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Why Do You Need An Obd Scanner Or Reader?


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#1
changshilv

Posted 10 August 2010 - 09:48 PM

changshilv

    3rd Gear

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If you are looking for a simple and effective way to find out problems that your vehicle is experiencing all the time, then why not get your very own OBD scanner or code reader. For those who are unfamiliar, an OBD scanner is a device that helps you perform a diagnostic evaluation on your vehicle. It can go ahead and identify any possible problem that contributes to consistent car or engine trouble. OBD stands for on-board diagnostic and they are helpful in several ways to every car owner out there. There are a variety of OBD scanner models that are available today. However, the two most common ones usually sit on opposite sides of the pole. Some of the more expensive OBD scanners out there contain plenty of features and can actually provide error codes for both OBD I and OBD II vehicles. However, the cheaper ones are limited in their scope of error codes. OBD scanners or readers will help provide updated information about the status of your vehicle. It will also help prevent any engine problems that could happen in the future since it will notify the owner that there is trouble. If you have any more Ideas and tips then feel free to share here.

Thanks.........


#2
byebye2u

Posted 10 August 2010 - 10:22 PM

byebye2u

    Tokyo Drifter

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QUOTE (changshilv @ Aug 10 2010, 09:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If you are looking for a simple and effective way to find out problems that your vehicle is experiencing all the time, then why not get your very own OBD scanner or code reader. For those who are unfamiliar, an OBD scanner is a device that helps you perform a diagnostic evaluation on your vehicle. It can go ahead and identify any possible problem that contributes to consistent car or engine trouble. OBD stands for on-board diagnostic and they are helpful in several ways to every car owner out there. There are a variety of OBD scanner models that are available today. However, the two most common ones usually sit on opposite sides of the pole. Some of the more expensive OBD scanners out there contain plenty of features and can actually provide error codes for both OBD I and OBD II vehicles. However, the cheaper ones are limited in their scope of error codes. OBD scanners or readers will help provide updated information about the status of your vehicle. It will also help prevent any engine problems that could happen in the future since it will notify the owner that there is trouble. If you have any more Ideas and tips then feel free to share here.

Thanks.........



Dear Changshilv,

It is costly to buy even a cheaper one. here at my place cost only rm40 for every check-up and the last 2 years I need to use it only once.

Cheers

NIK

#3
Newkelisa

Posted 13 August 2010 - 03:03 PM

Newkelisa

    Fast & Furious

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QUOTE (byebye2u @ Aug 10 2010, 10:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It is costly to buy even a cheaper one. here at my place cost only rm40 for every check-up and the last 2 years I need to use it only once.


Yup, costly to own unless you use it often and do your own work. Then worthwhile investment.

In addition sometimes interpreting the code not so straightforward.

1st example, had a car with alarm siren going off randomly. Sent to mechanic, used generic OBD reader - no error codes detected. Sent to service center, they hook up to their reader, threw up error code saying fault with siren. Recommendation - replace siren RM900!. No thanks, paid RM80 for OBD scanner service and took car back home. Finally I fixed it myself without needing to replace siren with RM0 cost. Problem was voltage issue.

2nd example, check engine came on. Read the codes - front oxygen sensor fault. My mechanic quite experienced with this so he just changed the plugs, changed the oil and walla check engine light issue resolved. If other shops, you may just be billed for a new $$$ oxygen sensor with problem not solved.

Now, if they had OBD device that could not only read but reprogram the ECU like the dealer have, that I may buy if the price is right.