OBD 2 code reader ? Help me understand the potential ?

[New POD]

Okay you have to read my post : http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

So our mini, has an airbag light fault, and when I spoke to various 'specialists' and the dealer, I felt I was about to be mugged.

Some of the forums I have been on have some good advice, but I decided "what the hell I'm buying a code reader.

But then I'm thinking, as I'm looking out over a works car park, there are loads of people with mini's who might need a bit of help.

So it's an open question, but if you have a mini, a) have you had to have fault codes reset, b) was much work required once you knew the fault, and replaced the part c) how much did you pay for simple reading of code, d) do you have a code reader and what level of functionality does it have.

Basically I'm asking for the moon on a stick, but it's the £100 business start up challenge 9 months late.

[Furry Exocet]

My code reader cost me £5 and I used it loads to check and clear faults on my Leon. I've tested it on my Mini and it works, but have not needed to use it correctly yet.

I use an app called Torque and it does loads of other cool things.

In answer to part of your question, it takes 2 minutes to read and reset a fault code.

[Pip1968]

Any links to appropriate code readers? I had to get my airbag light reset which was £20 I think. My wife sorted it out through her brother. He did say that disconnecting the battery may solve it albeit temporarily.

Pip

[ging84]

most generic code readers won't reset the airbag light on a mini, you need a rather expensive one, although you can get specific airbag reset tool for them for around £30 which do nothing other reset the light
disconnecting the battery should not be able to clear it

[Furry Exocet]

There is a free airbag reset tool on either Total Mini or Mini Torque. You have it posted to you (I think at your cost, then possibly send it back)

Have a look on those forums, can't remember which one it was.

Any generic OBD reader Will give you basic fault reading, either pair wirelessly or by Bluetooth

[Pip1968]

Furry Exocet said:

There is a free airbag reset tool on either Total Mini or Mini Torque. You have it posted to you (I think at your cost, then possibly send it back)

Have a look on those forums, can't remember which one it was.

Any generic OBD reader Will give you basic fault reading, either pair wirelessly or by Bluetooth

Yes, I paid for its use but by the time the last person replied I was off abroad. The long and short of it was my MoT came up recently and I had to get it reset at a garage. As both myself and my wife have a Mini (and brother-in-law) I thought I would just buy a reset tool/code reader.

Does anyone know who to speak to or have any links to purchasing one????

Pip

[New POD]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/190864350107?ssPageName=...

This is what I bought. I think it's pretty good, having had a play, and turned air bag light off.

[Pip1968]

Thank you very much New POD. I shall order one.

Pip