opinions re code reader

[shakushinnen]

Dear....
There is a code reader for sale similiar to the one advertised
here.... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?
ViewItem&rd=1&item=4507831817&category=43989
The following is copied from the above web site.
................
Manufacturer OBD II DTC definitions. OBD II Protocols used in this
tool include SAE J1850 PWM, SAE J1850 VPW. This scanner is
incompatible with nonstandard OBDIIs. It will not work on European,
Japanese (except Isuzu), Dodge and other ISO cars. You can check my
other listing for those cars.
...............
He wants $75 Canadian for it.
Would someone who is familiar with these devices please have a look and
see if you think it will work with my '99 Catera?
Thanks,
John

[brant2000]

I was actually also just looking at buying a scanner on Ebay. I noticed those scanners also. I honestly don't think that they are worth saving a few dollars for. It may work on the car, but you must keep in mind that the vehicle is in all respects a European car, so I don't know. I also don't think that it looks to be very user friendly. Better scanners will give you readouts of the diagnosis which are actually able to be read. I have a feeling that this scanner is going to give you codes which may be very difficult to identify and pinpoint the problem. If I were you, I would look towards finding one made by a better manufacturer. Also, make sure that the manual is included or that you can get a copy of it somewhere.

[Vesicant]

Yeah, I agree. Its not going to be worth it throwing away money for something that may not work with our Catera.

You cant just read the codes when you plug it in.. you have to control the computer to access them. And ontop of that, the Catera uses a Controller Area Network (communicates with all the computer systems in the car) which makes it even more complicated. Something like that I doubt will work.

[shakushinnen]

Thanks guys,
I guess I'll just wait 'til the Innova 3100 comes on sale at Canadian Tire. Should be about $175.
John

[stevehogan]

The Catera requires an ISO scanner (unlike US-built GM cars). Most of the ads for scanners list compatible cars, and it pays to check when buying one of the inexpensive ones. Also, watch out for the "simple" scanners that erase all of the codes once you read them a few times. Makes it too easy to screw up

[shakushinnen]

Hi Steve,
Thanks for the feedback. It looks like this one strikes out on two counts: a) It does not support the iso scanner.
and
b) It does erase the code after reading it.
I've decided to wait until the Innova 3100 comes on sale at Canadian Tire.
John