Are these fault code readers any good?

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Probably depends on what you want it for. I've got one that looks identical but yellow and cheaper on ebay. I bought it as my daughters Fiesta eml had come on. It told me what the fault was ( problem with the cat sensors) and allowed me to clear the fault. It seems to work okay with my Peugeot and Volvo too. It won't allow you to alter any settings but it will read faults and, if possible, clear them
 
wv62 said:
Probably depends on what you want it for.
Click to expand...

I want to plug into the master when issues arise and get the fault code to track them down.

If the reader can confirm the fault code number, I can get the 'what to do' online.

Presently in the family fleet
x2 Bora TDI (2003 2004)
Polo 1.2 TDI 2011
i20 1.4 2009
KA 1.3 2007
S40 1.6D 2008
Smart ForFour 2017
 
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Just a few years ago, scan tools like this were costing around the £200 mark so definitely go for it!
They are by no means the be all and end all though but should point you in the right direction. Many fault codes are generic, and then its up to you to decide which way to go.
The scanner will read the codes and allow you to cancel them - if the EML comes straight back on the fault, naturally enough, is still there. Many codes stored by the car are historic and may have cleared themselves.
The scanner won't detect problems with fuel pump pressure, ABS, airbag or steering modules of course - these are much more manufacturer specific and other tooling is required.
John :)
 
fixitflav said:
I'd have thought nowadays there'd be available a lead with the multi-pin connector one end and USB the other, to plug into a laptop. Necessary software downloaded from the web. That would provide a bigger display and maybe more functionality. Anybody know if such a thing exists?
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Of course all manufacturers have diagnostic and repair software on a laptop, you probably wouldn't want it though as it costs £1000's per year.
 
EddieM said:
Of course all manufacturers have diagnostic and repair software on a laptop, you probably wouldn't want it though as it costs £1000's per year.
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OK, I just thought that as you can buy a reader (with software incorporated) for ~ £15 it might be possible to buy software for a moderate sum. But I wonder why garages would pay £1000s per year (in addition to the purchase price?). Even if the £15 job only covers a limited range of cars, you could buy a few of them and still be well in pocket.
 
fixitflav said:
OK, I just thought that as you can buy a reader (with software incorporated) for ~ £15 it might be possible to buy software for a moderate sum. But I wonder why garages would pay £1000s per year (in addition to the purchase price?). Even if the £15 job only covers a limited range of cars, you could buy a few of them and still be well in pocket.
Click to expand...

I does an awful lot more than just diagnose faults, far too much to go into here.
 
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I used oneof these recently, very hand and will be buying one myself (up down left right buttons are a must).

We have multi make diagnostics at work on Laptop but to be honest the little hand held is a lot quicker to use imho.

A step up is make specific diagnostics ( Forscan/ Evoscan etc) on laptop with specific adapter to write to ecu and body control modules etc.

20180912_181010.jpg
 
I presume once the car's master plug is found, you plug the reader in and stick to the instructions supplied with it?

I remember years ago when I took my 45 series Rover to an auto sparky to have the abs checked, it took the fella a good five minutes to get access to the plug so they're obviously well hidden. The sparky's code reader couldn't see any faults.

The fault on the abs (the pump clicking to relieve pressure without my foot on the brake) was due to broken reluctor rings on the front and not something a reader could detect.
 
The diagnostic port is meant to be within 12” of the steering wheel, so beneath a panel, within the fuse box or whatever.
Follow the tool instructions to the letter - some have an internal battery ( like mine) and some dont.
Basic machines do engine diagnostics only and wont touch any other control modules.
John :)
 
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