majorhavoc

Hi everyone. I recently acquired a 2000 Protege LX with a manual transmission and 83400 miles on it. I've searched this forum and elsewhere, and it looks like known troublespots for my car are the mass airflow sensor and the exhaust gas recirculation system. (Please correct me if I'm wrong, or if I'm missing something.)

And it looks like if I do have these problems, my first symptom will likely be the check engine light. I've never owned a OBDII code reader before. I'm amazed by how inexpensive they are, but I'm completely at sea as to what to look for.

Sorry if this isn't the correct subforum to post this, but I'm looking for recommendations for an inexpensive, yet reasonably functional OBDII code reader.

I've seached around and the choices range between the ultra cheap models that merely display the trouble code to $200+ professional models that slice and dice and predict rises and falls in the stock market. My sense is that I should look for something occupying the middle ground.

One step above the most basic models appear to be code readers that also display real time engine data. I found one that appears to fit this category:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Profe...81227987QQrdZ1

Is this a good choice? Does anyone have experience with other models? I'm trying to stay below $50, but if someone can offer a good rationale for spending more, I'll definitely consider it. Thanks in advance.

Roddimus Prime

thats nicer than the one I have. How much was it? The price wasn't listed in the auction since ithad already ended?

I paid $30 for mine from Harbor Freight but it just spits out the code number and erases the code. Very simple but effective.

Luzer

Looks like it sold for $45 plus $7.99 shipping. Selling price is displayed even after the auction ends.

Roddimus Prime

i didn't see the price but I'd pay that for that scanner.

majorhavoc

Thanks for responding, guys.

Funny you should mention Harbor Freight, Roddimus Prime. That was the first place I looked for a code reader because they're my go-to place for cheap tools. I don't know what I'd do without Harbor Freight. (They set new standards for ultra slow shipping though, don't they?)

Being able to read and clear the codes was all I was initially looking for, but the one I linked to on eBay (they have new Buy it Now auctions for that item all the time) actually displays both the code and what it means, as well as real time engine data, like operating temperature and timing information. As Luzer noted, its about $52 shipped.

Anyone else have any input? Should I go for that one, a $30 bare bones model like RP's, or something else?

I have another question related to DIY resources for working on the Protege, but I'll post that in a separate thread.