Customer Reviews

AutoXray AX2500 CodeScout

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When the CodeScout arrived I was skeptical that I would need to get online software updates and code library updates to even use this device, and that was NOT the case at all. It hooked right up to a 1993 Chevy Blazer, a 1988 Ford Ranger, a 2004 Saturn Vue, and a 2004 Ford Mustant and worked great. The on-screen information for each car was in plain english and pointed out the trouble parts and failure codes very clearly. This reader will definately save me a lot of money at the autoparts store and the mechanic. This is a must have tool for any shade-tree mechanic with a newer car.

Of the code readers out there for home use, this is far and away the most capable and easy to use; with the USB-cable version of the AutoXray EZ-PC 500 Software which you can get through Amazon for around $50 (and be sure to get that version, not the 400) Before buying the software, however, be sure to get the USB version and not the older version with a serial cable; you have to ask before buying because vendors will sell you the EZ-PC 500 with the serial cable if they have only the old one, and there is no version number from AutoXray to tell the two apart. I gave only 4 stars because it took me a lot of e-mails and phone calls with the company to find that out--not because of any problems with the reader. With the 2500 and the software you are all set to get updates to keep your reader current; you can get codes from virtually every vehicle that has code plugs; and then you can transfer the codes to your computer to chart them and keep track of them for your maintenance records. You also can reset the check engine light. If you are a professional, a scanner (at least twice as expensive) is probably more appropriate, but the 2500 with the software does everything most of us individual owners could want. Great buy via Amazon at 2/3 of current MSRP (find MSRP at the autoxray web site).

I have used this reader several times and fixed the problem both times. This is my first reader and it is easy to use. It took the net to figure how the codes applied to my engine then it was a easy matter of correcting the problem. Saved some big bucks!

Works well for both OBD I and OBD II. If your vehicle is in a transition period, say a 1995 Mustang that should be OBD I try using OBD II especially if it will take the OBD II adaptor. Tell the Scout that your car is a 1996 and everything works fine.

The Code Scout can be updated. The update is at additional cost and may not be compatable with Windows XP. I installed, updated, and then uninstalled AutoXray's software. For some reason windows did not like their software.Something about the serial interface.

The AutoXray CodeScout 2500 was exactly what I needed to repair my daughter's '98 BMW M3. Based on the code readout which told me "coolant temperature insufficient to . . . " I was able to pinpoint the problem with a bit of logic and a test drive to confirm that the thermostat was probably stuck open. I replaced the thermostat and cleared the fault. The CodeScout paid for itself in one use and I've got two other cars it will work with. Excellent quality and very reasonable price.

I bought this scan tool to read the codes on my 1995 Corvette, which is an odd year for GM where some of their vehicles were transitioning from OBD I to OBD II. I bought this scan tool because it said it was compatable with my car and sounded like I would not need to purchase any accessories to make it work.
Once I recieved the scan tool and opened it up I realized that there was no cable that would work with my car! The mystereious fifth cable is even shown in the manual along with the other four that were included. After calling the manufacture's tech support I found that this cable was not missing, but rather that I would have to buy it seperately.
In the end this was not as good of deal for me as the Actron kit (which seems to be the same company). At least once I did receive the extra cable it worked and even tells you what the code means, not just a number.

This is my first scanner and I can't say that I am disappointed at all! This item was at a great price! It's real easy to use and tells you what the problem is(as far as what the code typically entails). Definitely a must get if you are sick of paying money to other people, just to tell you what's wrong. Pays for itself in just a couple uses!

I'm a bonehead mechanic. When an engine warning light goes on, I hate having to take my car to a shop & then being trapped with their diagnosis and fix. So after checking Consumer Reports, I bought their highly-rated AutoXray CodeScout 2500. The warning light on my 2005 Dodge Caravan came on at 52,000 miles. I already had myself convinced that it was an oxygen sensor, because they are usually the first to fail. But SURPRISE, the Code Reader showed a code & diagnosis of a clogged or leaky EGR valve. I didn't even know what that was, but after checking online, I learned what the EGR valve looks like and where it's located on the engine. I bought a new one from the dealer, and installed it. Because I'm a bonehead, it took me several hours to do the job. But I figure my scanner is already paid for just in the savings on one job! The only difficulty I experienced with this product was getting the rubber cover off to insert the batteries. Otherwise it's pretty darn slick!

I had a 'check engine' light pop up recently and decided to try and self-diagnose the problem. This scanner worked great right out of the box. I was able to diagnose and fix the problem in no time (I got lucky that it was an easy repair though). Nonetheless, I'm happy I didn't get charged by taking it to the dealer though. I only wish it came with the software and cables to save the scans in your computer, but if that's what you're looking to do - buy a Code Scanner and not a Code Reader as the Scanner will also capture a lot more information about the overall performance of your car. The software that comes with this is pretty lame - you'll get better information by searching the internet for the trouble code definitions/repairs. Also, this one comes with 3 sets of cords for OBD I & OBD II cars which was a necessity for me.

Bottom-line - if you want to be able to check codes, clear codes, and reset the 'check engine light' - this is a great tool.

it's good for reading codes but if you have windows 7 on your computer, you will not be able to update this reader. so beware, they say you can update for free on their site but don't tell you, you can't with windows 7, which is common.