What kind of reader should a backyard guy have to know what is going on and reset codes.

 

I use AutoTap.

 

You're all gonna laugh, but I have had good luck wit hthe OBDII code readers from Harbor Freight. They are a lot like the Actron reader, only less $$$.

BTW... do not get these confused with a scanner. These only display codes and give you a little real-time info. Nothing like a real scanner or a good laptop program will do.

 

I have an actron CP9180, great for a handheld scanner/reader. I can display like 8 lines of info (live data) at once. I like it, it even has a backlit screen.

 

Auto Tap agreed, have one myself, works great!