jusplainwacky

Hey my fellow corvette brainiac's....I have a question for you...

I have a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado Duramax Diesel...and the ABS brake lights come on periodically when driving slow. From my understanding, it's most likely the hull effect sensor.
I'd like try to figure out which wheel and would like to buy a GM error code reader for this and any other problems I might have down the road, but I haven't a clue what is a good unit to get. Can someone recommend a good unit for me?

Dennis

Easy Rhino

I have owned two Innova 3100s that I picked up at the local auto parts store for around 100-150, if I recall correctly. They have read every OBDII code I have needed over the last 10 years or so. They have saved me a ton of money and frustration.

66BlkBB

My unit is a little more expensive. It is an AutoXray unit. Reads all of the codes for
OBDI and OBDII. It allows you to remove the error code if it isn't a significant to the actual operation of the vehicle, ie., misfire, rich fuel on one bank or the other, etc. It also runs through the engine operation giving CO2 readings, temperatures (engine and transmission) and a lot of other stuff I have no idea about. Cost when I got mine was over $300.00. Not sure what they cost now. Good luck on whatever you purchase.

Steve

MelWff

Make sure the unit works for ABS systems not just engine codes. You can also test the sensors with an ohm meter.

jusplainwacky

Interesting stuff here. See, I didn't even know that there are some systems that won't read ABS. I don't mind paying a higher price for a good unit...I just don't know what a good unit is and I appreciate this information.

jusplainwacky

What is the difference between OBDI and OBDII? Don't even know what they stand for.

kidvette

Basic answer. OBDI is the early version pre 1996 that dealt mostly with simple engine codes. OBDII was updated version to read the more complex systems of the car and its many subcomponent's.
What I do recommend is to buy a OBDII reader that explains the failure codes not the cheaper version that just gives you a failure number that you have to look up in a manual or via the internet. Good Luck.

jusplainwacky

Hey Kid...That's good to know that they have ones that explain the codes. Any recommendations on which ones do? Do they specifically state they do?

plaidside

This is the one I sell in my store and got great reviews on.
It does ABS on US cars, has live data and freeze frame.
Sells for $150.00
Joe

jusplainwacky

Hey Joe...does it explain the codes as was suggested?

decarmine

On Board Diagnostics

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On-board_diagnostics

66BlkBB

The AutoXray does it all. I just haven't read up on how to interpret everything it can tell me.

(Sorry for the mis-information I gave earlier. Just read up on this unit. It does not diagnose the ABS system. Appears that the best bet would be Innova 3100. Northern Tool has them for $119.00.)

BD104X

Rust buildup on the reluctor wheels (the toothed wheel that the ABS sensor reads) triggering a code is a common problem on those trucks.

plaidside

I believe it does, check out their website.
Joe

http://innova.com/en-US/Product/Detail/3100g

jusplainwacky

Says that it only works on ABS for the Chevrolet HD2500 from 2004-2012. I have a 2002....argh.

GUSTO14

One other big difference between the OBD-I and OBD-II is that the OBD-II uses a standard port common on all vehicles built since January 1, 1996. OBD-1 ports vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Most OBD-II readers are capable of reading OBD-I, but they will require an adapter to do it. If you do have an earlier vehicle with an On Board Diagnostic port, you might want to look for a code reader that comes with these adapters (or at least one for your particular vehicle) to be able to read the codes. This Equus 3120 Innova Diagnostic Code Scanner is one that comes with the adapters and sells for under $150.

Unless you have a very sophisticated code reader (read expensive) you will very likely only be able to read the code and will need to refer to another source (such as the internet) to learn what that code means specifically about your vehicle. Most readers will identify the system that is the source of the code, but very few (that sell for under $500) are capable of providing detailed diagnostics. The good news is that if you do google the code along with vehicle make and year, you will very likely be directed to multiple sources of detailed descriptions and even diagnostic steps you can take to trouble shoot your problem. Something that only diagnostic equipment typically costing a few thousand dollars are usually capable of.

Good luck and happy troubleshooting... GUSTO

jusplainwacky

Thanks for the info...

I'm not really concerned about any car other than the ones I have...2002 Duramax and at 2008 Lexus. I don't think I need to have the ability to read the older generation.

dugsgms74

Although we have alot of factory scan tools at work I bought this one for personal use and quick code checks/OBD monitor checks at work, works well. Actually made by OTC but branded as actron at autozone. Does alot for the price and the code connect feature comes in handy sometimes.
Heres the link.http://www.autozone.com/test-scan-an...ct/511731_0_0/

GUSTO14

You'll be surprised just how popular you become with friends, family and neighbors when they learn you have the ability to diagnose those pesky codes!

Just be sure to remind them of that darn diagnostic fee (like the dealers do) whenever you read/clear codes for them. Heck, someone has to pay for that expensive equipment and keep it up to date....

Good luck... GUSTO

GUSTO14

Doug, Actron and Innova seem to be two of the more popular and capable portable scanners available at fairly reasonable prices today. I've found them to be a very useful tool for the average home mechanic to at least get into the "ballpark" when interpreting basic code information.

The Actron you posted looks like one of the more capable/affordable code readers, thanks for the link.

Good luck... GUSTO