Diagnostic fault reader?

Cossington

Junior Member
Messages
86
Hi,
Looking on E-Bay, I see there are quite a few diagnostic fault readers, claiming to be compatible with Maseratis. I see these as being a way to identify what are a) insignificant issues that can be 'saved up' for the next visit to the local indy, vs
b)the serious issues that need sorting asap.

Has anyone tried any of these?
Any recommendations amongst the varied selection available?
What features should I look for?

I'd welcome your thoughts.

Thanks in advance,

David
 

ENZ525

Member
Messages
6,748
David,
I bought an Elmscan 5 compact tool direct from scantool online and use it with the free easyobd sw on my laptop.
Any of these tools are fine, as long as you don't expect too much from them...
they will read the generic error codes from the engine ecu, not ABS, airbgs, etc,
they will not read the maserati specific codes.
Most of them will only clear the MIL or CEL (Malfunction Indicator or Check Engine Light),
Regards,
Enzo.
 

Cossington

Junior Member
Messages
86
Enzo,

Thanks for your reply.
If it can save me gong to the dealer/indy some of the times there are faults showing, that would help.
It would also reduce sleepless nights and may pay for itself reasonably quickly.

All the best,

David
 

ENZ525

Member
Messages
6,748
I do agree David,
I also used mine to diagnose a faulty lambda sensor on my daughters Vxl Corsa...
there were only 2, 1 pre and one post cat, but it told me which one...
paid for itself on that occasion alone,
Regards,
Enzo.
 

Garry_c

Junior Member
Messages
58
Hi,

Some time ago I bought a hand held OBD reader which is complete with a small screen to read the codes, I got it from eBay, model something like U581. I leave it in the boot of the car and a couple of times its cleared a CEL and limp mode to allow me to get moving again. My view being that sometimes these CEL's are caused by minor issues and if the CEL returns then we stop and look towards the transporter for a return trip home. The last one of these was a P error, translated as Throttle position sensor which caused limp mode. I cleared the CEL and error and all has been fine since. I completed a throttle reset for good measure and if it returns will have it investigated.

I'm looking at the ELM-327 USB or Bluetooth version to use with a laptop for more information but for me its been invaluable to have the handheld in the boot when travelling.
 

Parisien

Moderator
Messages
34,927
David, if Conaero passes by he will let you know which one he got so you can compare notes...

P
 

Cossington

Junior Member
Messages
86
Matt,

Thanks for the links. I will put on a new anorak and start researching the options...

All the best,

David