code readers

[wetdog]

can someone please reccomend me a good well priced code reader for the explorer please?

mick.

 

[petetheengineer]

i use a elm327 usb obd2 reader with my laptop and it works great theres loads on ebay at good prices

 

[Wills1]

Hi Pete does this just read or can it clear / reset codes?
Thanks Wills

 

[gwar]

This reader will give the error codes, clear them and give real time info on your comp

 

[corkey]

i have one of these it not only does codes but it can also show you some of the diagnostic functions as the motor is running, it sure is sweet ,

http://www.scangauge.com/

 

[wetdog]

i have one of these it not only does codes but it can also show you some of the diagnostic functions as the motor is running, it sure is sweet ,

http://www.scangauge.com/

thats a fairly impressive piece of kit. a bit to pricey for me though .

thank you for posting,
mick.

 

[wetdog]

i use a elm327 usb obd2 reader with my laptop and it works great theres loads on ebay at good prices

seen these on fleabay, its looking favorite at the moment

thank you,
mick.

 

[wetdog]

what i dont understand in all of this code reading, car running rough mullarky, is that i do not have an engine management light on, therefore no codes will be stored. is this correct?
the engine management light does work with the ignition and starting procedure, and goes out when its started/running.

any input chaps?

mick.

 

[jcasey007]

that's what I have also observed.

even with the MAF disconnected for testing it does not throw up a code (in a 1997).

But when I was having intermittent problems with my crank sensor, the DTC light came on and a code was stored. The fact that it was a rich running error code sent me off looking for an injector/pump problem as opposed to a misfire or Crank sensor error code.

So my faith on ODB2 is shaken, I'd rather listen to the engine to see what she is telling me . (oh and check out the forum for similar symptoms.

BTW I got my hand held reader on ebay (£14.95 new) it read's, resets codes which is all we can expect from ODB2 of this age of car! I spent a fortune and a lot of time on PC based systems (i.e. Digicom and Scantool software) and have been constantly disapointed. Apart from the codes (that don't show) having my laptop tell me the temp of the coolant and the RPM is not that interested. I was never able to read more useful information like long and short term fuel trims

Jim

 

[petetheengineer]

yea it all depends on your usage. I have had a usb obd2 for years now and i find that they are invaulable. Bu ti use mine for all my cars and the missus car not to mention any friends that need it. You are right that the information on the explorer is limited but that also depends on what software you use but i find all the details very useful when diagnosing a fault. You can see tps reading and ignition advance along with a load of other sensor information that can be very useful if used in the right way. DTC are often not thrown up when rough running occurs because unless the car diagnosis the fault it will just try to keep the engine running. You dont appreciate the obd 2 until you need it. For example i took the missus car to fords 2 times because of rough running and they said it was coil pack and the second time i took it back i had fitted a new coil. It turned out when i connected my obd there was a misfire on cyl2 and was a spark plug at fault even though it had new plugs.

 

[Jarmo]

I have just bought a U380 Code reader off e bay for £9.99 best tenner I ever spent reads and resets codes perfect, well impressed