Code reader... HELP
 

I had the Check Engine light come on while driving the Dodge (1998 Dodge Dakota 3.9 V6 2WD) to work this morning. I've owned the truck for just over a year now and have had no CEL problems. Since the newest vehicle I've ever owned before the Dodge was my SD I have no code reader.

What code reader do I need? I looked it up and looks like an OBD II but when I look that up I get hundreds of different products. Does anyone have any suggestions on what reader to buy?

I'm not sure I can justify buying a fancy code reader since the Dodge is the only car that would use it... but I don't like buying junk ether. ;)

THANKS!

Why not just have AutoZone or one of the other McParts stores read the code for you (for free)? They are less likely to reset it for you these days, but you can at least find out what's causing the CEL.

Buy one that can read/reset the lights. Cheapo ones usually can not reset codes.

Auto X-ray

This guy?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270656038504#vi-content

I overheard a conversation at my local AutoZone where the manager was explaining some new corporate policy not to read codes in CA.... sure its some legal BS.

Yeah, they told me they no longer do it for liablility reasons. :/

Pretty much. Thing is you don't want a cheap reader. You also want something like this that will give you some live data so you can make sense of it.

For instance, when it said I have O2 sensors reading lean, I can see the other values and deduce that they are lean because of this, that or the other.

Think about this. I read the codes and then I sell you the parts. Could look like I am trying to pad my wallet. Also, what if there are problems? What if the part I sold you doesn't fix the thing? Am I to blame?

Generic OBD code readers only show you the lowest common denominator code, whereas make specific software and readers will go well beyond generic and, like the multi-thoussand dollar Mercedes system, can actually test the suspect part while still attached to the car. The difference between the readers could mean hundreds or thousands in parts and labor.

Having a generic reader is fine, but understanding its limitations before buying some hugely expensive replacement part or assembly should be considered.

pulled the trigger and bought the one I linked above.

Lucky for me the Dodge is not every hard to work on. I've already done my share of work to it, just nothing involving the computer. I've looked up the parts, like O2 sensor and TPS and other components just to get an idea of what kind of trouble I'm in, and nothing looks expensive. but having the tool to tell me whats gone bad will be a BIG help.

I would loan you this if it worked on your car....

http://cgi.ebay.com/MB-Star-C3-Mercedes-Benz-Diagnostic-2010-Dell-D610-/160554386525?pt=UK_Diagnostic_Tools_Equipment&hash=item2561c9845d


lol

Perfectly spoken. I'm not sure that we could afford to the get the multi thousand dollar SDS for just fixing one car but as they say, "You got the money, honey, I got the time.". Probably have to get it on a 5 fingered discount or if the company that has it goes belly up and the techs are selling it off.

Do let us know how the repairs go.

Sorry Justin, I already have the most advanced diagnostic tool required for my MB

http://www.usrallyteam.com/images/Me...tethoscope.jpg

:D

Don't freak out about the cel, it could be as simple as a bad O2 sensor or a loose gas cap. It doesn't take much to trigger the light.

My local sears sells a few code readers if you want to do some hands on comparing.

Is it a steady or blinking cel?

Huh... ours won't reset codes for you (not officially, anyway), but no mention of not being able to even read them. Do they rent tools in CA? I can imagine that's a liability issue as well. Sheesh...

If all you need is the code read, most small shops will do it for a very nominal fee and will many times point you in the right direction.

Sometimes you can score a nice code reader for little cash at the local pawnshop, most will let you try it out on your own car to make sure it works.

I have one from MAC tools. I got it from a buddy that upgraded. It will erase codes and has been handy as hell.

You know, he should ask the local Snap On/Matco/Mac guy if he could buy a trade in. He could probably get a nice one for the cost of the nicer el cheapo Actron unit.

I'm not to worried about what the problem is. The truck stalled on the freeway about 2 weeks ago, but never had the CEL come on. I read on a Dodge forum that its normally the O2 sensor that is the problem, but a bad O2 sensor normally comes with the CEL.... I've been waiting for the truck to act up again so get an idea of what the problem may be. but its been fine the last 2 weeks.

I'm hoping what ever is throwing the CEL is also what caused the stall. :annoyed:

How would the O2 sensor cause it to stall? One way to find out is to hook up a DVOM to the O2 sensor wire and see what it does. If it is always at a certain reading, sure. Higher voltage means rich and lower voltage means lean. It should move back and forth pretty quickly otherwise it is getting lazy

Mass air sensor going off value has been the common issue on a lot of cars firing a code we have had over the years. Usually just grabbed a used one from an auto wrecker. Notice any change in fuel milage? Of course I never go with the odds as reading codes is so easy.

CPS is the most common stall on a gasser having "no codes"; it overheats, stops providing timing data and the computer shuts down before any code is registered. Starts and runs fine once cools off. Anything else that stops the engine usually degrades emisions such that a code is registered.

I grabbed one of those $20+ dollar USB connectors off of ebay. Reads/resets codes and the included program can monitor stuff of the onboard stuff like O2 sensor voltage and the like.

They rent tools, there's no liability for them if you break your own junk.

code reader showed up today! fastest shipping ever!

Excellent.



Now, can we fix the problem with a hammer and duct tape?

The last Dakota I had threw me a CEL for the batter temperature sensor of all things...

I've had 3 of them, and they love the CEL light.

Question on the code reader shown on an earlier post with the Dell computer. Will that unit read sensor values and tell you exactly which sensor is at fault? I'm setting up shop and that looks like just what I need to work on the newer MB's. If anyone is familiar with the unit shown please pm me your thoughts on it.

Imho, you might want to check out http://www.omitec.com/us/home/

I just bought one from them and it is very user intuitive, and is made mainly for european cars. This company is based in the U.K. and the unit is very high quality and also built in the U.K.

I bought the OmiNspect with Fast Check Kit, well in reality, it was a very nice gift from swmbo so I don't know exactly how much it was. Even though i'm a diy guy, I figure it will pay for itself.

It came with specific and generic cables, shows live data, can reset oil service lights, and can also scan abs and airbag systems. On the BMW E36, even after I fixed the srs problem, the airbag liight stayed on. It must be reset at the dealer, or by someone who has the tool. The dealer wanted $150 to reset the light, if I had a shop I;m sure it would generate business that I would have to turn away. I'm pretty sure it can also deactivate the brakes on late model MB, so you can replace the pads.