Which fault code scanner?

[Haverhill1]

Hi All, New to the forum, but not new to rovers. I have had the pleasure of owning this quirky beast for 5 years now and would not even think of owning at least one rover since this one has been in the family. I surf the other forums but haven't gotten an answer to this one yet:

Check engine light appears and disappears: Started to see a decline in fuel efficiency (I use only 93 oct). So I cycled through 3 tanks of fuel with an injector cleaning additive (Lucas). So I first started seeing the CEL after that. I happened to be near a mechanic that I trust, so I brought it to them to pull the codes. I don't remember the code numbers but the two we got were, "catalytic converter" and "lean fuel mixture". The codes were cleared then (about 8 months ago). Since then, I got the CEL about 6 months ago, then it disappeared. Then it reappeared yesterday. Just for peace of mind, I want to pick up a code scanner. If I'm still getting the cat code, I don't care about that because no emission inspection here and I can replace the cat(s) when ready. But if I'm getting other codes, I want to know what they are and address them. So then, the question is, what's the best scanner for my $150-$200?

Thanks in advance for input and suggestions

 

[Disco Mike]

A 3130 Innova scanner found on E-Bay for around $140 is what I bough a few years ago and really like.
No scanner will help you with all Rovers, the Hawkeye can be ordered with LR3 soft ware and they are teriffic but run around $600.

 

[GeoRover]

Like DiscoMike I also use INNOVA, model: 3160B. Bought it from Amazon for $200 (Usually $350+). Super happy with it, and since I own and work on other cars also it works for me perfect.

Like what DiscoMike said, LR specific will run high in price and what not, so better to stick to generic one if you are not going to do some reprogramming etc.

 

[Haverhill1]

Thanks guys. I think I'll give the 3130 a shot. Definitely not reprogramming, nor do I have $600 bones burning a hole in my pocket. As long is it has the ability to read/clear codes, is updateable and/or upgradeable, and works on multiple vehicles...I'm sold. Thanks again.

 

[GeoRover]

Yep, INNOVAs do all that. Updateable and clear codes. Good luck!

 

[Haverhill1]

Innova has recall notices too!

One thing I noticed while researching which scanner to buy was a cool feature on the Innova website. On the bottom of their homepage, you can search for recalls for your vehicle-nice to know.

http://www.codereader.com/

 

[Disco Mike]

You could also look at the Hawkeye which can be ordered with LR3 software, and is capiable of reading/testing all their functions off course they are up around $600.

 

[umbertob]

For around $400/450 you can get an IIDTool by GAP Diagnostic, which trumps them all in Land Rover specific diagnostic capabilities, and you get a really cool, matchbox sized EAS control module built in. The only minus - and it's a big one to owners of more than one LR vehicle - is that the module is locked to a single VIN when you first activate it.