Check This Out...

[thefastone]

Was looking at some random Magazine on here last night, and it was advertising OBDII readers and Scanners... and the price didn't seem that harsh to be honest...

Just thought that I would post it up for your info and also for thoughts from those in the know, how do these compare to other OBDII units? what other options are as good or better than these and why?

there was 2 different units, both RAC branded, and I'd like to think that they wouldn't put their names to something that would damage your car, even if they do produce some TAT... Both are on sale from Argos...

the 2 units available are:

RAC Diagnostics Scanner - £119.99

• Find out what is really wrong with your car before taking it to the garage.
  
• Check for faults on second hand cars before buying.
  
• Modern cars have a built-in diagnostic system called OBDII or EOBD which your garage will plug into to help determine any faults, now you can plug into this system yourself.
  
• Compatible with all petrol cars manufactured since 2001 and all diesels since 2004.
  
• Also compatible with many earlier car models manufactured after 1996, please contact our Helpline for more information on 020 8391 6767.
  
• Displays fault code definitions on screen.
  
• Resets fault codes and 'check engine' light.
  
• Backlit display.
  
• Compatible with the latest CAN protocol.
  
• Additional freeze-frame information and test results storage function, for off-car analysis.
  
• Fault code updates available via internet.
  
• Includes scan tool, user manual, software CD, OBDII cable, serial cable, carry case and 9V battery.
  
• Size (H)20, (W)8.5, (D)3.5cm.
  

Link here: Argos.co.uk

The other Unit is:

RAC Fault Code Reader - £49.99

• Find out what is really wrong with your car before taking it to the garage.
  
• Check for faults on second hand cars before buying.
  
• Modern cars have a built-in diagnostic system called OBDII or EOBD which your garage will plug into to help determine any faults, now you can plug into this system yourself.
  
• Compatible with all petrol cars manufactured since 2001 and all diesels since 2004.
  
• Also compatible with many earlier car models manufactured after 1996, please contact our Helpline for more information on 020 8391 6767.
  
• Read/reset fault codes.
  
• Reset 'check engine' light.
  
• Backlit display.
  
• Compatible with the latest CAN protocol.
  
• Generic fault code definition table provided.
  
• Includes CAN OBDII code reader, fault code manual and CD and carry case.
  
• Size (H)11, (W)7.5, (D)2.2cm.
  

Link to that one: Argos.co.uk

Cheers. :waving-santa:

Edited October 31, 2008 by thefastone

[scouk]

Handy tool to have! Especially £49.99 for the small one!

I use a Openport cable from tactrix - http://www.tactrix.com/ Plugs into your PC via USB and lets you do all sorts including read/clear trouble codes.. Imported to the Uk for around £80 or something.. (Free software available on the net.. that's Genuinely free!) Mapping software can even let you disable the warnings for those gastly Exhaust errors.

To be honest, these devices are probably worth getting IMHO, or at least get someone you know to get one as they are handy when you need to use them!.. Especially at £50 how much would your local garage charge for a Diagnostic just because the Light is on?

Note: Ive never used any of the RAC devices so can't comment but the idea of a pocket size Diagnostic device at that sort of price can't be sniffed at!

Nice find Dale!