1. Welcome to Jeeps.net!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Jeep discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Jeep owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Code reader

Discussion in 'Wrangler TJ (1996-2006)' started by FishinSam, Mar 14, 2019.

  1. Mar 14, 2019 at 7:22 PM
    #1
    FishinSam

    FishinSam [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2019
    Member:
    #2970
    Messages:
    20
    Gender:
    Male
    Alberta, Canada
    Vehicle:
    1999 Gold TJ Sahara 4.0L
    Looking for a good code reader for my 99 Sahara. Mine is pooched - giving me false codes.
    Best suggestions?
     
  2. Mar 14, 2019 at 10:06 PM
    #2
    DustStorm4x4

    DustStorm4x4 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2017
    Member:
    #2066
    Messages:
    57
    Vehicle:
    04 LJ
    If you’re just looking for nothing but the code, try the key trick. I’m not sure if it works for a 99 but it works for my 04.

    (Without cranking the Jeep on): insert the key and turn it ON > OFF > ON > OFF > ON and leave it there. The code should show itself where the odometer reading is.
     
    JKBob 25 and aggrex like this.
  3. Mar 15, 2019 at 4:12 AM
    #3
    FishinSam

    FishinSam [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2019
    Member:
    #2970
    Messages:
    20
    Gender:
    Male
    Alberta, Canada
    Vehicle:
    1999 Gold TJ Sahara 4.0L
    Thanks! I never tried that before.
    Was looking for an OBD2 so I could store past codes but this and a pencil will do
     
  4. Mar 15, 2019 at 5:39 AM
    #4
    Prerunner1982

    Prerunner1982 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 4, 2017
    Member:
    #1745
    Messages:
    1,356
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jon
    Vehicle:
    93 XJ 2 door
    This one is a little more expensive than a lot of the ones you can find on Amazon but it has worked well for me in any vehicle I have put it in.
    The OBD2 port on my XJs (97 and 00) were at an angle where I could leave it plugged in all the time and get real time diagnostics as I drove down the road if I needed to. I use the Torque app.
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005NLQAHS?ie=UTF8
     
    JKBob 25 likes this.
  5. Mar 15, 2019 at 6:41 AM
    #5
    Awrench

    Awrench Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 12, 2018
    Member:
    #2303
    Messages:
    975
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    3 jeeps
    You want no NEED a scanner not a code reader - a big difference.
    Hammers wrenches are the stone age its the 21st century people.
    The jeep key on off trick is convenient BUT there were some wrangler years it will not work.
    Also be advised the key trick will NOT report all the codes.
    We all know not all codes will turn on the CEL -right?

    I am cautious and not sold on leaving ANYTHING plugged into DLC, I have seen TSB's across the line of vehicle manufacturers alerting to this as a NO NO... your call just remember this.
     
  6. Mar 15, 2019 at 7:39 AM
    #6
    aggrex

    aggrex Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2016
    Member:
    #203
    Messages:
    4,831
    DE
    Vehicle:
    Backcountry '16
    Tuffy>AEV>TTO>JW>STech>EVOcage>MagnaFlow>SpiderTrax>RockHard>TF>SpringTail>67design>Bolt>GPCA>Curt>

    Nothing is plugged in 24/7 on mine but what's your take on the plug-in unit to the DLC for insurance premium discount some companies offer?
     
    JKBob 25 likes this.
  7. Mar 15, 2019 at 9:18 AM
    #7
    Awrench

    Awrench Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 12, 2018
    Member:
    #2303
    Messages:
    975
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    3 jeeps
    good point - your system or their intrusive (spy ware) - I wonder what they reply when seeing the Manufacturers TSB''s.

    this is one of the TSB;s on my desk at the moment. Yes GM BUT representative.
     

    Attached Files:

    aggrex likes this.
  8. Mar 15, 2019 at 7:20 PM
    #8
    FishinSam

    FishinSam [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2019
    Member:
    #2970
    Messages:
    20
    Gender:
    Male
    Alberta, Canada
    Vehicle:
    1999 Gold TJ Sahara 4.0L
    A scanner would be optimal. My little OBD2 misses a lot of codes - only picks current active codes.
    Key on-off didn't work.
    Also just noticed damage to the PDC and the Brain... crap.

    Maybe I'll just strip her down and worry about code readers and scanners when she's ready for it.
    Thanks people.
    You're a great bunch
     
    aggrex and DustStorm4x4 like this.
  9. Mar 15, 2019 at 8:11 PM
    #9
    JKBob 25

    JKBob 25 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 22, 2017
    Member:
    #1197
    Messages:
    3,872
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bob
    Jersey Shore, NJ
    Vehicle:
    2016 JK Wrangler Sport
    Agreed. Have not and will not leave any reader or puter plugged in 24/7. Can and will create more issues than your ready for. And can fix without cost big bucks. Spend the money on a quality reader. It at the very least. Give you a good starting point. But as mentioned. Not fool proof.
     
    aggrex[QUOTED] likes this.
To Top