DIY Error Code - Any Point?

anotheruser

I was thinking about purchasing one of these as my check engine light has come on.

In an effort to save a trip to the garage, and considering I ran the car for just over 10 miles with it on, plus another 40 or so yesterday with no problem, I think the fault isn't hugely bad or important.

But surely in the end, if I just cleared the light, it'll either come back on or I'll need to get it fixed anyway, so a trip to the garage is inevitable?

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

OddballJamie

If you have a smart phone or half decent tablet you can get a bluetooth code reader for about £6 that should do the job.

Best finding out what the light is on for ASAP incase it causes further issues.

Unless it's a Peugeot of course, I'll be more concerned the light is off and the engine has fallen out.

facade

That is a clone of the Autel Maxiscan MS309. I have one in the glovebox of my car (I don't wear gloves:D)

For the money they are very good: I've tried the bluetooth dongles, and they will not work with an iphone, and I couldn't get one to work with my android tablet, those just plug in and work.

What you do is read the error code, and clear it to make the light go off, then ask in the forum for your car what it means, and get whatever part is needed, and either fit it yourself, or get a local garage to fit it for you.

Nodding_Donkey

If you are only going to use it occasionally then I'd do as OddballJamie says. I have both a bluetooth reader linked to Torque on my phone and a Maxiscan. If you are in a hurry the Maxiscan is definitely easier but for more in depth stuff, e.g. monitoring an intermittent fault using Torque's ability to upload data to a webserver while you are driving, Torque is the handsdown winner.

ETA The 'Track Recorder' plugin for torque is also good fun. You can record a video of a journey and overlay OBD data on it.

anotheruser

Yeah, I read a little about the Bluetooth ones and how sometimes they simply don't work.

But the question is more whether it's worth buying as you'll likely have to take it in to a garage anyway.

colino

Ask yourself the question, if it came up with a code and a clear description, say, "P0701 Transmission Control System Out of Range", would it mean anything to you? If not, save your money and find a local, friendly, recommended garage to look after your car.

Nodding_Donkey

There are codes that appear seemingly at random and once cleared don't come back so if they save you one trip to a garage then job done.

Be aware though that they are cheap chinese electronics and either seem to work fine or are DOA so buy from a UK seller with UK stock as you don't want to be dealing with a Chinese seller in case of a problem

wazza99

Buy the bluetooth one off ebay, but Torque pro for your smartphone (andriod).

Saved me twice in the past.

Did a scan on a Renault Scenic 1.5dci, no engine light showing but told me a glow plug had an open circuit, i'd been starting on 3 for ages i guess !..changed all four anyway for about £40.

Sons Corsa, threw up engine management light and went into limp mode, scan showed P0335 crank angle sensor faulty, new one £11 from euro car parts. Fitted and runs like a dream .

Best £20 ever spent.....ofc helps if you can do the repairs ofc !