Code Readers - which one

[Retro Pedro]

I'm sure this question must have been asked many times before, but is there a defined list of what Code Reader is required for each individual model. I would guess it's age related as well for each model.

Whilst I'm looking at what to buy, if available I would like to try and find a reader that is compatible for all three of my cars.

Vauxhall Frontera Sport SWB A 2.8 TDi 1995 - Don't know requirement for this car.

Vauxhall Frontera Sport SWB A 2.0 petrol C20NE 1991 - Don't know requirement for this car OR is the paper clip option the route to go.

Kia Sedona 2.9 J3 TCi diesel 2001 - Checking the Kia forum I think it's an OBD2 CAN ISO.

What should you look out for when buying a code reader - seen reference to 16 pin, OBD1.1, OBD2, ECOBD, CAN Bus etc., but are there other bits and bobs that need to be realised before buying?

I suspect it's just an interface thing between the cars ECU and the reader, but how far do you need to take it. Code reader that displays scanned codes and resetting or is it necessary to go as far as readers that interface with a PC for fine tuning etc.

Cheers for any advice.

[Road Hog]

Fronty 2.8 .....................No ECU

Fronty 2.0 .....................Paperclip or there is an adaptor lead 10 -16 pin available

Kia Sedona.................. Send the Mrs to Argos & get the "RAC" universal code reader (about £45) try it if it does not recognise the car you can get a full refund.............
"wife got it as a birthday present but it is no good for my car,sorry"

[fogman]

hi mate, i recently had my eml come on after a head gaskett change, so the mechanic who did the gasket arranged for the auto electrician he uses to look at it for me, after 20 mins or so he had to give up but arranged for me to visit a local garage who had a considerably better machine than his, so on arrival at the garage i was told the machine they had cost £6000 & it would soon tell us what the problem was but it soon became apparent that it also couldnt get in to my fronty,eventually after trying the software for the a series fronty & omega he tried the software for a vauxhall sinata & that managed to open things up, so to get a machine that would be compatible with 3 different models would probably be quite hard to find or is a b series fronty just a bugger to get into ??

[Retro Pedro]

Thanks for replys chaps - probably wishful thinking on my part.

A friend - I know I'm going off thread, but what replaces the electronic brains on the 2.8 if there's no ECU? Is it all mechanical and old technology?

[Road Hog]

Yep all old technology in the 2.8 Peter

[Retro Pedro]

Cheers A friend - Does that say the old ones are the best ones! Always looked at my 2.8 as being a bit of a tractor, now I know.