Where can i get a handheld code reader

adam03031980 · Post by **adam03031980** » Fri Sep 28, 2007 11:12 pm

Does anyone know where you can get a cheap hand held code reader just one that plugs in under the dash near the steering wheel seen some on ebay but not sure about ordering one from hongkong

mbell666 · Post by **mbell666** » Sat Sep 29, 2007 1:58 pm

my brother got one from ebay for about £60, its quite good (codes and descriptions). works with my 406 and both of his A4's (but not with my dads old 97 vectra).

Its orange and is a Geniscan GS400. Well worth buying for the same amout as having the deal read them once!

V6Exec · Post by **V6Exec** » Sat Sep 29, 2007 2:19 pm

How good are they at decoding Pug specific codes?

Seem to be readily available here.

mbell666 · Post by **mbell666** » Sat Sep 29, 2007 3:31 pm

Can't say to be honest, i've only ever had one fault code registered on the car.

That was P0380 which comes up as "Glow Plug/heater circuit/KTA malfunction". I am not sure if this is a pug specific fault or not.

I am sure if it just got the code numbers for pug specfic codes, some one round here would be able to provide the the meaning of the code.

When they cost about the same as having the fault code read by the dealer i think they are worth it, at worse saves you paying them read the codes before you take it to the garage to have them sort it out.

jameslxdt · Post by **jameslxdt** » Sat Sep 29, 2007 5:50 pm

you can only download P codes with the ebay scanners, unless you buy a DIAG2000 you cant download the pug specific codes

V6Exec · Post by **V6Exec** » Sat Sep 29, 2007 6:45 pm

One of these?

jameslxdt · Post by **jameslxdt** » Sat Sep 29, 2007 7:10 pm

thats the one, have seen a few on french ebay sell for 3000 euros upwards

adam03031980 · Post by **adam03031980** » Sat Sep 29, 2007 8:39 pm

so would these cheaper handheld code readers not show a code like p0190 which is a fault code i previously had

jameslxdt · Post by **jameslxdt** » Sat Sep 29, 2007 8:41 pm

thats an OBD P code, so yes they will retrieve them, but as said above it wont read pug specific codes

mikey s · Post by **mikey s** » Mon Oct 01, 2007 12:24 am

all obd p codes cross refer for any manufacturer.