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Good code reading tool for LS1 Newbie?

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Old Jul 7, 2020 | 12:00 AM
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Default Good code reading tool for LS1 Newbie?

All,

I did poke around first on the forums, but I don't really know what key words to search for.

I have 2000 Trans-Am I purchased last year with 68,000 on it.

I've been slowly working on it when I can, have not driven it a lot yet.

It's been inspected twice since I've owned it.

The SES light stays on.

The mechanic says it's codes for the catalytic converters and that as long as it's running OK and I drive less than 5000 a year (so exempt from PA emissions), I should ignore it for now.

I'd like to see the codes for myself, and see if I can reset the light and see if it comes right back on, or what I can figure out myself.

Also, thoughts on if this should be ignored or not?

Can someone tell me the best tool(s) for my situation? One that is also capable of resetting the light?

So I can see if the light takes time to come back on, or if it comes back on right away?

Thank you!

Lee



Last edited by k3000; Jul 27, 2020 at 03:07 AM.
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Old Jul 27, 2020 | 03:09 AM
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Default Anybody?

Anybody? LOL
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Old Jul 27, 2020 | 06:14 AM
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I use an inexpensive Konnwei OBD2 Bluetooth module tied to an app on my phone. And I use several apps - MotorData OBD or OBD Fusion. Torque or Dash Command are also OK for trouble codes but they don't stream parameter ID's (PID) or freeze frame data to my liking. All of these can easily reset the check engine light. The basic apps are typically free but I generally pay the $5-10 to unlock the extended list of features and PIDs.

I also have another $70-ish OBD Bluetooth module - OBDLink MX+. It does all of the above with the additional feature of being able to write to the PCM if you ever desire to do your own PCM re-programming.

Rick
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Old Jul 27, 2020 | 12:43 PM
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Originally Posted by B52bombardier1
I use an inexpensive Konnwei OBD2 Bluetooth module tied to an app on my phone. And I use several apps - MotorData OBD or OBD Fusion. Torque or Dash Command are also OK for trouble codes but they don't stream parameter ID's (PID) or freeze frame data to my liking. All of these can easily reset the check engine light. The basic apps are typically free but I generally pay the $5-10 to unlock the extended list of features and PIDs.

I also have another $70-ish OBD Bluetooth module - OBDLink MX+. It does all of the above with the additional feature of being able to write to the PCM if you ever desire to do your own PCM re-programming.

Rick
Exactly what he said above. The only caveat would be that if you plan on modifying the car and want to be able to have something that monitors constantly and stays in the car. I personally have an Aeroforce Interceptor. Plugs into the OBD and displays live data. Scangauge is another brand that offers this.

You'll have to decide if this is something you just want to use from time-to-time, or if you want to spend the money on something that will be permanent and gives readings every time you're driving.
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