Which reader/scanner to buy?

I want to buy a code reader/scanner for my 2002 Montana - I want to not only have it read the code, but to tell me what it means, AND to do real time scanning.

Any models do this, and if so, which one are you using and where did you get it from and how much did it cost? I'm in Canada, but am willing to buy off of eBay or via internet from reputable USA/Canada site.

Thanks in advance!

that is just it;
cost. how much do you want to spend.
find a Snap-On MODIS on eBay for $2500-3800, let ME know!
snap-on's top of the line is more than anyone needs, save someone in the industry, as it will cover '79-'09 American, Import, and Commercial vehicles, but new it's $7500.

the Actron CP9135 (I think that's the number) is your best buy really, as it is under $100 (might find it online for $70-80USD) and comes ready to plug and play for '94 and newer vehicles, will display code and brief description, and comes with software to more fully diagnose what the codes potentially mean.
this will ONLY do engine codes! if, on your montana, you wish to decifer the transmission codes and ABS/air bag codes, then probably the least expensive would be:

OTC's NEMISYS for about $1000.

if, however, this is just for personal use, I would recommend just finding a $35-50 USD code reader, as you have many websites to search and find meaning of codes and what to change or swap out.
as far as resetting your engine light, most GMs will reset the computer, after the POS(+) battery cable has been disconnected for 5-10minutes.
(if you do not have you radio code, leave ignition ON (engine OFF) while doing this or radio will LOCk you out).

hope this helps
chris
ASE cert.instructor

http://harborfreight.com/

these guys have the $35-40
code reader and ship to Canada

but for twice this much you can get that Actron Scanner,
so that is what you might "search" the net sites for.

the Actron CP9135 (I think that's the number) is your best buy really, as it is under $100 (might find it online for $70-80USD) and comes ready to plug and play for '94 and newer vehicles, will display code and brief description, and comes with software to more fully diagnose what the codes potentially mean.
this will ONLY do engine codes! if, on your montana, you wish to decifer the transmission codes and ABS/air bag codes, then probably the least expensive would be:The CP9125 is a code number only w/ reset. You'd have to look up what the code means exactly. The CP9135 does everything the CP9125 does as well as give you a brief description. The CP9145 does everything the CP9145 does, as well as give you real time sensor readings. What sensors it will read is depended to what the computer supports. Not everything is readable on all years.

I have the CP9145 and would recommend paying more for it over the CP9135 or CP9125 although if you don't want the real time reading, spending the extra won't be worth it. The CP9145 will also read transmission (powertrain) DTC. Maybe not on the most recent vehicles, but with my 98' TS it does.

And the software provided with the Actron scanners is worthless. All it does is provide a easy way to enter the DTC and it gives you the same brief description the CP9135 and CP9145 gives you already.

You guys have been very helpfull.

Thanks!!!

The CP9125 is a code number only w/ reset. You'd have to look up what the code means exactly. The CP9135 does everything the CP9125 does as well as give you a brief description. The CP9145 does everything the CP9145 does, as well as give you real time sensor readings. What sensors it will read is depended to what the computer supports. Not everything is readable on all years.

I have the CP9145 and would recommend paying more for it over the CP9135 or CP9125 although if you don't want the real time reading, spending the extra won't be worth it. The CP9145 will also read transmission (powertrain) DTC. Maybe not on the most recent vehicles, but with my 98' TS it does.

And the software provided with the Actron scanners is worthless. All it does is provide a easy way to enter the DTC and it gives you the same brief description the CP9135 and CP9145 gives you already.


yea, your 9145 I believe does Powertrain codes for like '96-'02 Domestic.
and you are correct that the software (if you do not know what you are looking at) pretty much only describes the code.

there is a website:
scantool.net

that will sell a circuit board and cables to allow your laptop or desktop running windows 98, 2000, xp to access, read, clear, & give live, real time sensor, fuel trim, fluid & air readings.
under $200. for all makes and models, or under $100. for make specific (three circuit boards, cover all domestic, european, asian)
I have utilized this product before, and it is quite good, but if you are looking merely for a code reader, there again, CDRU, wouldn't you agree, for merely novice identiying and clearing, the actron is easy to use, less expensive, and probably one of the easier one to find (in store or internet)?

Wubs, you can search sites, and then decide on how much you'll use it, and how much you want to spend.
but I agree with cdru, that his #9145 is a little higher, but will handle Pontiac Trans codes as well.