acetaylor

What is the recommended code scanner for the shade tree mechanic. I recently replaced that air compressor and need to erase a chassis code. Rather than pay someone a couple of Franklins to scan and erase a code I think it would be prudent to put those dollars towards something that will return dollars in the future.

Thanks, Bob Clemmer

mtm

At the moment, the best value I think is Launch Creader. Allows quite a bit of programming. Before that I had iCarsoft MB II which didn't allow any programming.

eaglehawaii

I just got the iCarSoft MB V.1 and it worked flawlessly for me.

Very easy and intuitive to use. I was able to clear the following faults.

• SRS fault message that was triggered when I replaced the rear passenger door car stop check.
• Headlight related fault message was triggered after I tried different LED bulbs. I am getting a set of decoders to see if the LED bulbs will work.
• TPMS fault message. I plan to replace them all when I get new tires.

Happy with it. I could have gotten the V2 or V3 but I figured the V1 is sufficient for me.

iCarsoft MB V1.0 at amazon: https://a.co/d/2H9WSej

Here's the video that gives a quick overview demo of the V1 features: https://youtu.be/wVmhREkrbkw?si=sVSnpr6-TjldTqhb

streborx

Kinda like asking for a recommendation on Vodka - sarcasm is targeted at scanner manufacturers, not you or any forum member. If all you need to do is scan for codes that trigger the CEL and reset codes, most scanners in the $200 - $300 range will do the job. Even some of the wireless OBD dongles costing less than $100 that connect to smartphone apps are surprisingly capable. The recommendations in the posts above are good places to start.

gladerider

i got a foxwell NT301 and it shows the code but not enough detail. i had to pay a mechanic to find out what was really wrong. i might have to bite the bullet and get a decent reader.

AKSwift

I have the iCarsoft MBIII and it works well, similar to MBII, I suspect. Reading out/clearing error codes, measuring voltages, triggering actuators, etc.

@mtm - would the Creader allow switching on the ILS functions for the US, for example?

mtm

What are the ILS functions?

AKSwift

Fancy headlights.


The hardware exists in a bunch of US cars, but the functionality has been turned off.

mtm

Sorry, no idea about ILS - looks like it's for cars with LED lights, not bi-xenon like my 2013. On mine, the intelligent light system just means cornering and automatic high/low beam if selected in instrument cluster

ygmn

No to ILS at this point but you get very close with programming it in. see 212 section.
there are 2 variables that for some reason will not save changes.

Now it does let you program start/stop to remember last setting.
Recently close trunk from keyfob.

Lots of things it can do but no manual so you have to read what others have done or risk Bricking your cars computers.

LAunch right now for under $200 is best value since you can code things in.

I figure enough people bug them about the ILS they will figure it out.