Hi all.
What is a good code reader to buy that is easy to use?
Heard that readers need to be linked to a phone. Is this correct?
Is there a code reader that you can plug into the car, find the fault, fix it,
And then delete the code error without having to link it to a phone.
Hope I'm making sense. Still new to all this.
Thanks.
I can't personally recommend a standalone code reader, though they do of course exist.
I just wanted to say be aware that none of these code readers can necessarily "fix" your problem. They can clear a fault code, but whatever is causing the fault code will likely fire that code again before too long. Might be the next time you start it up, it might be after 500 miles, but if you don't fix whatever is causing the error code, you'll likely see it again.
You can buy something like 'OBDmate' from your favourite online auction site.
It will read codes, tell you (apporoximatley) what needs to be fixed, and re-set the ECU.
For similar money, you can buy a Bluetooth OBD dongle ,download 'Torque Pro' to your phone (around a fiver) and it will do the same job, but much better, giving real-time and very precise info as to how your car is running. It rapidly becomes a new favourite toy!
Both plug in to the OBD port under the dash to the right on the steering column. (close to the door).
Bluetooth obd dongle. Torque pro for me. Works a treat. I'm on android phone.
If you are an apple user, I understand their bluetooth protocol is very specific,
Again, i think those users might go for s wifi option dongle.
Either way. The first time you use it, it will have paid for itself.
Get your code, come back, lets us know what it is, and we will advise.
Number 1 contender will be a heater circuit to one or both or all three of the
O2 sensors.
Hi thanks all for the replies.
I bought a 2002 roadster last weekend drove it back home 75 miles no issues
Went out to the local supermarket about an hour later engine light came on.
Hence asking about fault readers.
Will keep updated.
Quote from: Mackie on December 7, 2019, 00:19Hi thanks all for the replies.
I bought a 2002 roadster last weekend drove it back home 75 miles no issues
Went out to the local supermarket about an hour later engine light came on.
Hence asking about fault readers.
Will keep updated.
Right ladies and gentlemen, place your bets.
I've got a 2 quid donation on error code P0135.
Anybody near Mackie where he can drop by for a scan?
I have both types of reader and the phone one is much, much better and is probably still cheaper even with buying torque pro.
It is good that it stayed off for 75 miles, normally codes come back after less than 10.
Having the code reader will give you confidence as say you get an error code for an O2 sensor, you will quickly find out that it is OK to still drive with that fault showing.
If you take it to a garage and tell them that you have a P0135 code then you may avoid
Diagnose error code £35-00
on your bill!
Hope you are otherwise happy with the car.
Quote from: shnazzle on December 7, 2019, 08:17Right ladies and gentlemen, place your bets.
I've got a 2 quid donation on error code P0135.
See my post number 3. Left my options a little more generic, but certainly thinking the same thing.
Also echo
@Topdownman surprised it lasted 75 miles.
@Mackie Private sale or dealer? IF it is as we suspect, could you negotiate some refund etc.
Though, if we are correct, you could easily spend more in time arguing than the cost to replace.
Evening
Code readers arriving sometime Monday. Will keep you posted as to how things are.
Took her out today for a drive did about eight miles all good no probs. Drives/stops and does all the other things it should,just the pesky orange light staring me in the face. Roll on code Monday.
It was a small dealer I purchased it from by the way.
Going to have a little chat tomorrow.
Thanks again all for your help and responses.
@Mackie In one sense, it is could it has come on. It is not unknown for less scrupulous dealers to tape over the light.
Naughty.
If it's one of the usual suspects
then sparkplugs.co.uk or amazon are your best bet. Depends who has the best deal at the time.
if its one of the top sensors (pre cat) dox0204 if post cat dox0206. same sensor just a longer lead.
These come complete with the correct fitting and a re plug n play.
If you a re handy with wires and have 10 mins, you can get the sensor sans plug and fit the old one.
I cannot be ar5ed so I go the fit n forget.
Have typed all that, might not be anything to do O2 sensors.
In the mean time, you could do a maf clean and check tyres pressures.
Brand? model? age?
Here's a head scratcher.
Started car up this morning NO engine light on.
Is this normal? Has it happened to anyone else?
Going to change spark plugs, air filter, oil and oil filter today today.
Does tyre pressure affect the engine light?
Sorry I'm just such a noob on these cars at the moment.
It's a 2002 roadster convertible ( sadly no hard top at the moment ).
Got a fish with 37205 miles on the clock.
What's the best way to upload photos on here?
Thanks.
As said, its good that the EML works!
I dont think its common for it to go off of its own accord though.
I would wait for the code reader to arrive and see what that shows. There may be a pending fault code.
When you know what codes there are, I would contact the dealer in writing if possible asap to say what the code is and try and get them to fix it. You can always threaten to reject the car if they dont help.
Tyre pressures not related, its just that they are likely to be way off the recommended 26/32.
Some codes sit as "pending" and either reset themselves or go full-on and light the light depending on how the car performs on recent journeys. Your reader will tell you if you have anything pending.......
Quote from: Mackie on December 8, 2019, 16:43What's the best way to upload photos on here?
Thanks.
Click the Reply button, rather than using the quick reply box.
You will then get options to attach.
ALternatively host pics elsewhere and copy the image location and paste into reply using the image insert button.