Quote:
Originally Posted by TwitchKitty
A code reader that will reset the codes will probably do 90%+ of what you want it to do. Go cheap and get a vacuum pump/tester and a good multimeter too. Multimeter with temp probes is great.
Curiosity, did you look up the codes to see if your car sets a code for the crank sensor?
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Yes, its a pretty common failure--2003 Hyundai Elantra. ( wife's car originally; now my work vehicle). Also a code for 2nd O2 sensor, slow to warm up. That one sets the CEL every 2 months, or so for 100 miles and then the CEL goes out. Its not catastrophic as the engine still runs fine with that semi-failure. I will replace it at some future date, but there is no hurry.
For any CEL that allows the engine to run, the parts stores reader service is fine, but when its such that the car can't be driven, then you need a reader or you get towed.
What is the difference between a code reader and a scanner? I think the terms are often used interchangeably.
Alkim--on pre-96 cars there was a way to read the codes. Ford used an analog multimeter and you counted the "sweeps" of the needle. But in 1996, with the advent of OBDII, they all use a common architecture, and codes. I suppose that is an improvement.