eBay code readers - any good?

Richard53

I'd like to be able to read and check any fault codes on my car's ECU, as I am investigating a minor problem. I have seen code readers on eBay for around the £20-30 mark. Are these any good, or a waste of money?

I'm assuming the car (Ford diesel, 2006) is OBDII compliant. Presumably this is why many of the units on eBay talk about diesels from 2004 onwards, whereas petrol units are supported from 2001. Did the OBDII standards come in then?

If anyone has used one of these devices I would be very grateful for your views.

gould300

I bought one for about 30 quid from https://www.gendan.co.uk some years ago just to keep an eye on any developing faults on my 2005 Skoda Octavia Mk II diesel. It seemed to do the trick though the only fault code that I had was a minor one before I traded it in.

My new Skoda Superb doesn't seem to like it though as it makes the dash light up like a christmas tree when it tries to scan.

I can't comment on the ebay ones but the Gendan one came with a handy booklet of common codes and a CD with a comprehensive list covering many different manufacturers. I kept in the boot and used it whenever I checked the oil and fluids.

I think though that the cheaper models only do the basic codes - mine scanned four areas - ABS, Auto transmission (irrelevant for a manual box), engine faults and another I can't recall. The more expensive (£100+) ones will do more.

For 30 quid or so I'd say it's probably a sensible investment.

BlueC

If you have an android phone/tablet maybe consider the torque app and a USB or bluetooth adapter? Might cost a little more than a cheap reader but has tons more functionality.

Torque app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.prowl.torque&hl=en

More info: http://torque-bhp.com/wiki/Main_Page

Bluetooth adapter: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Android-Torque-Car-V1-5-ELM327-OBD2-OBDII-Bluetooth-Diagnostic-Interface-Scanner-/170966415946

motorguy

I've one of these.

Gives you the code AND the message associated with it - a lot of the cheap ones just give you the code, and you can clear faults.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Autel-MaxiScan-MS309-Car-Diagnostic-Code-Reader-tool-OBDII-EOBD-Scanner-/350755506741?pt=UK_Diagnostic_Tools_Equipment&hash=item51aaa84a35

Well known, recognised brand too.

maninahat

I have a £25 code only reader I got from amazon. It lives in the glove box and works with most OBDII cars.

The difference in years between petrol and diesel is down to the EU directives for EOBD (basically OBDII) coming in at different times. Annoyingly, MG Rover, despite using the same basic ECU from 2000, didn't enable EOBD until the 2001 deadline.

Richard53

My main question was 'are these things worth the money?' And the answer is obviously 'yes'. I had the idea, probably ten years out of date, that any diagnostic device was dealer-only and cost hundreds of pounds, and I wondered if these cheaper units were any good at all. Obviously I was well out of date.

It's a shame I don't have any Android devices, as I like the idea of the torque app, but I don't think it's available on the iOS platform yet. I have had a couple of Triumph motorcycles, and for the price of a cheap OBDII cable you can link the ECU to your laptop and use free software to have access to all the fault codes, as well as customising fuel maps etc.

Thanks to all who replied. With the car approaching 50k miles, it would be good to be able to keep an eye on things. I think I will go for the one recommended by motorguy, which seems to do everything I need.

Cheers!

forgotmyname

Depends on the car. The cheap basic 2 button ones wont read all codes on all cars.

If you have more than 1 code it may only show the 1st one, The dearer units that show live data or units specialised for your make of vehicle are better.

I have a selection of them. I also have a bluetooth one and its OK, But it does lag when reading live data. All bluetooth ones do. But they are small and handy.

Some petrol cars older than 2001 will work.. 1997 for some. But diesels are generally 2004 onwards. If your model came out 6 months before then it maybe compliant also. Diesel Mondeo's from Sept 2003 are compliant etc.

Consider a MS509. I got mine for £40. Brand new.

Richard53

Thanks for that. When you say that some units only read the first code, can you clear that code and re-read for the second and subsequent codes, or does it read one, clear them all, and you have to wait for the second fault to reappear?

Definitely looking for a maxi scan, either the MS309 or 509.

motorguy

forgotmyname wrote: »

Consider a MS509. I got mine for £40. Brand new.

I would concur with this - the MS509 is now only a few £ more

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Car-Engine-Fault-Diagnostic-Scanner-Auto-Code-Reader-OBD2-Scan-Tool-MS509-UK-New-/271184968612?pt=UK_Diagnostic_Tools_Equipment&hash=item3f23e23ba4

forgotmyname

No when you reset the code it resets ALL codes. It clears the ECU of all past and present.

So you may have codes that you didnt see.

patman99

Some of the cheaper ones do not read error codes for ABS or air-bags.