooth ELM reader cheap BT reader, has worked in all my vehicles since getting it 6 years ago. Including a 2000 Safari van. Thing about online reviews is they could be clueless and couldn't get it to work. Have to kind of read into reviews a bit.