Which is the best inexpensive auto scanner to buy and where to buy? I'm looking for one that will read codes and live data.

Hi,

You should be able to receive live data on very odb1 scanner. Please test the scanner on another vehicle if possible to see if you get the same results. If you do, then the scanner is the issue and might just need a simple restart. If not, then your first car might just give bad obd1 readings.

But you can get free diagnostics at your closest autozone.

Thank you.

Code reader just reads codes. Won't give you live data. Only a scan tool can do that. But you can read the codes of a 1990 vehicle with just a paper clip and counting the check engine light flashes. Very little live data was available back in 1990. Buying a scan tool for that car would be a waste of money.

go to e-bay and they have many at various prices
read each one and see it will work on your vehicle

EBay has the best selection and prices that I've seen

Scanners are just the better equivalent of code readers, but having live stream data functions so you can see real time sensor information displayed. There are a lot of good quality scanners, whatever your budget can afford. In the U.S., $200-$250, maybe a bit more or less, will buy a useful scanner.
You will definitely need a Digital Volt Ohm Meter (DVOM) for all manner of electrical testing. Get a good quality one with low impedance properties, so the meter doesn't throw off your test figures. When you buy one and read the manual with it, you will understand what I mean. Not sure I can explain it properly. Get the meter and learn its functions and how to use it.
There must be hundreds of websites that explain trouble codes. Just use a search engine-google that.

all depend of the chip inside. Go to the manufacturer or supplier and get assistance ONLINE via chat .

God bless you

You will need a scanner that can read live engine running system data to see what is going on in the fuel control system. You can buy this type of scanner on eBay for about $100.00 Look for this "OBD2 Live Data Scanner"

A glowing red pipe is an indication of an overheated catalytic converter, does not necessarily mean it is clogged or restricted, but there are ways to check for that. first if this is the car you normally drive every day, then you should have noticed a lack of power or fuel economy, the best way to check is to plug in a "live data stream" scanner, depending on make of scanner, you will need to look for data stream of oxygen sensors, there are upstream sensors and downstream sensors, if the readings are closely matching or mirroring each other the catalytic converter is plugged, a normal reading will have the upstream reading fluctuating on the display rapid changes and the down stream readings displaying slow changes, other things to look for would be a lean failure code, if lean failure code is present, then you will need to look for a vacuum leak, check around and intake manifold, some of the rubber intake hose connectors deteriorate and can cause major vacuum leaks! hope this helps, please keep me posted, good luck to you

Go to Auto Zone or Advance auto and they will read them for free. They will also tell you what they mean. If you want to look them up later you can look them up at http://www.2carpros.com/kpages/diagnostic_trouble_codes.htm

If you live near Chesapeake, VA you're more than welcome to come over and i'll hook up my scanner.

most advance auto parts will hook up an OBD-II scanner for free, just make sure if you're gonna take it to a shop you DO NOT clear the code, there is valuable data in it that a more expensive tool can read.