obd2 code reader

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by Jody, Jul 26, 2005.

  1. Jody

    Jody Guest

    Jody, Jul 26, 2005
    #1
  2. Jody

    hyundaitech Guest

    I'm not sure about fuel management systems in other countries. If you have
    a diagnostic connector shaped like the one in the ad-- it'll probably be in
    the dash just above the little cubby box on the left side, you may need to
    get down and look up to see it-- your car would appear to be OBD-II
    compliant and this code reader would be designed to work with it. Some
    vehicles have difficulty communicating with some tools, so experiences may
    vary.

    The tool in the ad isn't a very sophisticated tool. According to the ad,
    it'll read and clear codes only. I would presume it won't give you any
    data readings (e.g. coolant temp) or other information.
    The manual may be vague. Codes of the form P0xxx are predetermined but
    codes with P1xxx or P2xxx are manufacturer specific. Without seeing the
    manual, I have no way of knowing whether it has the information to tell
    you that P1128 is a partial load lean condition, for example.
     
    hyundaitech, Jul 26, 2005
    #2
  3. Since I've recently futzed with two different code readers, I'll
    comment. This product should read your car. I'd expect that any code
    stored in your car's computer should be downloaded to the display with
    no trouble. Don't worry if the Hyundai codes aren't in the
    manufacturer's literature: you can just print out the code list from the
    Hyundai tech web site.

    One issue, however, is the fit between the plug/socket. There can be a
    minute difference in the sizes of these plugs -- so much force can be
    required to remove one that's not a good match that I can conceive of
    the user damaging the connector on the car -- and I'll leave it to you
    to imagine the cost of a dealer repair to replace the factory connector
    with associated cabling, etc.

    I'm fairly pleased with the Innova/Equus code reader that I wound up
    with. It handles nicely (no insane menu structure). They sent me a
    replacement cable that fits the car better than the first one (but still
    not perfectly). These seem to always be "on sale" for $100 (after
    rebate) at Kragen and probably affiliated stores.

    As Hyundaitech has implied, these tools will show the basic codes. They
    are not the professional's costly scan tools -- these instruments pull
    down much more specific information from the car's computer describing
    very precise performance data. A code reader won't do that. However, I
    believe that it is very useful to have one because it will tell you
    whether the Check Engine light means that your motor will blow up in 30
    seconds or whether you can continue to drive for 6 months until you can
    get a repair at your convenience. In other words, it'll definitely zero
    you in on the bad system or part. And very often, that's all you need.

    It can help, too, to keep the transaction honest between you and a flaky
    mechanic when you're far from home. I believe that most mechanics are
    honest, by the way.

    Richard
     
    Richard Steinfeld, Jul 26, 2005
    #3
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