Which OBD 2 scanner, U380 or 480?

[Topdownman]

Hi,

Just driving home tonight and my fuel light came on with the engine management light too at the same time.

Got some fuel but EM  light has not gone out. After a lot of searching, I tried the paper clip tip to see if I could read the fault code but only got the P/S and ABS lights flashing, not the EML. ( the car is a UK one, 2004 6 speed).

It seems like the best thing to do is to get a fault reader and take it from there but just not sure which one to go for, either the 380 such as

 m http://www.amazon.co.uk/U380-Diagnose-T ... O3TZTCDT91 m

Or the 480,

 m http://www.amazon.co.uk/Diagnostic-Scan ... sim_auto_2 m

Both seem super cheap but both have reviews where they wouldn't work on all cars so it would be great to hear your views on which to order.

Cheers.

Simon.

[mr mr2]

I've got that one works fine you can get all the codes from the club

[Jandaw]

The handbook warns that low fuel level can trigger the eml.

If you've filled up try disconnecting the battery for ten minutes, the light should clear without recourse to an OBD 2 scanner.

[dcod]

What phone have you got? If it's an android, these are great (don't know much about iPhone)  s:D s:D  

 m http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Super-Mini-OB ... 41727d3866 m

or
 m http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bluetooth-Tor ... 1e7954c1dc m

[BARNPOT]

What phone have you got? If it's an android, these are great (don't know much about iPhone)  s:D s:D  

 m http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Super-Mini-OB ... 41727d3866 m

or
 m http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bluetooth-Tor ... 1e7954c1dc m

I can vouch for the "black" one, works well with my HTC android phone   s:wink: :wink: s:wink:

[Topdownman]

Thanks for the replies Guys.

Mr MR2, which one of the two have you got?

Afraid I only have an old fashioned phone, no smartphone so the apps will be of no help to me!

I will go and disconnect the battery in a minute to reset it and see if that works but think its best to get a reader as its too late once the light is on to think about buying one!

Any other opinions on either of these two types of readers?

Cheers.

[dcod]

I believe the U480 adds can-bus protocol (which you don't have). Get a U480 if you want to use it on different cars that have can-bus.

[K T M Rider]

I have a U380 and have used it to correctly diagnose faults with the MAF , O2 sensors and the main Cat. I thought it was great value at £20, so for a tenner, it's a steal.

Of course if you want a more in depth analysis you could look at an ELM 327 to work with various programs on a laptop, however the U380 can easily live in your glovebox and give you an instant diagnosis when you are out on the road.

[Topdownman]

I have ordered the 480, looks a bit more versatile and seems to be coming from amazon and not china so should get here quicker!

The light has gone out after disconnecting the battery, will go for a drive later and hope all is OK now.

Thanks for the help.

[p3t3]

Ive got the 480. has proven its self priceless at times. it now lives in the glove box.

[dcod]

it now lives in the glove box.

  s:lol: :lol: s:lol:  

+1 Both of mine do.

[Topdownman]

Unfortunately I got about 7 miles before the light came back!

Is there any point disconnecting the battery a number of times to clear the error or is it just a case of not driving it much until I get the reader?

[dcod]

Unfortunately I got about 7 miles before the light came back!

Is there any point disconnecting the battery a number of times to clear the error or is it just a case of not driving it much until I get the reader?

Having the light will not affect your car. You may as well leave it on until you get the reader.

[Wabbitkilla]

My betting will be p0141, the infamous 3rd O2 sensor heater circuit. It may just be pure coincidence the light came on the the low fuel light. The eml will come on after a reset if it's a 'proper' fault.

[Topdownman]

The U480 code reader arrived today, the fault code is P0135 which the book with it tells me is O2 heater sensor 1 bank 1.

Is there any chance it could be a connection fault or anything to do with the precat removal about a month ago or is it just a case of buying a new sensor?

[p3t3]

Ultimatly a new sensor but a cheap fix is to use a resistor to trick the ecu in to thinking the heater is working. That's what got me EML free for a while  :-) :-) :-)

[Topdownman]

I fitted the new sensor yesterday and took it for a drive and no light came on. I gave the car a "spirited" drive in case that helps the ECU to relearn. Got home and the engine felt a lot hotter than usual but I have yet to hear the cooling fan come on so think I may have to check that out now!!

[dcod]

I fitted the new sensor yesterday and took it for a drive and no light came on. I gave the car a "spirited" drive in case that helps the ECU to relearn. Got home and the engine felt a lot hotter than usual but I have yet to hear the cooling fan come on so think I may have to check that out now!!

Temp gauge look ok? Coolant level ok?

No fan is a good sign ... if it's working   s:lol: :lol: s:lol:  

(If you had a smart phone and a bluetooth ODB, you'd be able to see the exact temperature   s:wink: :wink: s:wink:   Mine runs at exactly 87 degrees)

[Topdownman]

The coolant level hasn't changed and the temperature gauge hasn't gone up, hopefully I am worrying about nothing!

[dcod]

The coolant level hasn't changed and the temperature gauge hasn't gone up, hopefully I am worrying about nothing!

I wouldn't worry then. Many people have commented that they feel they can fry an egg on the boot in summer.   s:D s:D

[Topdownman]

Thanks for the reassurance!