Anyone buy a code reader to scan for engine codes?

What kind and how much did it run you?

I'm looking to purchase one of these for my car. can you help me out with a review of your reader?

Thanks so much

 

The two biggies for our cars are the Autoenginuity with the Nissan extensions, and the UpRev Cipher.

A couple of people have the Autoenginuity unit. I don't know much about it, but you can PM Jeff92se for feedback.

The Cipher isn't strictly an OBDII unit. It's not handheld; it's a desktop application that comes with a cable; so you must have a laptop present to use it. I'm personally very interested in this unit myself, mainly for various datalogging purposes, and the front-end is particularly pretty. You can check it out at http://uprev.com/products/cipher_NI.html

Hope that helps.

 

You could also go with the cheaper $110 Harrison RD unit (http://www.obdscan.net/obdscan.html) which has datalogging capability. I've had the Harrison RD unit for about 4 years now. It's great because I can log my G35, my wife's 98 Legacy GT, my parents 03 Sienna, and numerous other Hondas and Nissans owned by other friends. The Cipher program is nice and offers a ton of additional viewing capability, but I believe is only Nissan-specfic.

 

Cipher scans the CAN bus and display information that the OBD scanner cannot. I had the ElmScan unit initially and many OBD2 parameters didn't seem to work and the sampling rate was really slow. Cipher is fast and can even read the widebands... It is nissan specific. It can scan the BCM, ABS, and ECM computers. It does not (yet) work with the TCM (for automatic transmissions). Cipher also has some additional diagnostics, like individual cylinder testing. Cipher runs $400, but I would get it with Osiris for $700.

My understanding is that the autoenginuity tool works with the TCM already.

 

I sold my OBD II reader (Equus 3100), and got the Scan Gauge II. Not only does it code read, but it can be used as a in-car gauge showing 4 different parameters live including gas consumption, intake air temp, TPS, timing, etc., etc.! It can log the parameters that occured when your engine set off an MIL as well.

It just happens to fit into the space that our ashtray is, so it looks built in.

Depending on what you're looking for, it can be a great buy!

 

You can also change options/settings with the Cipher - actually, most of the options I believe you get with a TS L-Spec flash and more...and you get to have your own OBDII scanner, datalogger, etc..and make more of those changes when you want. Like idle etc, can be changed and messed with until you get it exactly where you want it.

The only thing lacking for me, would be fuel/timing maps - though you can make global timing adjustments...

I want one, but have other mods in process, so it'll have to wait for til next month.

Any others out there, affordable, that can do what the Cipher does? For me, 1 change like idle pays for the L-Spec TS flash all by itself. Not sure if ALL - the other TS L-spec items can be done on it though.

Rick

 

I am thinking of seriously getting one of these too. It wouldn't be THAT important to me to have it in my G35, since I can get real time fuel economy right out of the Navigation system... but it's still cool to see all the other real-time specs that it can give you, as well as being able to clear and decipher trouble codes should they occure.. without having to buy a seperate OBD-II Reader unit.

A couple of guys on my Tacoma forum bought them and they said they work really awesome and the display is big enough so you can see all 4 gauges pretty clearly at the same time. I think someone also said that the backlit colors are selectable too, so you can make it look cool if you plan on leaving it in your car all the time.

I'm probably going to buy one this week. You can get them for $159 online with shipping included in the price.

 

Cipher can change SOME minor changes. ie.. base timing changes of -/+ 3 deg. But it cannot alter the TB 100% opening issue or raise the rev limiter etc...

The Osyris reflash is what directly compares to TS' reflashes.

 

Yea...my bad - I meant Osiris...just couldn't get the word out when I was typing...

 

I just got a basic reader because I do everything else with the UTEC tuner on my laptop.

 

Cipher is a great tool... it adjusts base timing +-2 degrees and adjusts idle +-250rpm. Others have mentioned Cipher's other OBD-2 uses... Plus, Cipher is a great data gathering tool that monitors many, many ECU paramaters like Air/Fuel ratio, timing, engine RPM, engine speed (MPH), throttle position, incoming air temperature, MAF voltages, and lots more.

That's why Cipher is sold with Osiris. Cipher logs ECU parameters during a run so UpRev's Tuners can create A/F and timing curves. Osiris burns the new ROM maps into the ECU without having to remove it from the car. Cool stuff...