Actron CP9125 PocketScan Diagnostic Code Reader for OBDII (Post-1996) Vehicles

This scanner scans much slower than the one I borrowed from Autozone, although it's much cheaper in price. It uses only 2 buttons, with the ERASE button also functioning as the UP button, which IMO is really not good design. But bottom line, it works.

I purchased this from the Gold Box offer and just got it today and there's a tag on the cord that says:

WARNING: Handling the cord on
this product will expose you to lead,
a chemical known to the State of
California to cause cancer, and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling.

I guess as long as you don't let your kid chew on the cord, there's no problem if the cord contains lead, but just another reason why the US needs to have stricter imports from China for products that do contain lead.

When my Camry displayed its Check Engine Light, I decided to try to fix it myself. I bought the Actron reader, pulled the two codes and consulted a Chilton's manual. It narrowed the problem to the EGR valve, and I was lucky enough to find a short vacuum hose with a kink and small hole in it. The cost of the reader and the new hose was less than the typical fee to have a shop diagnose the problem. Not every problem will be as easy as mine, but with this easy-to-use reader, you can at least find the general area of the problem and have an opportunity to attempt your own repairs. If you buy a manual and search the internet for ideas, you have a good chance of finding the problem. Otherwise, the dealer or shop will charge you $80-100 to pull the codes and write an estimate.

I do most of my own auto repair work and when my Lincoln "Check Engine" light lit up, I wanted to repair it myself. Now I have a diagnostic tool that allows me to determine if my car needs repair or the light reset because of an on-board computer glitch. Sweet little handheld tool!

Got it for over a year period of time but never got a chance to use it till 2 weeks ago...
The engine check light turned on in my VW. Plugged in this code reader and got one OBII Error code. Googled the OBII Error code and found that was something to do with bad catalyst conveter. Checked my manufacturer warranty policy and found that the emission (catalyst converter) warranty would be expired in 2 weeks!! Rushed the car into VW dealer. VW dealer confirmed the catalyst converter was bad and I got free fix and replacement for the catalyst converter.
Really happy that this small OBII code reader helped me to understand the source of the problem. Highly recommended.