Hi Im wondering whats the best basic code reader / code clearer tool there is. Ive read the threads here but a little confused. Do they all come with software? Thnaks chas
If you just want a basic device to read and clear codes you can either get that done at Autozone and the like for free or buy one from there for $20 - $50. I would recommend however something a little more advanced that let's you monitor live data (PIDs) and record it for review and graphing. This is much more useful and will definitely save you money in the long run. For example, you might get a code and post on here for help. By providing some corresponding data, you will get more help and it will be specifically targeted. That will save on a potential shop visit or spending money on unnecessary parts. Currently I am using Kiwi Wifi 2 on my iphone/iPad running the DashCommand app. $95 all in. Also available for android. Others to choose from as well.
Dashcommand app for droid or iOS (I use ipad/iPhone) DashCommand - Palmer Performance Engineering, Inc. ELM327 wireless dongle Amazon.com: lyl elm327: Automotive My apple-centric rig set me back ~$30. Beats the similarly-priced generic orange handheld scanners sold at Pepvanced/Autoboys.
At Oreillys for about $125, think the other cable hooks up to a laptop. They had a couple others but closer to $200. Easy to use, and you can reset the check engine light. Also checks ABS. I like the separate from laptop, but the instructions tell you how to download the software .... Which I believe is free. Image Unavailable, Please Login
I just bought a maxicheck and it does airbag/srs,abs,obd2,tpm,and stability. It was about 500 bucks not cheap but seems to do almost all. It's made by autel.
I tried hooking my Innova 9100 or whatever the number is to my 97 355. It didn't communicate. I took it the dealer with a printout of the recall about the missing pin, but he said he didn't know about the recall and that their machine could read ok. What am I missing? Do I need to download an update to the Innova?
Some readers will ground out on the connector prior to the car's ground pin so the recall does not matter on that reader. Total crap shoot on getting a reading. To be compatible to all readers, the recall needs to be done. Any Ferrari dealer that says they did not know about the recall should not be selling Ferrari's. Maybe they sell Subaru's? Take it elsewhere or yell at the loser dealer.
ok so I tried again with a new Actron reader. Same result, no codes showing but CEL is still bright and orange. Car runs fine without any issues.......
If your reader is working correctly it should tell you whether the MIL (CEL) is off or on. Readers do that so owned can not just removed the CEL bulb to make it look like the CEL is off. So see what it says.
Usually as you page through the monitors and codes there is one that say MIL On, or MIL Off. If you aren't getting that you probably need that connecter recall done. Obviously, you should be getting MIL On.
Assuming that the code reader works, and there is no internal codes stored, then the only reason for the CEL to be on at the dash is because the wiring is messed up, or the ECU board is defective. The ECU sends out a ground signal to ground the CEL light and turn it on. There is a pin on the 88 pin connector that goes to the CEL light. You may need to check that.
If I understand you correctly, the new reader shows the MIL ON which is why the light is on. I have never seen that happen without a code present that trips the light. That said, there are a couple of simple tests that would tell you if it is the ECU. Can you see live stream data in the scanner with the engine running? If you can, switch the engine off and disconnect any of the O2 sensors (or any ECU monitored sensors for that matter), start the car and a fault code should set immediately. Turn off the car, attach your reader and you should see a code. If that works and you can reset the code.....then the MIL Lamp circuit has a problem in the ECU. If there is no code, that would point to a wiring/ECU problem. -JD
If you felt lucky so could force a code and see if the MIL lamp lights. Then you could read the code and reset it (maybe). Or.....you could leave it alone and hope it doesn't come back again. As long as it lights when you start the car the bulb hasn't burned out. JD
yes it still lights at startup.........I noticed the car running a little rich so I wonder if thats what set off the CEL?
I have seen this in mercedes , a generic code reader will not access the ecm , says no codes and mil is on . But when codes are read with benz disgnostics the code is readable " serenity now "
