How about this code reader?
 

As far as price and function, you cant beat this, and the reviews seem favorable, thoughts? I dont need anything fancy, just wanna see the code and be able to clear it.

Amazon.com: Actron CP9410 PocketScan Plus Diagnostic Code Reader for OBDII Vehicles: Automotive

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...6L._SS400_.jpg

You should really get something that is CAN compatible..Spend a few bucks more

http://www.amazon.com/Actron-CP9125-...=pd_sbs_auto_4

Yeah, I'd at least go with something that can read the freeze frame data from the code event.

e.g.
Amazon.com: Actron CP9175 AutoScanner Diagnostic Code Scanner with Freeze Frame Data for OBDII Vehicles: Automotive

I went with this one because it had a few more features I wanted like live data display and capture ($120 at Sears). Probably overkill for your purposes, but the above seems worth it.
Amazon.com: Actron CP9180 AutoScanner Plus Diagnostic Code Scanner with Live, Record and Playback Data Capability and O2 Monitor Test for OBDII Vehicles: Automotive

Looks like a good deal for a basic pocket code reader.

For the more serious DIY you might consider this one:

Amazon.com: Equus 3160 Innova ABS + Professional CanOBD2 Diagnostic Code Scanner for OBDII Vehicles with Back-lit Screen and Enhanced Live Data: Automotive

I just got it for about $200. It's a nice piece of kit.

In some states is ilegal to clear the emission related codes unless is a qualify shop or mechanic.

This is to make sure the problem has been resolved.

And in those same states, its also illegal to tamper with the cats, and i've already done that :)

Haven't heard this, but it Doesn't really matter....Every time you clear a code(s) you reset the readiness cycle. It can take anywhere from 50-200 miles for all the readiness tests to clear to the "OK" status. If you haven't fixed the problem, they will not set and will probably fail any OBD based car inspection test..They'll get you eventually.

Hello guys!

a little help. my car has an SES light on. it will cost me around 200 bucks to have it scanned by nissan console 3 so I'm going the DIY route (my car is imported so it's not covered by local nissan warranty). before I buy the handheld scanners you recommended, can I instead use a pc based obdii scanner? I have this USB obd2 cable that I bought from tactrix for my evo9. would this work with the 370? seems like a lot of pins are missing:)
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/x...05/Photo25.jpg

lastly, if that cable is ok, what software would you recommend?

if not, I'll just get the handhelds from amazon.

thank you in advance for any help.

Nice to know about the scanners!
I was looking for one.
One quick question is how do I read them?

Thanks

OBD output only uses 4 pins or so. Some cars with proprietary signals may use more.. A standard CAN compatible OBD reader is fine for Nissan.

If you have a code, just research it at places like: OBD-II Trouble Codes - DTC Codes Car Repair

so I can get any of these software?

Scanning Software - Free:
Scanmaster ELM v.0.4.0.0 - WGSoft.de - Automotive Diagnostic Software
Digimoto Lite - http://www.digimoto.com/
wODB - http://www.werner-digital.com/obd/software.html
ScanTool - ScanTool.net, LLC - Scan Tools, PC-based OBD-II (OBD2) Interfaces, OBD diagnostic software
OBD2Spy - http://www.obd2spy.com/
EasyObdII_v2 - http://www.easyobdii.com/downloads.php
OBD Logger - OBD II logger Win
OBD Gauge PalmOS - OBD Gauge

Scanning Software - Paid:
EngineCheck - EOBD / OBDII Engine Diagnostic Software :: Check Engine light on? :: Gendan EngineCheck
PCMSCAN - PCMSCAN - Palmer Performance Engineering, Inc.
Scanmaster - WGSoft.de - Automotive Diagnostic Software
VitalScan - http://www.vitalengineering.co.uk/software.htm


One question tho? why does SERIAL PORT keep coming up when I read about obd2 when it's been obsolete for years now and modern laptops only have usb. my obd2 cable is only USB. thank you, modshack, I'm almost there:)

I have no idea on the software. I'd read the specs and if it is Generic OBD2 I don't know why it wouldn't work.

On the serial port stuff, most early Laptop programs used only serial ports for communications. Most new stuff has transitioned to USB or at least provides the correct drivers to assure compatibility..

thank you :)

Interesting! Do all of you guys have some kinda training/experience/background in those procedures? Is it simple enough for a layman? I'd hate to fry something in my Z's electrical system (like the ECU!!)

The hand-held scanners and USB cables are safe, they are just communicating on the ODBII serial bus. The CAN standard increased the serial bus data rate so if you have an older scanner it may not work, but it won't break anything.