Code reader... HELP - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

SirNik84 · #1 03-24-2011, 12:23 PM

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!

cscmc1 · #2 03-24-2011, 12:28 PM

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.

iwrock · #3 03-24-2011, 12:32 PM

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

aklim · #4 03-24-2011, 12:34 PM

Auto X-ray

SirNik84 · #5 03-24-2011, 12:45 PM

This guy?

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

SirNik84 · #6 03-24-2011, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cscmc1

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.

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.

iwrock · #7 03-24-2011, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SirNik84

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. :/

aklim · #8 03-24-2011, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SirNik84

This guy?

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

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.

aklim · #9 03-24-2011, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SirNik84

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.

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?

MTI · #10 03-24-2011, 01:10 PM

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.

SirNik84 · #11 03-24-2011, 01:16 PM

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.

iwrock · #12 03-24-2011, 01:18 PM

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

aklim · #13 03-24-2011, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTI

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.

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.