Quote:
Originally Posted by Tcoat
A reader is a great tool if you have the skills and resources to actually fix the issue it identifies.
It is an OK tool if you just want to know what the issue is before you take it to somebody else to fix.
It is a worthless tool if you do not understand what the issue is or what to do even after pulling the code.
For 99.9999% of the driving public owning a reader is a complete waste of time and money.
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It's funny I had this same conversation with someone the other day. They had a CEL and was looking for a mechanic. I told them to pull the code to see whats wrong and they mentioned how they want it fixed, the light is less important than getting the issue resolved.
I responded saying that the code is literally the car telling you what is wrong with it. It's like going to the doctor, you don't just say that you're sick, you go there and explain what is wrong, the symptoms.
I don't think it's a waste of time or money for anyone at all. If you pull the code, you can at least google the results and it'll say what it is. Then you can call around shops to get quotes on what needs to be done based on the code. Instead of the usual up-sale of "you need a cabin air filter, wiper blades, etc". The local shop I take my car to (when I can't do it on my own) has to outsource some of their work depending on what needs to be done since they don't have the machines to do it. Again, this would be helpful if I know what needs to be done on the car and to call ahead.
Buying a used car? Plug in the reader to see.