What code reader do I want? Help?

[Naked Buell]

Hey guys. I have a 07 impreza 2.5I that I just replaced the timing belt at 97,000 along with all the pulleys as well as the water pump. While I had the front of the engine off, I also had the seats out of the car and I unplugged the seats of course. I turned the key on to check my headlights and I am wondering if that is the reason why Now the cel is on and the crusie flashing. I am thinking it was when I turned the key on with the cat sensor and another plug along side it, unplugged. 

 

So of course now I am looking for a code reader but was also wondering which one? I have a Brat with a 2.2T and an Rx with the 2.2. So what code scanner would work for the OBDI, as well as OBDII? 

 

Thanks guys for the help and your time. I appreciate the advice. 

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

OBD I isn't likely to work with a handheld - not sure about a laptop with a cable and FreeSSM. THose should be able to use the 'blink code' method if you connect some connectors under the dash.

 

I think you can make an '07 car display the code - I can never recall the procedure. You could also try clearing the code with a battery disconnect.

 

any decent reader should read it - or go to PepBoys, O'Reilly's , etc.

Edited January 8, 2015 by 1 Lucky Texan

[Fairtax4me]

I don't know of any code scanners that interface with Subaru ODB1.

Typically if you buy a scanner with adapter plugs for OBD1 you end up with about 10 different plugs for various Ford GM and Chrysler, and maybe some Toyota or Honda adapters, but no Subaru. Its a total waste or money to buy a scanner for OBD1 anyway, since all you need to do is plug two wires together (which are already in the car) and turn the key On.

 

As for OBD2, there are boatloads of them, and which one you want depends on what you're trying to do with it.

 

If you have an android smart phone check out the Torque App, and buy one of the recommended Bluetooth OBD2 adapters for it. The app is usually free and the adapters cost $20-30 on eBay. Elm327 (?) is a popular one and is usually less than $20. There are several others.

 

If you have an iPhone there are some OBD2 scanner apps like blue-driver. The App is free, but the Bluetooth OBD2 unit from them is $99. The app works well and they frequently update with new parameters and new code definitions.

Both of the smart phone options above allow you to view live-data which is a very useful feature for troubleshooting. The smartphone option gets you the best bang for the buck as far as usable features are concerned.

 

You can get cheapo code readers on eBay/amazon that will read codes, but usually you need to look up the definition on your own. This can be a cheap and effective route if you pair it with a Subaru factory service manual so you has Subaru specific code definitions.

 

Slightly better scanners will read codes and display the definition, but these cost more, and sometimes the definition stored in the reader for the code isn't correct, or you may have a vehicle manufacturer specific code that the cheaper readers don't support. You'll still get the code but no definition, then you have to to look it up yourself.

 

Innova makes some of the best code scanners on the market and they have a huge code library that they work to keep updated. Their mid range scanners read live-data and some can read ABS codes (last I checked this function was limited to Ford GM and Chrysler only). They have computer connectivity for internet updates and transfer of recorded data from the car to computer for easier viewing. These typically cost in the range of $150-200. Check amazon for the best prices on Innova scanners. I ordered mine from Innova via amazon for about half the cost that Innova listed on their retail site.

[1 Lucky Texan]

^^^ great post

 

for a smartphone, search ' elm327 ' BT adapter as mentioned.

Edited January 8, 2015 by 1 Lucky Texan