car diagnostic code reader?

All non-motorcycle related chat in here

Moderators: Aladinsaneuk, MartDude, D-Rider, Moderators

Post Reply
Message
Author
maz
Despatch Rider
Posts: 47
Joined: Tue Mar 29, 2011 12:35 pm
Location: DEVON
Main bike: Tuono V2

car diagnostic code reader?

#1 Post by maz » Fri Jan 27, 2017 3:10 pm

Hi all, winter car blues. Bikes tucked away until better weather.
All the dash warning lights on, mercedes CLK 2002.
Tracked fault to ABS sensor. Replaced, still warning lights on, will check wire continuity between the sensor connector and ABS unit when I get the chance.
However my question is has anybody any advice with car diagnostic equipment, extreme's in cost and function. I have seen lots of wifi units whereby you can download an app to your phone and read engine codes, but as yet cannot find one which can read ABS, SRS, airbag codes
anybody come across one?

Thanks for any advice.

fatboy
World Champion
Posts: 3774
Joined: Thu Nov 03, 2011 7:48 pm
Location: BATH

#2 Post by fatboy » Fri Jan 27, 2017 6:28 pm

Dont bother with a downloadable app, you simply cannot trust a wifi device to make sense of a wiring fault (unless it came from Mercedes ),way too much margin for error. You would need to verify the credibility of the publisher, are you downloading a corrupt version ?
Reliable plug in readers can be had for less than £50 complete with fault code book.
Yes it may be £50 more than free but they work and £50 is really fuck all to sort your car out.
Look at some reviews, go from there.
It may be as simple as removing codes
Cleverly disguised as an adult !

User avatar
BikerGran
Gran Turismo
Posts: 3924
Joined: Sun Dec 17, 2006 5:12 pm
Location: Any further south and I'd fall off!

#3 Post by BikerGran » Fri Jan 27, 2017 8:58 pm

I know that people with VW campervans have to get the code thingy reset once the fault has been dealt with.
The tragedy of old age is not that one is old, but that one is young.

User avatar
Gio
Double World Champion
Posts: 6179
Joined: Sun Dec 17, 2006 8:28 pm
Location: Chertsey

#4 Post by Gio » Sat Jan 28, 2017 6:57 pm

I have a U480, its told me the errors I had on my vw van and jag. so they took next to nothing time wise to fix at the garage even though they said how did I know what was wrong, I kept my mouth shut about it.
I hate it when people ask if you have a bathroom, I want to say "No we pee in the garden"

fatboy
World Champion
Posts: 3774
Joined: Thu Nov 03, 2011 7:48 pm
Location: BATH

#5 Post by fatboy » Sat Jan 28, 2017 7:03 pm

Gio wrote:I have a U480, its told me the errors I had on my vw van and jag. so they took next to nothing time wise to fix at the garage even though they said how did I know what was wrong, I kept my mouth shut about it.
Is that a hand held reader?
Cleverly disguised as an adult !

User avatar
Gio
Double World Champion
Posts: 6179
Joined: Sun Dec 17, 2006 8:28 pm
Location: Chertsey

#6 Post by Gio » Sat Jan 28, 2017 7:13 pm

fatboy wrote:
Gio wrote:I have a U480, its told me the errors I had on my vw van and jag. so they took next to nothing time wise to fix at the garage even though they said how did I know what was wrong, I kept my mouth shut about it.
Is that a hand held reader?
Yes
I hate it when people ask if you have a bathroom, I want to say "No we pee in the garden"

fatboy
World Champion
Posts: 3774
Joined: Thu Nov 03, 2011 7:48 pm
Location: BATH

#7 Post by fatboy » Sun Jan 29, 2017 7:30 pm

Gio wrote:
fatboy wrote:
Gio wrote:I have a U480, its told me the errors I had on my vw van and jag. so they took next to nothing time wise to fix at the garage even though they said how did I know what was wrong, I kept my mouth shut about it.
Is that a hand held reader?
Yes
That should tell you enough Maz, using a downloadable app is introducing an unknown third party into the muddle, it may be fine, it may not...
Would you use Mole grips to undo your bleed nipples? May work, might fuck it up entirely
Cleverly disguised as an adult !

maz
Despatch Rider
Posts: 47
Joined: Tue Mar 29, 2011 12:35 pm
Location: DEVON
Main bike: Tuono V2

code reader

#8 Post by maz » Sun Jan 29, 2017 11:41 pm

Hi, thanks for the tips, the u480 & most of the code readers on sale only seem to read engine codes. Readers that can be used for ABS etc, start at about £160 and upwards.
I'll keep searching and see what I can find. I will do some continuity checks on the wireing as this often is the cause for multiple ABS faults, just need a dry day.
I will ask my local garage to clear the codes once further checks made.

User avatar
flatlander
Eprom Test Pilot (Stig)
Posts: 3097
Joined: Tue Jun 14, 2011 9:06 pm
Location: cheshire

#9 Post by flatlander » Sun Jan 29, 2017 11:47 pm

Look up lofty guide to the a class may have some related links but a good source of info for that series may give you some ideas
For the avoidance of doubt and for the benefit of my wife, not everything I may say here will be absolutely true I may on ocassion embellish a little for effect.
That said when it comes to motorbikes, I like to ride side saddle with a nice frock

User avatar
D-Rider
Admin
Admin
Posts: 15560
Joined: Wed Jan 03, 2007 1:09 pm
Location: Coventry

#10 Post by D-Rider » Mon Jan 30, 2017 6:45 pm

I use a cheap Bluetooth OBD dongle (eBay) and the Torq app.
I've used it to read fault codes on a number of cars which can then be looked up online.
Also used it to reset some faults/warning lights.

For what it is, it's really good
“Scientists investigate that which already is. Engineers create that which has never been.”
-- Albert Einstein

Post Reply