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Hey guys,
Right now I own this: http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/AutoTools/AutoCodeReaders/PRD~0251099P/OBD+Car+Reader.jsp?locale=enCanadian Tire has this one on sale for $90: http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/AutoTools/AutoCodeReaders/PRDOVR~0251030P/OBD+II+Code+Reader.jsp?locale=en
It seems that the only added feature is freeze frame capabilities and that it reads the code much faster than the one that I have. It also tells you the definition of the code right on the screen whereas mine doesn’t, but I do have a list close by. I’m thinkin maybe I can sell my current one on craigslist for a good price and pick this one up, but would like some advice on this. I do work in a shop and we have a snap on Verus, but I wouldn’t mind having my own code reader. Do you think this is a good idea?
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If you’re going to upgrade, upgrade. What you’re looking at isn’t much of an improvement over what you have. If it were me I’d want to go a couple of steps up from where I am when I buy a new tool. It’s up to you really and how you plan to use it.
I just got one of these that’s pretty cool and not a bad price. You can also upgrade it to read ABS.
http://www.jbtoolsales.com/actron-cp9599-u-scan-code-reader-tool/#oid=1002_1
The Acton is a great tool but if you want to get the best. You don’t cut corners and you work on Mercedes cars you need the Rolls Royce of tools. Buy a Snap-on Verus.
Jane 😉
Eric,
I use something like that as well just for “fun” really. I have it tied into my company car just to take measurements for the fun of it really and hopefully learn a thing or two.
I really like how that kind of thing just ties into a smartphone and allows you to do diagnostics on the side of the road without bringing a large scan-tool with you etc. Mine isn’t the exact model you have, but I figure all the Bluetooth OBDII plugs “more or less” does the same.
Most tools can read data… the Snap-on Verus can reprogram too. For example, the Mercedes Benz ‘star reader’ has only half the features, and unlike the Verus it doesn’t talk to the boot[trunk]opener ECU.
Keep safe
Jane 🙂Inverlass,
What do you call the ‘star reader’. Some cheap knockoff or the actual Mercedes diagnostics unit that they use in the official mercedes workshops etc.
The official unit from Mercedes… Oh but the ECU for the trunk is by Bosch! The MB star reader cannot understand the protocol used.
Jane
[quote=”celticbhoy” post=63695]
Canadian Tire has this one on sale for $90: http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/AutoTools/AutoCodeReaders/PRDOVR~0251030P/OBD+II+Code+Reader.jsp?locale=en
[/quote]That’s the exact same unit I bought last september…
Does the job for trouble codes reading (P0 codes) but that’s about it… no live data, no ABS/SRS…
Hi, TehTDK.
These “clone” systems are easily available on sites like eBay and also Alibaba.com from hundreds of vendors. As with any Chinese copy of anything, quality varies and quite often — but not always — one gets what they pay for. The recent reduction in price of the MB STAR C3 systems has made even relatively good quality systems very very affordable for the DIY mechanic and/or MB enthusiast — providing them with the same diagnostic power as the dealership mechanic (but not the same level of training and knowledge). Typical options that are available with MB STAR C3 systems available on the
Internet include: an array of cables; a multiplexer; a hard drive containing the MB STAR software package; and
instructions on how to set up the system. The software typically includes: MB Xentry, WIS, EPC, STAR Utilities; EWA net; Star Browser; Star Finder; and a recent MB parts price list (which goes out of date quickly). Quite a number of vendors also provide Internet support, including the ability to remotely control systems over the Internet (with the user’s permission, of course) to diagnose installation and software problems.There has been precious little information on the Internet about the Chinese MB STAR C4 systems, how they operate, and in general how the system operates. This thread will be a thorough, methodical investigation of how the system works, what it looks like, and how it can be used with the E500E (and by extension, the 400E/E420). It is up to the individual owner as to whether they need or would want such a unit. It would be overkill for many if not most owners. However, there are a number of owners who do want to do their own maintenance and want the tools to help them do this properly. For these owners, purchasing an HHT or MB STAR system may be a good idea.
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