Is It Worth It to Buy My Own Scanner or Code Reader?
Is it worth it to buy my own scanner or code reader?
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
A code scanner is used to access the onboard diagnostic system (OBD) of your vehicle. Not all code scanners are created equal; there are many different scanner types. The most inexpensive scanners on the market today hookup to the OBD connector while you download an app on your phone to work with the scanner using Bluetooth or a cable. These scanners can simply get the codes, clear them and go, or have full diagnostic scans with trouble code diagnostics. The more complex and in depth diagnostics they have, the more expensive they are.
If you are looking for a full size or hand held scanners to do a little more than just getting the codes out, then you will start to get into more expensive scanners. Basically the more expensive the scanner, the more it does for you to help in diagnosis. Some cheap scanners will only get the code out and clear the code. As the price increases you will start to see more options and capabilities like data analysis, freeze frame, component activation, and monitors for emissions. These scanners will work on the engine only and cannot access other vehicle systems but may display the codes through the engine control module (ECM).
As a scanner gets more and more options to work on other systems like the anti lock brakes system (ABS), tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), body control module (BCM), transmission control module (TCM), anti-theft module or other systems, you will see the price increase to thousands of dollars. You may get a cheap scanner to get the codes but your scanner will not be able to help in diagnosis other than get you a code. A good low cost scanner will give you the code and its meaning to help you out in diagnosis. A mid-range scanner may look at the ECM and ABS system with data and freeze frame capabilities.
When it comes to purchasing a scanner you will need to ask yourself a few questions. Why do I want a scanner? Will I be doing my own repairs? What scanner best suits my needs? How much do I have to spend? After you answer these questions you can then decide if a scanner is right for you. Some people purchase scanners to turn off the Check Engine Light if they accidently leave the gas cap off and just need to clear a code. Others like to do their own work and want a scanner to help diagnose a code and fix the problem on their own.
One problem with the scanners is they are aftermarket in most cases and are not guaranteed to work with all vehicles, years, makes or models. If you want to purchase a scanner for your vehicle, I would suggest seeking the advice of a professional mechanic or scanner sales person to get the correct scanner that will work for your vehicle.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
The scanner plugs into your car`s onboard diagnostics system port and pulls the error codes to see what`s going on. At a cost of between $20 and $200 for a decent unit, a small investment could pay off in a big way. On top of that, using an OBD scanner can help head off any potential problems before they even happen.
Connecting to an OBD-II Port
You plug an OBD-II scanner tool into it and, in most cases, out pops a code that tells you what the problem is. The scanner also allows you to clear the vehicle`s internal code, which is what triggered the check-engine light. Do that, and the warning light will turn off.
A code reader is a simplified version of a scan tool, but it`s only capable of performing basic scans of trouble codes. A scan tool can read and clear trouble codes, and it may also provide advanced data reading and playback features, knowledge bases, diagnostic procedures, and built-in testing equipment.
Since 1996, it`s been a requirement for all cars to have an Onboard Diagnostics (OBD) system installed. Save time and money by adding an OBD2 scanner to your collection of automotive tools instead of running to the mechanic for diagnostics.
As explained above, the car diagnostic test is not as mysterious as you might think, and it`s totally ok for you to do it yourself. You don`t have to be an experienced mechanic before starting checking your vehicle: you can start it with little knowledge and you can also save a lot of time and money.
A check engine light on your dashboard can actually come on when there is nothing mechanically wrong with your car and can simply be a false alarm. Most cars made after 2000 have an array of sensors that monitor certain systems and they simply send out a signal that everything is fine.
Automotive repair shops need to charge diagnostic fees because modern vehicles are extremely complex computer controlled machines. It requires the labor time of a highly trained and experienced technician to perform tests and use expensive equipment to competently perform a diagnostic.
Three key criteria for most buyers are compatibility, capability and price point. Make sure you`re buying what you need; that it works on the vehicles you intend to use it on; and it has the ability to help you diagnose issues quickly.
The main benefit of diagnostic testing is that it can quickly and accurately identify problems so that car repair times are greatly reduced. That means labour costs are reduced and your car spends less time in the garage and off the road.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Is It Worth It to Buy My Own Scanner or Code Reader?
ANSWER : A code scanner is used to access the onboard diagnostic system (OBD) of your vehicle. Not all code scanners are created equal; there are many different scanner types. The most inexpensive scanners on the market today hookup to the OBD connector while you download an app on your phone to work with the scanner using Bluetooth or a cable. These scanners can simply get the codes, clear them and go, or have full diagnostic scans with trouble code diagnostics. The more complex and in depth diagnostics they have, the more expensive they are.
If you are looking for a full size or hand held scanners to do a little more than just getting the codes out, then you will start to get into more expensive scanners. Basically the more expensive the scanner, the more it does for you to help in diagnosis. Some cheap scanners will only get the code out and clear the code. As the price increases you will start to see more options and capabilities like data analysis, freeze frame, component activation, and monitors for emissions. These scanners will work on the engine only and cannot access other vehicle systems but may display the codes through the engine control module (ECM).
As a scanner gets more and more options to work on other systems like the anti lock brakes system (ABS), tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), body control module (BCM), transmission control module (TCM), anti-theft module or other systems, you will see the price increase to thousands of dollars. You may get a cheap scanner to get the codes but your scanner will not be able to help in diagnosis other than get you a code. A good low cost scanner will give you the code and its meaning to help you out in diagnosis. A mid-range scanner may look at the ECM and ABS system with data and freeze frame capabilities.
When it comes to purchasing a scanner you will need to ask yourself a few questions. Why do I want a scanner? Will I be doing my own repairs? What scanner best suits my needs? How much do I have to spend? After you answer these questions you can then decide if a scanner is right for you. Some people purchase scanners to turn off the Check Engine Light if they accidently leave the gas cap off and just need to clear a code. Others like to do their own work and want a scanner to help diagnose a code and fix the problem on their own.
One problem with the scanners is they are aftermarket in most cases and are not guaranteed to work with all vehicles, years, makes or models. If you want to purchase a scanner for your vehicle, I would suggest seeking the advice of a professional mechanic or scanner sales person to get the correct scanner that will work for your vehicle.
My code reader says I have a bad mass air flow sensor ans crank shat sensor test drive ran better shut off & engine Lt. Same code
ANSWER : Hi there. The problem you are describing, sounds like you may have a poor connection in the connector at the mass airflow sensor. Although, sometimes aftermarket parts do not perform as well as factory (OEM) parts. Check for corrosion and/or wide spacing in the terminal ends. Compare the terminal ends in the connector using a flashlight to see better. The terminals can be tightened. If you are not comfortable with doing that, a replacement pigtail (connector) is available. You vehicle may require further diagnosis performed with a scanner that provides parameters that can be viewed as the fault occurs. If that is the case, I recommend having your vehicle’s electrical circuits inspected in order to pinpoint the underlying fault.
I have a Code P0601 on the PCM. I replaced the PCM, and now I have a code P0118, code P0123, and code P0193.
ANSWER : Hi there, the short answer to your question is no . A PCM with a P0601 (which is a memory module error in the PCM) cannot reliably retrieve codes for the codes you list (P0118 – coolant temp sensor, P0123 – throttle position sensor, P0193 – fuel rail pressure sensor.
Most likely, the P0601 prevents the PCM from getting any codes from the engine sensors. The memory module error may cause in data corruption for collected sensor values, lose of data over multiple sampling periods, or failure of the data collection to work at all. Replacing the PCM was a necessary expense.
If you need assistance with the "new" codes, I would recommend having a Check Engine Light inspection completed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, to diagnose the new error codes and get an accurate assessment of the repairs needed.
if you hit wrong code reader button can it mess up the system?
ANSWER : Hi there. I’m pretty sure a basic code reader from the parts store did not cause your battery to drain overnight. All the reader does is retrieve codes from the computers in the vehicle. Was the key left in the "ON" position to read the codes and left in that position overnight? Was the door not completely closed overnight? When was the last time the battery had a proper test with a digital battery tester? What is the output of the alternator? Is a parasitic load present? The older and more mileage present, the more unreliable vehicle systems become. I suggest having battery test performed with a digital battery tester that provides current voltage, cold cranking amps, and state of health. I also suggest having a qualified technician perform an inspection for the check engine light and the battery concern to avoid replacing unnecessary parts. Your Mechanic has several available technicians that can assist you with a check engine light is on inspection and a battery is dead inspection.
It threw a code 21 , throttle position sensor bad code. i replaced it and the code went away but i still have no spark.
ANSWER : Hello and thank you for contacting YourMechanic. The problems that you are encountering with your vehicle, could be caused by the harness to the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) or the computer itself.
Check the harness to the TPS for any debris or any corrosion. Hook up a paperclip to the harness and turn on the key. Use a multimeter and check for voltage at the pins of the harness. Make sure that the ground on the sensor is grounded and has no resistance. If you find that the harness is having too much resistance, then I recommend having the main engine harness replaced. If you have replaced the harness and still have the same problems, then the computer will need to be flashed or replaced.
I recommend having a professional, like one from YourMechanic, come to your home to diagnose your car’s no start condition before replacing any parts.
Can i retrieve CEL code from car … forgot what code it hade in my car .. put headgasket sealer and i erase the code ..
ANSWER : Once a trouble code is erased, it cannot be retrieved. The engine controller does not have a "recycle bin" like they have on Windows. If the car still has a problem, the code will come back up after some driving. However, the controller will not turn on the CEL until it has seen the malfunction on two separate "trips." A "trip" is a driving cycle where the car is started cold, driven until it is fully warm and through a certain number of accelerations, and shut down. So you might not see the CEL for a couple of days. As for the "head gasket sealer," I wouldn’t hold out too much hope of that solving a problem. At the very best it might put off the symptoms for a short while. If you need help interpreting codes that come up, or solving a head gasket issue, contact Your Mechanic. They can send a technician to your home or office to read the codes on your car and help you decide what to do.
OBD-II scanner read code P0108
ANSWER : Hello. The MAP sensor reading on a scanner should read about 1.0 to 1.5 volts at idle and 4.5 to 4.8 volts at wide open throttle. The MAP should read 4.8 volts or more when you have the key on engine off. If either sensor is not within these specs, then replace have it replaced. Once you install the sensor, then clear the codes and road test the vehicle to see if code returns. If it returns, then you will need to have the entire pinpoint test done to check the wiring and ECM for problems.
Service engine warning, MAF code and O2 sensor code, along with check suspension light are turned on
ANSWER : Hello, it sounds like you have quite a few things going on. I am going to do my best to break them down for you.
First if the engine is very loud when idling and the belt has already been replaced, there may be an issue with the tensioner or idler pulley.
Next, the Navigator is known for needing service to the air suspension system as it gets up in miles, the most common causes of these are the air struts themselves have failed, or one of the air lines has a leak.
Lastly, if the O2 sensor and MAF are continually coming back after the sensors have been replaced, the most common cause would be either an exhaust leak or a vacuum leak.
Qualified technicians such as the ones at YourMechanic will be able to diagnose these issues and recommend the best path to repair, starting with a diagnosis of your warning lights.
