After all these years of going to Advance Auto to get my CEL light read, I think it'* time to get my own code reader/ scanner. Does anyone have any recommendations?

i have android phones and like "torque pro" and obd2 bluetooth adapter, by far the best value with like 30 bucks total investment, does live data, dash mode+ all the normal scanner stuff. also works on the newer can stuff, which you want to pay attention to. gms after the mid 2000s need that. there is also some advantage to something not so technical that you can just throw into the toolbox. i have a older one i got from autozone too thats nice to loan people not so technical to let them check their readiness monitor very easy. either way has its merits. that tool costs more but it holds up well in the garage environment.

the other one is a actron that does codes, definitions, and monitors but not live data

I have a iphone not android.. Will the 'torque pro" work on my pc? I would like to be able to read live data. I have had a P0171 code for months and can't figure out what is causing it. Though if I could view live data I could diagnose a problem with the oxygen sensor.

Are you looking for a handheld scanner or laptop type?

If you just want to diagnose via laptop, then get ScanXL from here ... ScanTool.net LLC - Scan Tools, PC, iPhone, & Android based OBD-II (OBD2) Interfaces, OBD diagnostic software
I have it with GM Enhanced diagnostics. Its really good software for the money.

its not normally the sensor, its lean. can be any air or vacuum or intake gasket leak, or low fuel pressure

Also how much are you looking to spend?

Some members of another forum have had very good luck with tech 2 clones in the $300-350 range

I am just looking for something for my personal use. I could get by with the reader that they use at Advance Auto ( about $100) but, I would like to get more features if I can. I think $200 is about my limit. I don't se e any problem with taking my laptop out in the shop on the occasions I need it. What is the down side of using your laptop? That ScanXL looks like it would be all I need and then some.

The pros of the laptop are obviously unlimited data logging, larger screen so you can get a bigger picture. Only downside I found is when I have to take it for a drive, securing the laptop can be tricky sometimes. And sometimes you have to bring an inverter to power the laptop. The pro'* actually outweigh the cons.

Mike
I never got around to purchasing the soft ware. Everything has been running so well I got complacent. Now when it rains it pours, all three vehicles have issues. Time to order a scanner. I went to the site you recommended and I find it confusing. Do you suggest the pro model or the standard model? Does it include a wire to connect my laptop to the OBD11 port on the car or is that something extra to order. They may have a good product and good pricing but, their site lacks detail.