OBDII reader

Leeber · February 14, 2007, 10:12

Hi all, Lucy's thrown up a CEL again so rather than rely on the goodwill of my fellow club-members, I've decided to buy myself a OBDII reader. I've used the search function and not got a satisfactory answer so far. Do I need one that's Can-Bus compatible? Any recommendations? I'm not fussed about a PC connection or anything like that, just want to read the codes before deciding whether a trip to Mr T's or SP is necessary. TIA.

Liz · February 14, 2007, 10:15

I have the Gendan which I can plug in the laptop, however, I know that a few people have purchased one off of Ebay for a reasonable price.

Tem · February 14, 2007, 11:08

I have one of these, someone in the club recommended it and it has been perfect. s8)

s8)

m http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/OBD2-OBD-II-2-CHE ... dZViewItem m

Leeber · February 14, 2007, 11:14

Thanks guys, Tem that link doesn't work for me, are you sre it's right? Thanks again.

Tem · February 14, 2007, 11:31

It seems to work. Try this one:
m http://search.ebay.co.uk/_W0QQsassZeQ2dcafe m

It's these ones "OBD2 OBD II 2 CHECK ENGINE SCANNER ERROR CODE READER OB" £12.88

If that doesn't work either, search m http://ebay.co.uk/ m for "obd2 reader"

glenonoka · February 14, 2007, 11:59

This is a neat little reader. I have the more expensive, pc connected one, but that one looks more than adequate for your basic home mechanic.
Thanks for posting it Tem.

kanujunkie · February 14, 2007, 15:24

thats the same one that i have Lee, so you've seen how they work.

the more expensive one that Gendan do, the laptop one will give you more information such as what varios sensors are doing in a graphical real time format, very good but it just depends on what you want

Leeber · February 15, 2007, 10:22

Aha... that was the sound of my broadband connection going tits up. The links work now, thanks Tem. I think I'll go for the cheapie one for now, I can always sell it on later if I decide to upgrade, I just wasn't sure whether I needed one that was Can-Bus compatible. I'm sure you said that the system was partly Can-Bus Stu.

Liz · February 15, 2007, 10:55

Ley us know what the code is when you get it, we should start placing bets now!

kanujunkie · February 15, 2007, 12:51

Quote from: "Leeber"I'm sure you said that the system was partly Can-Bus Stu.

not at home at the mo but i think it is

Leeber · February 16, 2007, 12:08

Right then, the jury's back. I bought one of these in the end. I figured it would be worth the extra £15 or so for something that was Can-Bus compatible anyway for future cars.
Anyway, the code was...... P0136, which, I believe, is a circuit malfunction on the post-cat o2 sensor. The sensor itself is brand new so I figured that it's most likely a connection problem. I removed the NS rear light unit and unplugged the third o2 sensor. I used a tiny screwdriver to squeeze the terminals a bit closer together on the socket where the sensor plugs in and put it all back together again. I've cleared the light and started the car a few times before taking it for a spin. So far so good. Only time will tell I guess. Anyone else seen this problem before?

Liz · February 16, 2007, 13:13

Did you have the sp exhaust fitted on yours?

markiii · February 16, 2007, 13:30

and downpipe?

Leeber · February 16, 2007, 13:44

Yes I did (both). When they were removing the old system the 3rd O2 sensor was damaged (the thread was stripped during removal), so they lent me the one from their own car. I got a CEL light the day after the install but that went away after I replaced their O2 sensor with a new one and sent their's back to them. Obviously, I reset the ECU then as well. I just spoke to Matt and he's confirmed that they've put the old sensor back on their car without any problems, it's not shown a fault.

markiii · February 16, 2007, 13:52

hmm Liz are you stilll having this problem?

Liz · February 16, 2007, 14:07

Nope (hugs a tree to touch wood) - since I changed the MAF sensor all has been well, but as Lee's car is so new I wouldn't of thought that would be a problem.

Leeber · February 16, 2007, 14:16

Is that the same code you were getting then Liz? I had no idea. I noticed the other thread where simonmr2(?) is getting a similar CEL after recently having the SP240 work done.

Liz · February 16, 2007, 14:24

I had a P0420 code which was the catalyst not working efficiently - no surprise with not having a cat there. When I spoke to Matt about this - this was an issue with James's car which was the reason why that the sensor was put further back away from the main flow of the exhaust so that it wouldn't throw a code. As this code is different I wouldn't like to hazard a guess. As I said my new MAF sorted my car out.

kanujunkie · February 16, 2007, 14:47

heres a neat looking ODB-II reader software

m http://www.obdtools.co.uk/ m

of course you still need a scan tool but very nice

Liz, give it a go would you and let me know if it works with your scanner

Liz · February 16, 2007, 15:06

Does it cost?

kanujunkie · February 16, 2007, 15:28

Quote from: "Liz"Does it cost?

nope, its FREE!

rtbiscuit · February 16, 2007, 15:33

might have to get myself one of these

kanujunkie · February 16, 2007, 15:34

search around for the adaptor before you do

Liz · February 16, 2007, 15:56

Quote from: "kanujunkie"
Quote from: "Liz"Does it cost?

nope, its FREE!

At work at moment, can you tell how busy I am !! Will do it moro and if it works will bring along in the evening if you like?

Anonymous · February 16, 2007, 17:26

I had a CEL on Tueday which turned out to be O2 Sensor Circuit, Sensor 2 Bank 1 which is the post cat sensor. After a argument with MR T they are ordering me all 3 O2 sensor's to be replaced under waranty on Thursday. I was thinking if it was anything to do with the de-cat pipe but the SP car hasn't had any CEL's. After doing a lot of searching it seams that a lot of people have trouble with this after they change the exhaust or have the sensor out.