Code reader

[Frank Rabbets]

I would like a code reader for mr2 mk3. All I have is my eyes and the car, no laptop etc. What components do I need to buy? Is there an "all in one device".

Thanks in advance.

[Joesson]

I would like a code reader for mr2 mk3. All I have is my eyes and the car, no laptop etc. What components do I need to buy? Is there an "all in one device".

Thanks in advance.

Firstly, as I have said elsewhere, I have had one engine fault light since engine fault lights were a thing.
Nevertheless on the basis of being prepared a code reader is what I have just recently bought.
I have an iPhone and an iPad, my reader will definitely connect with my iPad, eventually. I have yet to check connectivity withmy iPhone.
Simplest, just to give a code, rather than all the background information is a plug in wired unit.
A hand held device connecting to the socket with good old fashioned wire, no connection problem. Plug it in an off you go.
There aren't quite so many corded as cordless but still a good selection from under £20 up to professional gear at several £100' s and more.

PS.
You must have internet access to post on here, so a search OBD 2 code reader found this that may help:


https://kit.honestjohn.co.uk/top-tens/top-10-diagnostic-scanners/

[Topdownman]

If you have a smart phone then best to get a reader that pairs with that using the Torq app. This will give much more data than you can get with the basic cordrd device.

[shnazzle]

I can recommend the (admittedly pricey) OBDLink LX (the green one) paired with Torque Pro on an Android phone.

That'll cover most any car you're likely to get.

If you are an Apple user, then any WiFi-based OBD2 dongle will do the trick. Kiwi does a good one. Paired with either TorquePro or DashCommand.


Alternatively, you can find plug-in OBD2 code-readers for as little as 17gbp.
A "fancier" Autel unit around the 100gbp mark will be able to provide more information about the codes and also display most things that TorquePro will.

If it's to be used as an occasional diagnostic tool (potentially across cars) then it may be worth investing as much as you're comfortable to in a standalone device between 75 and 300gbp.
Above that you're starting to get into the realms of devices that can do far more.

The dongles and TorquePro come into their own when you want to live-monitor while you drive.

[1979scotte]

For most people a cheap Bluetooth dongle linked to torque on your phone is more than  adequate.
Most of us just want to read codes and turn off the EML not look at inlet temps or fuel trims.

[shnazzle]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/174645118220?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338792760&toolid=10001&customid=fb49920e9d851eb82058853f640770ca

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Giveet-Wireless-Scanner-Diagnostic-Smartphone-Black/dp/B076Z91CW3/ref=asc_df_B076Z91CW3/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=463167320282&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7842119752560777242&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006938&hvtargid=pla-574890155443&psc=1

https://www.eurocarparts.com/p/streetwize-obdii-fault-code-reader-553997350

https://www.obd2shop.co.uk/wholesale/autel-diaglink-obd2-scanner.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1pLOl6bG8AIVVIFQBh1EVgpZEAQYJiABEgL16vD_BwE

https://www.obd2shop.co.uk/wholesale/autel-maxicom-mk808-scanner.html

[ManInDandism]

I would like a code reader for mr2 mk3. All I have is my eyes and the car, no laptop etc. What components do I need to buy? Is there an "all in one device".

Thanks in advance.

A tenner for a cheap OBD2 scanner

Plugs into the socket above your right foot, reads any codes and let's you clear them. Simples.

[Jimbo]

Alternatively, you can find plug-in OBD2 code-readers for as little as 17gbp.

Unless you've got a particular need then I'd start here with Torque Lite (the free version) on an old Android phone just to have a play. I have a generic one that looks like you can pick up for sub £10 on Amazon these days - lives in the glovebox of the newer car 'just in-case' but yet to try it on the MR2. A blue one from: https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=obd2+bluetooth&i=automotive

[Jimbo]

A tenner for a cheap OBD2 scanner

Plugs into the socket above your right foot, reads any codes and let's you clear them. Simples.

Does look like the cheapest simplest solution to check and clear codes!

[Topdownman]

I would like a code reader for mr2 mk3. All I have is my eyes and the car, no laptop etc. What components do I need to buy? Is there an "all in one device".

Thanks in advance.

A tenner for a cheap OBD2 scanner

Plugs into the socket above your right foot, reads any codes and let's you clear them. Simples.

That is a good find, very cheap for the wired variety. I started with something similar but when I got a smartphone I got one of these;

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Torque-Pro-Elm-327-Bluetooth/dp/B01AC7I7BO/ref=asc_df_B01AC7I7BO/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=310668964056&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7842752602415558303&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007025&hvtargid=pla-592196470004&psc=1

This works well for me as said, gives much more info with the Torque pro app although I think there is still a free basic app?

[shnazzle]

The reason I purposely do not mention the cheap sub-10GBP BT dongles is because I've had a fair few and all of them had one thing in common; intermittent connectivity issues. Frustrating.

Not to mention that most of the cheap ones have the ABS light oddity. You have to do the dance where you turn the car on, THEN plug them in or they will make the ABS light blink and not work.

After years of this pain in the ass, I got the OBDLink LX. Connects every time, first time, no issues

[1979scotte]

The reason I purposely do not mention the cheap sub-10GBP BT dongles is because I've had a fair few and all of them had one thing in common; intermittent connectivity issues. Frustrating.

Not to mention that most of the cheap ones have the ABS light oddity. You have to do the dance where you turn the car on, THEN plug them in or they will make the ABS light blink and not work.

After years of this pain in the bumbum, I got the OBDLink LX. Connects every time, first time, no issues

Have to say I agree with Dev getting them setup can be tricky but once that's done all is well.
Agree the ABS light is annoying.

BTW I don't like the WiFi ones as you can't use the Internet at the same time. Although the one I have can be permanently connected as it doesn't trigger the abs light.

[Gaz mr-s]

Everyone's different.  My partner got a cheap bluetooth for £5 or so. No bother at all.  I spent too much money on an OBD Link lx.  It failed quite quickly.  Money back. 
I then bought a cheap one one ebay. DOA. Seller was an ignorant foreign prat.  Reimbursed by ebay.

Ordered another cheap one...works fine.

[ManInDandism]

The reason I purposely do not mention the cheap sub-10GBP BT dongles is because I've had a fair few and all of them had one thing in common; intermittent connectivity issues. Frustrating.

Not to mention that most of the cheap ones have the ABS light oddity. You have to do the dance where you turn the car on, THEN plug them in or they will make the ABS light blink and not work.

After years of this pain in the bumbum, I got the OBDLink LX. Connects every time, first time, no issues

As well as cheap and nasty/basic, like you, I have a more expensive one as well with more bell and whistles.  My basic one works fine though and can just leave it in the glove compartment.

For the OP, a basic one is a good introduction and maybe move on to bigger and better down the line - a tenner doesn't really break the bank, though as you suggest, is good if it actually works!