# Check engine light code reader question **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [December 16, 2016, 3:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/check-engine-light-code-reader-question/97312 "2016-12-16T15:06:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 14\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![amg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b5a626/32.png) [@amg](https://community.cartalk.com/u/amg)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2016, 3:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/check-engine-light-code-reader-question/97312/1 "2016-12-16T15:06:15Z")
My boyfriend has a hobby garage with pretty much everything including a lift. He doesn’t have a thingy that reads the check engine light codes. Can anyone recommend a good reader I can get for Christmas that will do the job but not break the bank? This? [http://www.sears.com/craftsman-obd2-car-reader/p-00947156000P?sid=IDx01192011x000001&gclid=CjwKEAiAvs7CBRC24rao6bGCoiASJABaCt5DEh-xOygCdruz2rZ9rc9cYX8h1MQ51-ZlvNWgjrTutRoCyyDw\_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#](http://www.sears.com/craftsman-obd2-car-reader/p-00947156000P?sid=IDx01192011x000001&gclid=CjwKEAiAvs7CBRC24rao6bGCoiASJABaCt5DEh-xOygCdruz2rZ9rc9cYX8h1MQ51-ZlvNWgjrTutRoCyyDw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#) All check engine light issues are emissions issues, correct? Thanks! p.s. if anyone can suggest a better Christmas gift for a car guy who has everything, I’m all ears! He fixes up old cars and hot rods. ---
**Author:** ![SteveCBT](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/stevecbt/32/3192_2.png) [@SteveCBT](https://community.cartalk.com/u/SteveCBT)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2016, 3:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/check-engine-light-code-reader-question/97312/2 "2016-12-16T15:35:32Z")
This code reader is basic and will cover a lot of issues. It won’t help with ABS and some other more complex problems. The check engine light will indicate faults with emissions but also a lot of other stuff. It can show transmission problems, ABS brake problems - a lot more than emissions. For $40 this is a start for him. You might want to hint around and see if he wants one and what capabilities he wants. ---
**Author:** ![the\_same\_mountainbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@the\_same\_mountainbike](https://community.cartalk.com/u/the_same_mountainbike)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2016, 4:23pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/check-engine-light-code-reader-question/97312/3 "2016-12-16T16:23:22Z")
This site will give you comparative information. You can click on each reader for its details. Search the rest of the site and you can print coupons that’ll drop the prices even more. [http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=code+readers](http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=code+readers) I personally have the first one on the list. ---
**Author:** ![Whitey](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/whitey/32/24680_2.png) [@Whitey](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Whitey)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2016, 4:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/check-engine-light-code-reader-question/97312/4 "2016-12-16T16:24:00Z")
According to the linked product listing, it reads and clears both check engine and ABS lights. I admit I’ve never used one of these, so I’m not that familiar, but from what I understand, the cheaper basic code readers will only pull the most recent code, while the better code readers will pull all the codes from ECU, which is pretty important. Therefore, I recommend one of the units that has a large display, and this one appears to fit the bill. ---
**Author:** ![the\_same\_mountainbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@the\_same\_mountainbike](https://community.cartalk.com/u/the_same_mountainbike)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2016, 4:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/check-engine-light-code-reader-question/97312/5 "2016-12-16T16:27:50Z")
The better readers also allow collecting and storing data over time, graphing, linking with computers, reading of brake and body codes, and lots of other things that I like. But I don’t know how much all of that would mean to the OP’s BF. He may just want something very basic. ---
**Author:** ![Whitey](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/whitey/32/24680_2.png) [@Whitey](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Whitey)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2016, 4:34pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/check-engine-light-code-reader-question/97312/6 "2016-12-16T16:34:30Z")
Does he have a creeper? If not, or if he has a cheap one, a good one would make a nice gift, something like this: > **[Amazon.com: Pro-Lift C-2036D Grey 36" Z-Creeper Seat: Automotive](https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Lift-C-2036D-Grey-Z-Creeper-Seat/dp/B00826OVWW/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1481905787&sr=1-1&keywords=creepers)** > > Pro Lift C-2036D Creeper is a 2 in 1 creeper that is designed to be folded in a "Z" shape for use as a mechanics seat or unfolded for use as a mechanics creeper. With Its thick padded bed, it gives yo ... or this: > **[Amazon.com: Omega 91000 Black 40" Foldable Z Creeper: Automotive](https://www.amazon.com/Omega-91000-Black-Foldable-Creeper/dp/B001C6Q8M0/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1481905787&sr=1-2&keywords=creepers)** > > Omega 91000 Creeper is a 2 in 1 creeper that is designed to be folded in a "Z" shape for use as a mechanics seat or unfolded for use as a mechanics creeper. With Its thick padded bed, it gives you the ... depending on how much you want to spend. The casters (wheels) on the more expensive unit will probably last longer. Does he have something like this? > **[Amazon.com: 2 Pack Oil Dri L90693-2 Automotive Garage Guard Polypropylene Rug Oil Mat, 5' Length x 3' Width: Automotive](https://www.amazon.com/L90693-2-Automotive-Garage-Guard-Polypropylene/dp/B00GGX9UGU/ref=sr_1_8?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1481905912&sr=1-8&keywords=garage+floor+mat)** > > 2 Pack Automotive Use OIL-DRI Garage Guard and Poly Backed Industrial Rug shields and protects garage floors and work surfaces by absorbing fluids by not allowing them to penetrate the non-slip poly b ... or this? > **[Amazon.com: Drymate Max MAXGMC17 Garage Floor Mat: Automotive](https://www.amazon.com/Drymate-Max-Garage-Floor-Protecting/dp/B00GAALWKQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1481905912&sr=1-3&keywords=garage+floor+mat)** > > The Drymate Max carpet like garage floor mat is an inexpensive, thin fiber mat with a poly packing. The new Drymate Max is thicker and more durable than ever before. Please do not confuse it with the ... BTW, I’m only posting Amazon links out of convenience. You can likely find these items at a local auto parts store or your local big box store at comparable prices and not have to pay for shipping. ---
**Author:** ![TwinTurbo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8baadc/32.png) [@TwinTurbo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TwinTurbo)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2016, 5:23pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/check-engine-light-code-reader-question/97312/7 "2016-12-16T17:23:14Z")
I’m partial to the Innova scan tools. I’ve had one for a long time and it’s still relevant today. Regarding breaking the bank, that would depend on the size of your bank! 😉 Here’s a decent version for not much money- > **[Innova 3040 OBD2 ScanTool - Walmart.com](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Innova-3040-OBD2-ScanTool/50997126?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227039486098&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=80428016929&wl4=aud-261800282140:pla-78815021106&wl5=9032007&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=50997126&wl13=&veh=sem)** > > Buy Innova 3040 OBD2 ScanTool at Walmart.com You can buy a more capable version for around $50 more and then just keep going up depending on the size of your bank! ---
**Author:** ![OldcarsRbest](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/oldcarsrbest/32/4812_2.png) [@OldcarsRbest](https://community.cartalk.com/u/OldcarsRbest)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2016, 5:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/check-engine-light-code-reader-question/97312/8 "2016-12-16T17:37:06Z")
What a thoughtful GF! As a hobby guy, I bought one ($80) that will read both ABS and engine codes, including multiple, and pending, and will also clear codes, useful when tackling a problem one ‘guess’ at a time. He can use this on newer (96+) cars he’s working on, can take it when looking at used cars… I’m sure one of those recommended will fix him up quite well. ---
**Author:** ![amg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b5a626/32.png) [@amg](https://community.cartalk.com/u/amg)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2016, 11:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/check-engine-light-code-reader-question/97312/9 "2016-12-16T23:54:46Z")
awesome suggestions, thanks! ---
**Author:** ![George\_San\_Jose1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e5b9ba/32.png) [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2016, 1:28am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/check-engine-light-code-reader-question/97312/10 "2016-12-17T01:28:21Z")
> [@amg](#): > > My boyfriend has a hobby garage with pretty much everything including a lift. Now that’s a great bf! And you are a great gf to support his hobby! Men and their hobbies. Good for you. Since he’s seems a very gifted guy, car repair-wise anyway, suggest to focus on a code reader that offers what they call the “mode 6” feature. That allows real time measurements for things like fuel trim. Important if you are really into diagnosing problems with newer cars. Both my cars are too old for all that, so I can’t offer anything product specific. But suggest if your bank account allows to think “mode 6” when making your choice. The type that don’t offer mode 6 are useful too, especially for a driverway diy’er . But I get the sense your bf is more than that. One idea, buy a basic one but from a store where he can take it back and get a better one himself if he likes. He doesn’t expect you to know exactly the one he wants. Best of luck. Re: if anyone can suggest a better Christmas gift for a car guy who has everything, I’m all ears! He fixes up old cars and hot rods. How about a subscription to _Hot Rod_ magazine? > **[HOT ROD Network - Muscle Cars | Custom Cars | Car Projects | Where It All Began](https://www.motortrend.com/hotrod/)** > > HOT ROD is “where it all began,” as the first magazine to cover the hot rod culture. Since that time, HOT ROD has evolved into a brand devoted to everything from hot rods to restomods, barn finds to project cars and everything in between. ---
**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2016, 3:03am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/check-engine-light-code-reader-question/97312/11 "2016-12-17T03:03:16Z")
George, you are a trip . . . ! 🎃 ---
**Author:** ![pleasedodgevan2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ad7895/32.png) [@pleasedodgevan2](https://community.cartalk.com/u/pleasedodgevan2)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2016, 5:45am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/check-engine-light-code-reader-question/97312/12 "2016-12-17T05:45:33Z")
I bought the Innova at Mall-Wart for $100 and I like it for my purposes which give me an idea about whether to keep driving and for how many weeks or months. It is very handy for that. ---
**Author:** ![BustedKnuckles](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bustedknuckles/32/25_2.png) [@BustedKnuckles](https://community.cartalk.com/u/BustedKnuckles)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2016, 2:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/check-engine-light-code-reader-question/97312/13 "2016-12-17T14:28:15Z")
I bought one of these and downloaded the ‘Torque’ app on my android phone. It not only gives me Diagnostic Trouble Codes, but real time sensor readings and data logging. All for less than $20. > **[Amazon.com: Generic V2.1 Super MINI ELM327 Bluetooth OBD/OBD2 ELM 327 Multi-Language 12Kinds Works ON Android Torque/PC: Automotive](https://www.amazon.com/Generic-Bluetooth-Multi-Language-12Kinds-Android/dp/B00N2K6M2A/ref=redir_mobile_desktop/140-4455427-2587862?_encoding=UTF8&dpID=41v7UEpRcGL&dpPl=1&keywords=elm%20327%20bluetooth&pi=SY200_QL40&qid=1481984571&ref=plSrch&ref_=mp_s_a_1_2&sr=8-2)** > > May have CD no reaction, please into the link below to download the new version CD content： http://pan.baidu.com/s/1i5wgQLf If you have any more questions about the order, please contact us at first, ... ---
**Author:** ![amg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b5a626/32.png) [@amg](https://community.cartalk.com/u/amg)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 2:50pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/check-engine-light-code-reader-question/97312/15 "2016-12-19T14:50:46Z")
Everyone, thanks so very much for the awesome suggestions!!! I ended up getting a Craftsman reader at Sears, and a subscription to Hot Rod magazine (which I will confiscate and read when he’s done, lol). We are having fun learning about each other’s hobbies-I run a pig rescue and he loves cars and bikes. He bought a truck for the rescue that we’re fixing up to tow a horse trailer. Big loud manly man truck with a lift kit. I love it! He’s got a '67 Dodge that I want to work on with him and he wants me to race it on the track when we’re done.