Cheap OBD2 scanner?

[Aurel]

Originally Posted by speeder

Those are *PC only* deals, right? I'd have to buy a PC laptop, all I have are Macs these days.

EDIT: I have an Intel-based Macbook. Wondering if it will then work?

Most software is PC only, but mac versions can be found as well. Here is one:

Yhasi LLP

Of course, you have to pay a *mac premium* for that. $99 for the software+cable. Still not too bad.

Or you can install windows in your intel mac, and all PC sofftware will work...

[porsche4life]

Of course there is a pious on the mac page...

[mattdavis11]

Originally Posted by speeder

If you can instantly diagnose a modern car that is running and driving perfectly but has a CEL on, (and therefore will not pass an emissions test), without using a scanner, you are better at this than me.

Just a guess, O2 sensor. Will they not pull the codes at the local parts house?

If you want to reset everything, clear all the codes, just disconnect both battery terminals, tape them together and turn the key on. Wait a little while and fire it back up. It'll have to be driven for awhile before everything becomes active again, probably 40-50 miles and may run lousy for a bit, but if it was an O2 sensor which was triggered by one tank of mediocre gas, it's a free fix.

[fxeditor]

You are welcome to borrow mine if your close to the Burbank or Santa Monica areas. PM me and we can arrange something.
Michael

[speeder]

Thanks, all. I'm just going to get that new one @ Walmart. I love tools and should have this.

[speeder]

OK, here are the codes:

P0421 (California emissions) Warm-up catalyst system efficiency below threshold

and, P1601 Communication line failure (??)

Help me here guys! She's really cute.

[Rick Lee]

Are you still not getting a CEL with those codes? In my 993, when I had readiness monitor issues, part of the cat warm-up check was to start the car cold and let idle for (IIRC) two minutes before moving. The communication failure is probably a transmisison to engine wiring issue, if it's a '99 Miata. Do those have CVT trannies? I don't think so. If CVT, then you might need either a software reflash or a reprogram by doing a ridiculous drive procedure like I had to do with my 993. Our old Mini dealer did this for my wife's car, even though it wasn't a factory-authorized procedure. They came up with is on their own and it worked like a charm.

[aigel]

Sorry, I am of no help on the codes. Try a Miata forum!? I regret partaking in this thread - it jinxed me. After several years without using my reader on my own rides, the Sequoia threw a P0505 yesterday!

George

[speeder]

It's a bad cat code. Nothing exotic it turns out and not untypical at the age of the car. It's funny, some cats last forever, (the original one on my '83 Nissan truck is fine), others fail.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by red-beard

I bought one a while ago, and it was something like $189, but it reads, resets, and other stuff. It even will read out the electronic speed of the car, and those numbers match the GPS unit, where the speedometer guage does not. It also had extra cables for some older vehicles and OBD1 units.

I think just about any FLAPS will carry them.

I've got a scangauge ii. It does a ton of stuff, including reading and resetting codes.

The unit is small, 1"x4"x.75" roughly. I leave it plugged in all of the time and have it sitting in front of my gas gauge. It has the capability to display 4 "gauges". The Temp gauge in my car is essentially an idiot light with 3 settings, cold, normal and overheating. I get the exact water temp from the gauge. There are a bunch of other options as well. It'll also act as a trip meter including telling you how much gas you have left and how far you can drive before you're empty. It's pretty sweet if you're a nerd.

Trip computer, most of these options are available for today, yesterday, this trip or this tank

» Maximum Speed
» Average Speed
» Maximum Coolant Temperature
» Maximum RPM
» Driving Time
» Driving Distance
» Fuel Used
» Trip Fuel Economy
» Distance to Empty
» Time to Empty
» Fuel to Empty



digital gauges

» Fuel Economy
» Fuel Rate
» Battery Voltage
» Coolant Temperature
» Intake Air Temperature
» Engine Speed (RPM)
» Vehicle speed (MPH and KM/H)
» Manifold Pressure --- (not available on some vehicles)
» Engine Load
» Throttle Position
» Ignition Timing
» Open/Closed Loop

Scan Tool

» Reads Trouble Codes
» Reads conditions that set the Trouble Code
» Clears Trouble Codes
»

Turns off "Check Engine" light
» Tells you when vehicle is "Ready" to pass OBDII testing
» Make and store up to 10 rewritable special codes
to send to the vehicle computer

[masraum]

Originally Posted by speeder

Those are *PC only* deals, right? I'd have to buy a PC laptop, all I have are Macs these days.

EDIT: I have an Intel-based Macbook. Wondering if it will then work?

There is also an ODBII scanning iPhone app.

[speeder]

Originally Posted by masraum

There is also an ODBII scanning iPhone app.

I used that app, (on an ipod touch-same thing), on my '05 Powerstroke diesel and it was worthless. When I brought the truck to the dealer and they hooked it up to their laptop w/ the proper software, it got a bunch of codes that did not show on the ipod + a bunch of other pertinent info. That turned me off to that deal.