I want to buy a scanner I checked on one but cannot delete any codes, Im looking at one from Harbor freight on sale with a coupon from Auto Week Magazine, reader and scanner.

 

I'm not really an expert on this, but I've never heard of anyone having much luck from things from Harbor Freight... They seem to sell more gimmicks than anything. I bought one on eBay for $40 that was good, but it only works on the older cars. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but the new cars use some other setup, CAN or something like that... I know my OBDII scaner doesn't work on the HHR, G6, or other newer cars... Just my Lumina and my dad's '01 Tahoe.

 

You could save a few bucks and go into autozone and they'll scan/clear codes for free!!!

 

Im not sure if it was state or city but since your in california Autozone may not be able to scan free anymore. They were told to stop in my town.
Anyway if you dont hate Walmart you can go there and pick up the basic Equuis CAN OBDII scanner from about $100 and be good. You can get cheaper ones but Ive used mine just like from from walmart for years now and it all good.

 

if you have a laptop or netbook here is one with a variety of free programs that you can try and it clears codes.

http://www.obd2allinone.com/

 

I have two HF OBDII readers and both will show the codes, clear the codes and show the VIN. The second one will display the generic ODBII data (RPM, O2, etc.) I've cleared codes on many cars with both.

They are good enough for the basics. They are essentially at the bottom of their pricing. The basic reader was $40 and the reader/scanner was $79. They may have gone up.

I have the 94169 and 99722. The 98568 for $50 appears to replace the 94169. The 99722 is now $90.

 

Bought one of these also on the recommendation of an SAE mechanic who works for Lexus at their port in Jacksonville, FL. It works well and is easy to understand and use. A search online of this model and the upline models show the Walmart price is hard to beat. Upline models have more functionality, but this model tells you what you need to know and clears codes.

 

Some Autozone stores won't clear codes due to "liability" issues

 

wtih a tech 2 you also need a "candy"module. my 07 trailblazer can use just the tech 2 but the hhr and most other vehicles that came out after 2004 need the candy module also. can is the high speed communication that is now used.

 

I bought this one from Advance Auto Parts for about $53 (walkaway price) when it was on sale a couple of weeks ago. Clears codes as well and has a memory so you don't need to keep it connected to read it afterward.

Advance has internet specials that aren't available at the store, but you can purchase on the internet and pick it up at the store so you don't have to pay shipping. There's a link for Amazon below, but this is only an example. You can probably do better than this on the price.



http://www.amazon.com/Actron-CP9410-.../dp/B000YIW5VA