# Code Reader - Which one? **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [September 25, 2021, 1:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/code-reader-which-one/179570 "2021-09-25T13:06:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![asemaster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@asemaster](https://community.cartalk.com/u/asemaster)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2021, 7:29pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/code-reader-which-one/179570/21 "2021-09-26T19:29:49Z")
> [@George\_San\_Jose1](#): > > Surprising. I wouldn’t have expected an experienced mechanic to say that. Since the diagnostic codes provide clues to what the problem is, how do you diagnose computerized cars? I’m presuming you mean you use more sophisticated electronic tools, I have yet to see a “code reader” or smartphone app that I find useful in the daily repair of cars. Sure grabbing a fault code and having some (not all) live data can start you, but I need much more than any of the devices I see talked about here to be effective and efficient at my job. I need to be able to drive the car and see all the data I find to be pertinent, perhaps graph the inputs from several sensors while driving, see multiple lines of data, and so on. If nothing else, a smartphone simply isn’t big enough to have that on a screen that’s easily read. I need to able to disable fuel injectors, run emissions systems tests, operate cooling fans, shift a transmission into 4th gear at 10mph, etc. To the best of my knowledge you need an actual “scan tool” to perform all these functions. For example: Last week I had a car in with a complaint of no A/C. The fan blows warm air. I didn’t need to open the hood, or install pressure gauges. 90% of the diagnostic process was done from the driver seat using nothing but a scan tool. I was able to determine that the car had a leak and was low on refrigerant by reading scan tool data, and was also able to identify a faulty under-dash sensor at the same time. Same day we had a car in for rear brake replacement. A scan tool was needed to retract the parking brake mechanism. Also at the same time we used it to reset the oil life monitor. Do any of the code readers in the posts above do that much? Not sure, but I doubt it. ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2021, 7:34pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/code-reader-which-one/179570/22 "2021-09-26T19:34:54Z")
> [@Mustangman](#): > > $300 for TOAD and you ONLY get engine and transmission codes?? **Available for a Limited Time at $77** Price is temporarily lowered because we’re doing a price marketing test during this month September. Get TOAD today at $220 off while this lasts. And it can do real-time monitoring like CapriRacer is looking for. And it can remap engine operating parameters for tuners. Can your scanner do that? Tester ---
**Author:** ![sestivers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f6c823/32.png) [@sestivers](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sestivers)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2021, 7:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/code-reader-which-one/179570/23 "2021-09-26T19:45:55Z")
I’m skeptical. Sure, you can get “real time” data (which you can also get through Torque Pro or OBD Fusion) but if you are connecting through the Bluetooth transmitter it would not have the scan rate necessary for many diagnoses. Are there alternate interfaces that have the ability to support higher scan rate? ---
**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2021, 7:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/code-reader-which-one/179570/24 "2021-09-26T19:51:08Z")
> [@Tester](#): > > Can your scanner do that? Yes, Forscan can. And it is free, and can access every module. Like TOAD, you still need to purchase a Blutooth dongle or a USB cable. The cable lets you scan at higher data rates with either software. ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2021, 8:02pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/code-reader-which-one/179570/25 "2021-09-26T20:02:22Z")
> [@Mustangman](#): > > Yes, Forscan can. That’s fine if you just plan on owning Ford/Mazda Vehicles. Tester ---
**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2021, 11:02pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/code-reader-which-one/179570/26 "2021-09-26T23:02:04Z")
That is what CapriRacer owns. [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/code-reader-which-one/179570.md?page=1)