Code reader

[Blackbaronfish]

Today I have been using a Elm 327 code reader on a petrol Fiat Punto. It was a pain as I had to get my laptop to recognise the ruddy thing.
Has anyone got a code reader that they would recommend for me to use without a laptop and also with petrol and Diesel engines.

BBF

[Raj]

When you get one and are finished with it, can i have a go please? I bought a 2 year old Renault Clio which keeps thinking there is summat up with the tyre pressure sensors ... I wish I could just rip the feature out

[Brooksy]

The tyre pressure sensors actually work off the anti lock sensors Raj, all it does is defect a difference in wheel speed, if that gives you a clue mate.

[gary martin]

i got one off ebay cost me circa £13.50 reads codes from all post 91 if i remember rightly, you can also remove the codes logged on the cars computer. just plug into the socket looks simmiar to a scart socket, turn ignition on let it scan, toggle through menu. easier to use than words can say.it's called maxiscan.

[neil]

The tyre pressure sensors actually work off the anti lock sensors Raj, all it does is defect a difference in wheel speed, if that gives you a clue mate.

not all of them, the early Renaults used internal sensors, think a lot of the frog cars did, pain in the arris for snapping if you weren't careful changing tyres, think Nissan started using them a couple of years ago, remember the tool coming in to reset them but left before any cars turned up with them fitted
one point you want to out for IF your system is ABS driven though is after every service and adjustment of tyre pressure you should reset the system, definatly a case of RTFM and becoming more important as the cars get more complicated

[neil]

When you get one and are finished with it, can i have a go please? I bought a 2 year old Renault Clio which keeps thinking there is summat up with the tyre pressure sensors ... I wish I could just rip the feature out

most code readers only work with engine systems, EOBD2 are the only ones standardised, try and find out what system you`ve got, internal sensors or ABS driven, if its the latter you should be able to do a reset without diagnostic tools, if the former there are Chinese tools on the net to check if they are giving out a signal, not too bad to change if they are stuffed (let air out, break bead one side , usually plenty of room to change it) but tool needed to program new sensor as car needs to be told what sensor`s where

[Brooksy]

Christ!! This is getting serious, I used to time engines with a bulb and a couple of bits of wire, they ran perfectly, I've changed a windscreen with a washing line (reply if you know what I mean) .

Then again, let's think about it, I have a Honda Civic, I can look at it in a cursory manner and then say 'sod this, I'm driving 168 miles to Gatwick and a month later I'm coming home and the car will start 1st time and convey me home.'

The spark plugs are due for changing when its done 70,000 miles. I used to have to change them twice per annum on my Ford Cortina. Currently I'm on 32,000 and they are the factory fitted plugs, YES, 70,000 miles from one set of plugs !! How the F do they do that?

I get an average of 42 mpg from Mr Honda, the Ford averaged 25 mpg and I nursed it all over everywhere. I now screw the balls out of the VTec system and can scream around the world at an astonishing rate of knots.

Modern cars are bloody good, but French ?? I have to wonder. If Air Arms moved to France, would we rely on them?

[Timmytree]

Christ!! This is getting serious, I used to time engines with a bulb and a couple of bits of wire, they ran perfectly, I've changed a windscreen with a washing line (reply if you know what I mean) .

Then again, let's think about it, I have a Honda Civic, I can look at it in a cursory manner and then say 'sod this, I'm driving 168 miles to Gatwick and a month later I'm coming home and the car will start 1st time and convey me home.'

The spark plugs are due for changing when its done 70,000 miles. I used to have to change them twice per annum on my Ford Cortina. Currently I'm on 32,000 and they are the factory fitted plugs, YES, 70,000 miles from one set of plugs !! How the F do they do that?

I get an average of 42 mpg from Mr Honda, the Ford averaged 25 mpg and I nursed it all over everywhere. I now screw the balls out of the VTec system and can scream around the world at an astonishing rate of knots.

Modern cars are bloody good, but French ?? I have to wonder. If Air Arms moved to France, would we rely on them?

Gunsons colour tune! Strobe light for timing, proper grease nipples and carbs that needed dashpots filling with oil. A boot full of tools enough to take an engine out on the roadside, spare points, plugs and condenser. Happy days! Now I have a 31 year old son who does everything while I try not to look stupid and out of touch.

[Raj]

Thanks for thr responses guys ... Brooksy, the warning displayed is one of three at random -
1. Check tyre pressure sensor
2. Check braking sensors
3. Check hill start assist

Anyway, it is a 2014 model and still under warranty so I am taking it to a dealer who will 'deal' with it till it is fixed - FOC. They have already had it in once and gave it back to me saying they couldnt get it to fault. The warning lights came on 1/2 a mile away from the dealership... and 3 minutes later, a text came in on my mobile asking to do a satisfaction survey If I hadnt been in such a rush to leave the country on holiday, i would have taken it back immediately. They have agreed to have it back after I went to town on the survey.