Cheap code reader for a 2002 diesel?

Nick69 · Unread post by **Nick69** » 17 Jan 2011, 22:40

Thinking about getting a cheap code reader for our cars, '02 c5 2.0hdi and '04 renault laguna 1.9dci.

Is there such a thing that is cheap as chips? I see the Elm327 ect on ebay but says 2004 diesels onwards?

Main reason is the C5 has a beep on start up but thought it would be a good idea to have one.

Anyone?

Nick

Unread post by **Paul-R** » 18 Jan 2011, 09:42

Diesel cars did not have to be OBD II compatible until post 2003 so a generic reader won't won't work on the Citroen. It should work on the Renault however.

In order to read the C5 you will need a Lexia reader or the use of a high-end multi-vehicle reader (Snap-On, Sun, etc). A Lexia would be better as it can investigate deeper than any non-specialised reader can. It isn't, however, all that easy to interpret what it says sometimes!

Nick69 · Unread post by **Nick69** » 18 Jan 2011, 12:20

Paul-R wrote: It isn't, however, all that easy to interpret what it says sometimes!

Or cheap, I will have a looksy and see what comes up.
Thankyou

Unread post by **Paul-R** » 18 Jan 2011, 14:47

Depends what you mean by cheap, I suppose.

Lexia hardware and software (Chinese clones) are available for about £300 from Ebay I believe. Providing you have your own laptop (Win 2000/XP and (I think) Vista) this a lot cheaper than the thousands that Snap-On would want for a reader.