Cheap code reader

[duffymahoney]

Hi all,

Looking for a cheap code reader. Anyone use the rinda codemate? Is there something better? Ebay has tons but I have no clue which one would work.

http://www.michiganmotorz.com/codema...er-p-2459.html

[skippabcool]

From the link your are wanting one to read the codes off of your boat? What motor does your boat have? Might make a difference.

[duffymahoney]

I have the 340hp marine power. GM based motor. Yeah I want to be able to check codes and I think something like this would be handy. I noticed at the end of the year I had something unplugged on my engine. Well I plugged it in and I got a weird alarm from the motor. So I want to know what it is. My engine runs perfect so I am hoping a sensor has died. The last owner never told me about it and I never noticed it somehow.

[Wakeman22]

I have been interested in getting one for my PCM 360hp. I had some issues last year and of course it was always in the evening or when the shop was closed. Besides I like to do my own work and trouble shooting if I can. Hope someone who knows chimes in.

[duffymahoney]

bump

[IDBoating]

Since you're not getting any other responses.... This topic has come up before and the only readers mentioned are PC-interfaced units that cost hundreds. This is because the engine controllers are custom to the marine engine builders. The PC-based ones I've seen list the manufacturers and (sometimes specific) engines they are compatible with. The one Dom Forte recommended was $600 IIRC. Tempting for us techheads, but not "cheap" by any means.

[duffymahoney]

This will work with our motors. Just looking to see if anyone knew of a better option.

[TeamAllen]

Here's the only other code readers I know of.
http://www.rinda.com/marine/marine.htm

[duffymahoney]

Rhinda actually makes the codemate.

[TeamAllen]

You're right. I posted the wrong link. This is the one I was thinking of. It's not a simple code reader, like you are looking for, but the software is less expensive?
http://www.mefiburn.com/sc/details.asp?item=mefiscan1

[Wakeman22]

If one of you get this I would love to hear a review and info on how it works or not.

[duffymahoney]

Anyone know which mefi would work?

[TeamAllen]

When I spoke to the guys at OBD Diagnostics, they said I would need to check for some #'s located on my ECU. My boat is stored out of state from me, so I am waiting till I make a trip up there to get them. Give the guys a call.