[Mgs] Off Topic - ODB II readers

[Paul Root]

Yeah, the question was, what features do I want in a reader?

I think I like the idea of the reader telling me what the code means, and that
that ability is updatable via the internet.

Also, there is a new thing called CAM (Controller Area Network) that sounds
like it could be good for future cars.

Thanks,
Paul.

On Feb 23, 2010, at 9:03 AM, Councill, David wrote:

> Is there a question here? I think you are asking about ODBII readers.
> Although limited in what codes they can read, I find them to be a
> valuable tool if you own a newer car and they are inexpensive. I bought
> a Harbor Freight middle of the line reader (about $65 USD) when my 2001
> Land Rover had a check engine light. I had to look the code up on the
> Internet and it translated to a "massive EGR leak" which further
> translated to "loose gas cap". Since then, I have used it on two other
> cars to reset the light and retrieve the codes. The code may still be in
> your car's computer which means the reader may tell you the problem
> (maybe oxygen sensor?).
>
> David Councill
> 64 B
> 67 BGT
> 72 B
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: mgs-bounces at autox.team.net [mailto:mgs-bounces at autox.team.net] On
> Behalf Of Paul Root
> Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2010 7:23 AM
> To: MG List
> Subject: [Mgs] Off Topic - ODB II readers
>
> My daily driver, '99 Subaru OBS, popped the check engine light briefly
> this
> morning just before it was fully warm. It had been stumbling on
> acceleration a
> bit. It cleared itself with in 30 seconds.