OBDII fault code readers

nigw

Member
Messages
904
I just wondered whether there would be any merit in buying an OBDII tester/reader - I realise that some of the codes are manufacturer-specific, but can the testers still read them (i.e. can you go and look them up?).

The 'error' light came on yesterday - a trip back to the garage to work out which actuator is in a sulk. It's not the cost, it's the time/hassle of having to run to the garage....would be much easier if a standard tester would work.

I'm sure some of the more knowledgeable members will know the answer to this off to top of their heads....worth getting a tester and finding a list of codes, or do I just need to accept that it's SD2/3 only?

cheers
 

LeeH

Junior Member
Messages
476
Hi Nigel

I am keen to know the answer to this one too.

Auto Express Magazine, I think last week had a huge run down on testers from £20 to £2000...

Wish I had bought it now.

Lee

ps Just back after putting 450 miles on ther car, AMAZING......
 

nigw

Member
Messages
904
Hi Lee, glad you're enjoying the new car - good fun aren't they?! You just can't beat the seemingly relentless surge in power with those turbos...!
 

ENZ525

Member
Messages
6,748
I just wondered whether there would be any merit in buying an OBDII tester/reader - I realise that some of the codes are manufacturer-specific, but can the testers still read them (i.e. can you go and look them up?).

The 'error' light came on yesterday - a trip back to the garage to work out which actuator is in a sulk. It's not the cost, it's the time/hassle of having to run to the garage....would be much easier if a standard tester would work.

I'm sure some of the more knowledgeable members will know the answer to this off to top of their heads....worth getting a tester and finding a list of codes, or do I just need to accept that it's SD2/3 only?

cheers

Hi Nigel,
I think it is definately worth having a reader, as long as you don't expect too much from it!
Most will only read the generic errors/codes, and only be able to clear the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light) or CEL.
They are not able to read other sensors such as ABS, transmission, etc.
I bought an Elmscan 5 compact scantool direct from scantool http://www.scantool.net/scan-tools/elmscan5-compact.html
and use it with free easy obd software on a laptop http://www.easyobdii.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=11
It has correctly diagnosed a faulty lambda sensor on my daughters Corsa (which i then replaced for her),
it detected a misfire on my wife's mini (which cleared itsel), and i used it to clear various errors I had on my QP when I had a faullty DBWEM.
I am not sure which (if any) of the Maserati codes it would pick up, but I have certainly found it useful.
Regards,
Enzo.
 

Nigelo

New Member
Messages
25
Guys

Let's get it right. OBDII is US spec whilst EOBD is the the European equivalent. Not nitpicking but they are different

There are many EOBD testers on the market, some good some not. Those of you with Audi, VW, Seat, Skoda have it easy - Buy VAG-COM now known as VCDS which will handle about 95% of VAS factory tool functionality. The reason I mention this, is that it also performs EOBD as well and therefore would be an ideal fit for basic diagnostics on your post 2001 Maser.

The simple reason basic EOBD diag tools will not diagnose factory specific codes is that they are not usually wired for it i.e. not all the pins in your tester's connector are actually wired. The manufacturer specifics even extend to bespoke wiring as well as coding. If you consider that an SD3 will now cost you the best part of £20,000 and thereafter an annual sub of no less than £3.000 (Ferrari and Maser combined). This will explain why you don't get the SD3 diags for free and why Rob Grimaldi is such good value unlike many others.

hope this helps
 

nigw

Member
Messages
904
Obviously I'm not going to need this with my latest Maser, as nothing is going to go wrong! To be fair, neither previous owners (both members of the 'other' forum) had any fault codes, so this is apparently its first ever fault code from new..... a 3200GT record?!

Anyway, apologies - didnt realise the difference..... EOBD it is then. Shame there's nothing that can read the suspension side, but I guess it might still be worth it for the simple stuff.
 

alfamaserman

Junior Member
Messages
185
Obviously I'm not going to need this with my latest Maser, as nothing is going to go wrong! To be fair, neither previous owners (both members of the 'other' forum) had any fault codes, so this is apparently its first ever fault code from new..... a 3200GT record?!

Anyway, apologies - didnt realise the difference..... EOBD it is then. Shame there's nothing that can read the suspension side, but I guess it might still be worth it for the simple stuff.
Nigel
I'd be interested to know whether you bought one and if it met your expectations. If so, what make did you get? I would like to use one on my V6 [Ford] Morgan which are known to throw up spurious cels which I would like to be able to clear without visiting the dealer.
I note from this thread that they have limited use on Maseratis - although I hope I don't need to use it on mine!
John
 

Parisien

Moderator
Messages
34,927
Nig, if you go to http://www.digimoto.com/Shop/default.aspx, they do a lead and software for the 3200 but it has to be the 2001 onwards late type. If not you snookered I am afraid.

Also, you can only diagnose the engine side, and not the ERROR suspension side, that is SD2/3 only.

I have the Digimoto and its rather good, and there is a set of code refs on here:

http://www.nology.com/OBD2FaultCodes.htm


So Conaero/Nigelo...the one mentioned above is the one to go for, or one or two others you can recommend?


P
 

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,594
Frank, for me yes, Nigelo may well have his own thoughts, so cant speak for him.

For the cost of on CEL reset, it pays for itself, got to be worth it and the convenience you just cant beat.