Calf won't let me rent a code reader anymore.

Dang · #1 07-25-2012, 11:37 AM

I just learned good ol Calf wont allow us to head over to Auto Zone type shops and rent the code reader gizmo's now. Actually its about a four yr old law I guess. Last time I needed to use one I'd go "buy" one from them. Use it and then return em. It was cool.
So I was wondering if one can obtain codes on my '99 3.0 ranger like I use to on a old Cavalier I use to own. All I had to do was short a couple leads where the device would plug in under the dash with a paper clip and count the flashes on the dash board.
Is that doable with my Ranger?
Thanks!

Psychopete · #2 07-25-2012, 11:46 AM

Nope, can't do it that way.

Spoone · #3 07-25-2012, 04:28 PM

Here ya go...Autozone for the win.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...er=603853_0_0_

Rhodyguy · #4 07-25-2012, 05:10 PM

http://www.harborfreight.com/automot...enu-98568.html

Harborfreight has several code readers cheap, this is the one I have and it works just fine, well worth the price.

SORRY, the link is not working

edgeman4.0 · #5 07-25-2012, 05:48 PM

oh he could buy a scanguage...

SalRanger2 · #6 07-25-2012, 07:44 PM

^^ What he said, get a scan guage, wish i bought one a long time ago. that paperclip thing youre talking about is sweet. found out about it looking on a toyota forum once. only for OBD-I vehicles though, and yours is the newer OBD-II. but ive never seen anybody do it on a ranger.

gcextreme · #7 07-25-2012, 08:46 PM

What type of stupid law is that? What right does the government have to say someone can't lend out a tool??

Stupid California.

I know my local O'Reilly auto parts will lend them out, with a deposit, that u get back when u return it. I think it's $50 for the code reader, and like $20 for other high priced tools.

Rangerman49 · #8 07-25-2012, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gcextreme

What type of stupid law is that? What right does the government have to say someone can't lend out a tool??

Stupid California.

I know my local O'Reilly auto parts will lend them out, with a deposit, that u get back when u return it. I think it's $50 for the code reader, and like $20 for other high priced tools.

That's the Socialist Democratic Peoples Republic of California!!!!
The Republican Governor at the time didn't think we were smart enough to know how to use the tool and might hurt ourself or others.!

Here's another great law....If you have ,let's say a 70' muscle car and want to install a 2006 5.0 in it. Will now have to pass 2006 emissions test for the car that engine came in and not for 1970 car for which are not tested...

Dang · #9 07-26-2012, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spoone

here ya go...autozone for the win.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...er=603853_0_0_

thanks!!

----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhodyguy

http://www.harborfreight.com/automot...enu-98568.html

harborfreight has several code readers cheap, this is the one i have and it works just fine, well worth the price.

Sorry, the link is not working

it worked>>>thanks!!

----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by gcextreme

What type of stupid law is that? What right does the government have to say someone can't lend out a tool??

Stupid California.

I know my local O'Reilly auto parts will lend them out, with a deposit, that u get back when u return it. I think it's $50 for the code reader, and like $20 for other high priced tools.

Yup. I'm a Montana boy stuck in Calf till I retire or die. I hate it here. Love the country but laws and higher fees are being made to keep us common folks out.

Mikeo · #10 07-26-2012, 04:25 PM

Yeah it has its perks though. Just go buy a very good code reader and use it for yourself and friends.

94mtx · #11 07-26-2012, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rangerman49

Here's another great law....If you have ,let's say a 70' muscle car and want to install a 2006 5.0 in it. Will now have to pass 2006 emissions test for the car that engine came in and not for 1970 car for which are not tested...

In what way is this wrong? The newer motor has more strict emission requirements on it, you should have to pass the test for that motor, not for the 40+ year old car's old motor.

Rangerman49 · #12 07-26-2012, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 94mtx

In what way is this wrong? The newer motor has more strict emission requirements on it, you should have to pass the test for that motor, not for the 40+ year old car's old motor.

It keeps "Hot Rodders" from up grading to a less polluting engine, they will just hot rod the 351C ,stick a 850cfm Holly on tunnel ram,etc.... What I'm saying ,it's counter productive.

Rhodyguy · #13 07-26-2012, 06:21 PM

The way I see it is the reason you have an old muscle car is to hot rod that old car and motor, build it up from the way it was.

Rangerman49 · #14 07-26-2012, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhodyguy

The way I see it is the reason you have an old muscle car is to hot rod that old car and motor, build it up from the way it was.

I agree!! But I grew up here in Cali, when you could build any Rod as long as it passed a safety inspection.

yeatzee · #15 07-26-2012, 10:17 PM

got a CEL today for the first time and found out the same thing. Every place I called either said they couldn't or wanted $100 just to read my codes. Screw that! Luckily I have car enthusiast friends haha