Zurich ZR13 OBD2 Code Reader

I bought this through Harbor Freight and the first thing I did was go to a link on their web site and down load the updater program and update the unit. The program will also notify you of any additional updates when they become available. The second thing I did was print out the manual. You can View it on line but it is difficult to study from page to page. I plugged the unit in to my 2007 Ford F150 and had no trouble looking through the different functions that were available on my truck. I bought this unit before I needed it to educate my self before I had need of it. My truck has 118K on the odometer so it's just a matter of time. I have found through other sources that the live feed function can go a long way towards heading off trouble before it happens. A good code reader is a starting point but you will need some good companion books like a service manual and books that tells you how to trouble shoot emissions systems. Haynes Publications has some excellent books. I have bought a number of items from Harbor Freight that were higher end and have never been dissatisfied.

You can purchase a smaller $50.00 scanner that does the same as this. Don't waste your money hoping that because its more expensive it will do more...it does not

High price for a few features.

I purchased this product from Harbor Freight for an SRS light that was on in a 2002 Honda Civic. I read the instructions and downloaded the user manual online. I downloaded the updater software on my laptop and plugged the unit in with the supplied usb cable. The unit was up to date! I connected it to the obd2 port in the car and followed the instructions to read the srs codes...no problem. Fixed a seatbelt switch, cleared the code, and it never returned. That saved me way more than the cost of the unit which I got an excellent deal on with a special 20% off coupon that came printed right next to the ads for the Zurich ZR13...got it for $5.00 less than the cheapest special offer price for the unit! I recently purchased a Toyota and plugged the code reader in and checked forglobal codes-no MIL light came on and no codes popped up! I have also used it to read codes in friends vehicles that had the MIL light on...a 1999 Volvo wagon, and a 2001 Dodge Caravan. They both were very easy to read the global codes on! If you want/need more vehicle specific information, you just have to read the manual to get way more detailed info and even live data and fix assist help...BUT, you don’t just plug it in and it magically fixes your car...READ THE MANUAL...it’s not a $1,000 to $5,000 unit like the big shops have, but it you take your time to get deeper into using the unit beyond global codes, you can get way more detailed info to help you discern whether it’s an O2 sensor or a catalytic converter for example, but you have to input your specific vehicle info and access items in the unit’s software to get the information you need to properly repair the vehicle...overall I would give it 5 stars for all the extra features it has but it takes a lot of reading and button pushing to get to the “deeper than standard global codes” features, which some units costing $1,000 and up have a single button to access the info...so, 4 stars...well made (by Innova) and it even has its own power supply and an LED light in the end of the cable where it plugs in to the OBD2 port!

It took nearly a half hour on my computer to do the updates for the software and firmware but instructions were easy. It’s a bit cheesy to have to print the manual but I prefer paper as opposed to a .pdf on my phone. Once updated the reader identified three different issues with my Jeep. Not wanting to spend that much money on my Jeep, I took each identified ‘bad’ part off and tested them (cam position sensor, crank position sensor and neutral safety switch). Sure enough, each of those components were bad. Once replaced my Jeep started immediately and ran perfectly. I’ve only had the reader about six months but four other times I’ve used the reader on other vehicles I’ve been able to turn off CEL (check engine light) and identify the issues causing the codes. This is not a complete professional grade unit but it is not $5k either. Works well for the typical backyard mechanic or a backup for the professional mechanic.

Tried to use it to scan my Jeep grand Cherokee. Could not read and reset ABS and SRS. Stated it was not supported. Was able to with another brand for half the price. Unit is useless. . When I returned it to Harbour Frieght (Where I purchased the unit). They charged a 20 percent restocking fee. DO NOT BUY.

This scanner is well worth the price. Need to read the manual (download) because it has allot of features I’m sure the average Joe doesn’t know how to use plus you’ll get your money’s worth understanding it more! Clearer an SRS code on my Benz after I unplugged something before disconnecting the - battery terminal. No 50.00 scanner would have done the job. This is one level from being a professional tool it’s definitely a minor league item that if called up to the pros could preform well enough!!

I needed to scan a 1999 F150. The update utility failed to start or run, The ZR13 would not communicate with my truck. After 6 tries, it will STILL not communicate. It says to call their tech support. WHY? I paid up front money for this unit. I refuse to help them debug their product. My cheap 10 year old scanner plugs right in and works fine EVERY time. (It just does not do ABS) Buy an old name brand......