code reader-can be a real help?
- Thread starter Jim555
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I've used a code reader before, and it did pull the error code. However, for my car I just jump the service connector with a paperclip and read the flashes.
some cars dont have any flashing lights in code that tell you whats wrong, and you need a code reader.
the dealer here charged $75 to pull a code.
i paid for my code reader with just 2 uses.
some code readers, like mine, do more than just spit out code. mine will tell me whats going on with my car, how my cat is doing, how the airconditiong is, and a bunch of other things that i cant remember.
the dealer here charged $75 to pull a code.
i paid for my code reader with just 2 uses.
some code readers, like mine, do more than just spit out code. mine will tell me whats going on with my car, how my cat is doing, how the airconditiong is, and a bunch of other things that i cant remember.
Which code reader do you have ?
IMO, code readers on '96 and later vehicles are a worthwhile tool. Jumping connectors on a service port can end up costing big bucks if wrong pins are jumped with power on.
Not sure about the ones at Wally World though. I recall a code reader my brother in-law gave me for Ford ECMs. It had a series of LEDs on it and you had to interpret the sequence of the blinking LEDs and compare to the manual to actually get the code. Suffice is to say, the thing was useless.
The best ones I've seen are software packages you can install on a laptop and use a serial cable to plug into the service port. I've seen two people with setups like this and the amount of detailed info they can pull is impressive.
Mikep
Not sure about the ones at Wally World though. I recall a code reader my brother in-law gave me for Ford ECMs. It had a series of LEDs on it and you had to interpret the sequence of the blinking LEDs and compare to the manual to actually get the code. Suffice is to say, the thing was useless.
The best ones I've seen are software packages you can install on a laptop and use a serial cable to plug into the service port. I've seen two people with setups like this and the amount of detailed info they can pull is impressive.
Mikep
If your car is not OBD-II, which I believe the ones are wal-mart are for, a code "reader" is not needed, as someone already said. All the box does is jump the diagnostic terminal. Something that can be done with a paper clip. The code is "read" by watching the SES light flash. If you need more detailed instructions, I can give them or they can be found in any good shop or repair manual(Haynes, ect).
You can NOT, I repeat, NOT, "jump the wrong wire and break something".
The ALCL is made for just this purpose, it simply has a ground and several diagnostic pins. I hate when people fall for this "code reader" it is simply a money maker, and any person with enough knowledge of what to do with a code should be able to work the paper clip just fine.
If your car is a 96+ or other OBD-II, this does not apply. You need a special OBD-II compatable scan tool.
here is a good page with some info:
http://www.troublecodes.net/technical/
-T
You can NOT, I repeat, NOT, "jump the wrong wire and break something".
If your car is a 96+ or other OBD-II, this does not apply. You need a special OBD-II compatable scan tool.
here is a good page with some info:
http://www.troublecodes.net/technical/
-T
Which is why in my post I said 96 and newer (OBD-II).quote:
Originally posted by T-Keith:
If your car is not OBD-II, which I believe the ones are wal-mart are for, a code "reader" is not needed, as someone already said. All the box does is jump the diagnostic terminal. Something that can be done with a paper clip. The code is "read" by watching the SES light flash. If you need more detailed instructions, I can give them or they can be found in any good shop or repair manual(Haynes, ect).
You can NOT, I repeat, NOT, "jump the wrong wire and break something".The ALCL is made for just this purpose, it simply has a ground and several diagnostic pins. I hate when people fall for this "code reader" it is simply a money maker, and any person with enough knowledge of what to do with a code should be able to work the paper clip just fine.
If your car is a 96+ or other OBD-II, this does not apply. You need a special OBD-II compatable scan tool.
here is a good page with some info:
http://www.troublecodes.net/technical/
-T
Re: jumping pins...whatever works for you.
Mikep
Yikes, it wasn't an attack, just trying to clear things up. Your right you can't jump the terminals on OBD-II, but you have to on older systems. No need for the sarcasm.quote:
Originally posted by mikep:
Since the original poster didn't mention a year or model vehicle I was trying to convey a sense of caution before trying to jumper pins on diag ports based on one line of info from a message board.quote:
Originally posted by T-Keith:
And jumping pins has nothing to do with 96+ (OBD-II). So it shouldn't be mentioned with OBD-II.
-T
But you're right, I'm wrong. You obviously are incredibly smart and in the know. I don't know how you manage to deal with us little folk all the time. It must be very trying on your patience. Pardon me for trying to contribute.
Mikep
-T
If you have a F150, 96 and up, you can do the "dealer" scan. Push the odometer/trip button, turn ignition on for about 5 seconds. The LED odometer will then read "test" You then can release the button and then keep pusing it as you will pass by different tests. If there is an error, it will tell you the number, you then look it up. Pretty cool.
You could have easily "cleared things up" without the use of thequote:
Originally posted by T-Keith:
Yikes, it wasn't an attack, just trying to clear things up. Your right you can't jump the terminals on OBD-II, but you have to on older systems. No need for the sarcasm.
-T
I should have just shrugged it off and let it go.
Mikep
Sorry about the,
it was not directed at you. I've seen alot of people worried about this on other message board, and wanted to clear it up. I hate to see people waste money, because they are worried about something they shouldn't have.
The link I posted above shows there are only diagnostic terminals and a ground on the older GM ALCL, so no danger there. However OBD-2 terminals DO have a power and ground terminal so jumping wires here can be dangerous.
BTW, I have a OBD-II scan tool that works with a laptop, and can scan codes as well as other parameters. I use this on my 97 engine, my older cars get the paperclip.
-T
The link I posted above shows there are only diagnostic terminals and a ground on the older GM ALCL, so no danger there. However OBD-2 terminals DO have a power and ground terminal so jumping wires here can be dangerous.
BTW, I have a OBD-II scan tool that works with a laptop, and can scan codes as well as other parameters. I use this on my 97 engine, my older cars get the paperclip.
-T
94-95 OBD-1 B/D bodies (Impala, et al...) have to have a code reader, the paperclip trick will not work. Bad thing is that there is no cheap code readers for them, but there are free software scanners for them. Much more powerful than a reader, just have to buy the cable.
For OBD-2 vehicles, this is good and cheap;
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=46030
$40
There is also low budget scanning software for OBD2, not free, but no bank-breaking either.
Since the original poster didn't mention a year or model vehicle I was trying to convey a sense of caution before trying to jumper pins on diag ports based on one line of info from a message board.quote:
Originally posted by T-Keith:
And jumping pins has nothing to do with 96+ (OBD-II). So it shouldn't be mentioned with OBD-II.
-T
But you're right, I'm wrong. You obviously are incredibly smart and in the know. I don't know how you manage to deal with us little folk all the time. It must be very trying on your patience. Pardon me for trying to contribute.
Mikep
Noticed there was a thread on Code Readers
.
I recently purchased an AutoXray 4000 for around 260 bucks on ebay. My car makes use of the CAN protocal (which all "new" cars are required to move to by 2008) which negates any OBD-II scanners.
Basically its a move from analog to digital. If your about to plop money down on a scanner, make sure its at least CAN upgradable...or it'll be useless on new cars in a few years.
Here's the scanner I purchased...
AutoXray 4000
It works on OBD-II cars, CAN bus cars, and is upgradable to OBD-I with a purchase of an additional cable.
Its internet upgradable (just connect to the pc), and also allows for additional modules to be activated on the scanner for an additional fee.
[ February 24, 2004, 12:41 PM: Message edited by: crossbow ]
I recently purchased an AutoXray 4000 for around 260 bucks on ebay. My car makes use of the CAN protocal (which all "new" cars are required to move to by 2008) which negates any OBD-II scanners.
Basically its a move from analog to digital. If your about to plop money down on a scanner, make sure its at least CAN upgradable...or it'll be useless on new cars in a few years.
Here's the scanner I purchased...
AutoXray 4000
It works on OBD-II cars, CAN bus cars, and is upgradable to OBD-I with a purchase of an additional cable.
Its internet upgradable (just connect to the pc), and also allows for additional modules to be activated on the scanner for an additional fee.
[ February 24, 2004, 12:41 PM: Message edited by: crossbow ]
I had no problems jumping pins on 93 Chevy, then watching the CEL flash.
However, when I tried it on the 89 truck, I was very frustrated. I tried it and couldn't get it to work even though it was very simple. Ended up getting a cheap Ford code scanner, the one with the flashing light, which also beeps.
Yes, code scanners are definitely worth it. I want one which displayes the error codes on the LED. You don't want to be counting these flashes forever.
However, when I tried it on the 89 truck, I was very frustrated. I tried it and couldn't get it to work even though it was very simple. Ended up getting a cheap Ford code scanner, the one with the flashing light, which also beeps.
Yes, code scanners are definitely worth it. I want one which displayes the error codes on the LED. You don't want to be counting these flashes forever.
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