Looking for a source for an OBD and a point out to a translator for the readouts. Annoying SES light and some other issues. Thanks in advance.

 

Go to your local Checker/Autozone store: free to use, some help (depending on the staff) translating the readout. Oh, and you can clear the SES light, too.
-skip-

 

Thanks Skip, I'll be on it tomorrow.

tm

 

I just got an Actron 9180 from Amazon.com. It'll do all you want and more. Equus is also a good choice.

The features hierarchy is like this:
1) very basic code reader/check engine light clearer

2) same as above, but with a better display

3) good display and "freeze frame" functionality (allowing you to take a snapshot of several engine parameters at once - could be helpful in diagnosing a problem). Also, maybe computer connectivity to pull the codes and print them. You also may get the ability to see whether your car will pass a state emissions test. Basically, if you clear the CEL (also known as a MIL), you will need to drive around for awhile under varying conditions without triggering the CEL again in order to completely reset the fault. Otherwise, it won't pass inspection.

4) same as #3 but with better display and the ability to record data on the fly. Kind of like freeze frame, but over the course of a minute or two, so you can show the emergence of a symptom instead of just the symptom. You may also get a live data feed from the engine parameters. Basically, the OBDII spits out the engine RPM, car speed, coolant temperature, etc. as you're driving. The refresh rate may not be very fast (not even as fast as the MINI's OBC). The reader may also be able to interpret codes (give a brief text description). You can also do an Internet search on the code to see what it means.

My Actron 9180 is in category #4. It's pretty cool.