Recommend me a good OBD reader
Discussion
Hi guys.
Have a 'service vehicle soon' message on my Astra mk6 dash, My basic OBD reader won't read the code, assuming because it hasn't triggered a EML light, and the problem is stored in another sub system.
I know what the 'svs' message can often be (glow plugs etc), but I'd like a reader that can simply tell me.
Any recommendations?
Thanks...
Have a 'service vehicle soon' message on my Astra mk6 dash, My basic OBD reader won't read the code, assuming because it hasn't triggered a EML light, and the problem is stored in another sub system.
I know what the 'svs' message can often be (glow plugs etc), but I'd like a reader that can simply tell me.
Any recommendations?
Thanks...
A basic reader will only read codes generated by an EML light coming on. If you have not had one there won't be an issue. You could inspect live data to determine if a sensor is giving out what is expected but my guess is you won't find anything.
So have you checked how long it is to the next service, assuming it tells you?
What scanner do you have right now and have you tried elm car scanner https://www.carscanner.info/ this works with cheap elm readers and provides a lot of info.
So have you checked how long it is to the next service, assuming it tells you?
What scanner do you have right now and have you tried elm car scanner https://www.carscanner.info/ this works with cheap elm readers and provides a lot of info.
ARH said:
A basic reader will only read codes generated by an EML light coming on. If you have not had one there won't be an issue. You could inspect live data to determine if a sensor is giving out what is expected but my guess is you won't find anything.
So have you checked how long it is to the next service, assuming it tells you?
What scanner do you have right now and have you tried elm car scanner https://www.carscanner.info/ this works with cheap elm readers and provides a lot of info.
I appreciate you're trying to help, but it isn't a 'service due warning'.So have you checked how long it is to the next service, assuming it tells you?
What scanner do you have right now and have you tried elm car scanner https://www.carscanner.info/ this works with cheap elm readers and provides a lot of info.
Historically, this 'svs' warning as been faulty glow plugs, but it required a proper scanner to pull that info from the car (tech2), my cheap reader couldn't. As soon as I (personally) replaced the glow plug reported as faulty, the 'svs' warning disappeared immediately.
I have since replaced the other 3 too following another 'svs' warning.
The 'svs' warning can also refer to other issues such as egr/dpf and o2 sensor issues, but won't bring the 'EML' light on so the cheap readers have nothing to read. Tech2, for example would tell me what is triggering this 'svs' warning.
I'm looking for personal recommendations on readers that can read deeper, nothing more.
Thinkdiag is looking appealing, but its not clear on the licence renewal cost to keep all function working after the initial package expires.
https://thinkdiag.co.uk/index.php
Linksls1 you need a VauxCom usually called an OpCom, they are used together with a lap top. Or you can use the Pedal Test, it allows you to read fault codes (ECN) on the dashboard without a diagnostic tool. Simply insert the key, fully depress the accelerator and brake pedals, turn the ignition to position 2 (don't start engine), and watch the odometer display for codes. ECNs (e.g., 0100) will appear. Ignore the "P" on the Fault Code list and use only the first four digits reading from the left.
There is a You Tube Video of someone doing the Pedal Test and I also have a link for all of the Fault Codes and what they mean, but as a new member I'm not allowed to post Links, if you PM me then I can give you the links.
There is a You Tube Video of someone doing the Pedal Test and I also have a link for all of the Fault Codes and what they mean, but as a new member I'm not allowed to post Links, if you PM me then I can give you the links.
D8 RCS said:
There is a You Tube Video of someone doing the Pedal Test and I also have a link for all of the Fault Codes and what they mean, but as a new member I'm not allowed to post Links, if you PM me then I can give you the links.
You don't need to post a link, just copy the address & paste onto the reply.On a related (i think!) note, is there a risk to the car of putting a 'wrong' OBD code reader into a port?
The list of recommended OBD readers includes a VLinker one - but a different model to the VLinker one that I already own for a different car.
I'd rather not buy yet another one unless essential.
Does a 'wrong' reader do any harm? Does that risk of blowing anything up increase if the car in question is an EV? Specifically Renault Zoe
Or are all the pins always configured 'safely'?
I read somewhere that (on a Zoe?) it's just reading, not writing - so cannot screw anything up. But I'd had other code readers that reset codes etc - so unclear how that can be true - unless the comment is related to VLinker types and/or Zoe's.
Whilst I'd rather not spend more on yet another tool, it would displease me even more to fry any French electrics.
The list of recommended OBD readers includes a VLinker one - but a different model to the VLinker one that I already own for a different car.
I'd rather not buy yet another one unless essential.
Does a 'wrong' reader do any harm? Does that risk of blowing anything up increase if the car in question is an EV? Specifically Renault Zoe
Or are all the pins always configured 'safely'?
I read somewhere that (on a Zoe?) it's just reading, not writing - so cannot screw anything up. But I'd had other code readers that reset codes etc - so unclear how that can be true - unless the comment is related to VLinker types and/or Zoe's.
Whilst I'd rather not spend more on yet another tool, it would displease me even more to fry any French electrics.
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