OBDII Scanner !!!!!

[Mark1]

Found this in Popular Mechanics while waiting for my wife at the doctors today.

It is pretty cool...... [http://www.autotap.com/products.html

If i had the extra cash i would get it!

[wbslws]

I plan on getting a handheld OBDII Scanner, but that one would really tell you what is going on. I don't think I will be getting that one though, since I would have to buy a laptop or an extremely long data cable

I recently had to diagnose a problem in our Chevy Astro, and a scanner would have made it so much easier.

[at58]

It is pretty cool for someone who has extra cash.

[MX-5]

Unless you plan to study automotive driveability and theory & operation of the PCM, you only need to read the codes on the odometer.

Real-time datastream results would tell you what?


I use dataloggers, scanners, occiloscopes, multimeters, .... and many years of college and continuing training classes to comprehend the datastream results.



Am I missing the point?
I mean... OK, you read a code P1450.
You look it up... P1450 = EVAP system unable to maintain required vacuum.
What do you do?
The $100 scanner gives 4 possible causes.
1 - gas cap seal
2 - EVAP pump
3- purge solenoid
4 - PCM
Do you pick the least expensive part first. Then start replacing stuff in hopes that you find the fault?

No scanner in the world (including my $2500 OTC) will tell you what's wrong. You must have the other diagnostic tools and service manuals, along with an understanding of the EVAP system.

I use this example because that's what's on my plate today. A 96 Explorer with an intermittent P1450 code.
The purge solenoid is under the battery tray and it uses a foam filter to vent tank pressure to atmosphere. My first look will be for a contaminated filter.
Any other suggestions?

[Ant]

Originally posted by MX-5


I use this example because that's what's on my plate today. A 96 Explorer with an intermittent P1450 code.
The purge solenoid is under the battery tray and it uses a foam filter to vent tank pressure to atmosphere. My first look will be for a contaminated filter.
Any other suggestions?

Yes, I would check the condition of all vacuum lines related to the EVAP system. Since the car is 7 years old I am sure many hands have been under the hood and may have a pulled vac line or old, dried out line
No charge for that advise MX-5

[MX-5]

Thanks Ant,

I'm the ONLY tech who's opened the hood since 1999.
I have a very loyal following.

[PT-Turbo]

90% of the time thats a gas cap,
a 150 dollar scaner can tell you that code,
so if you use it 2 times, you have come close to breaking even,
as 2 hours diag by me is 160,00
and to run your car on a scaner is usaaly an hour charge,
it is not a repaclement for a real tech, fixing a real problem,
but as a service advisor, i hate haveing to charge some on 80 bucks to find out their gas cap was a bit loose, and set of the chek engein light,
i would be much happier if the person cleared it 2 times and found the code still shows up,
and they have a real problem,
,

[MX-5]

P1450 is NOT a gas cap code.
It's a whole lot more involved.
A gas cap code is a small or large leak in the EVAP system.
This one was "unable to maintain target vacuum". Not related.

Does your dealership have an EVAP smoke generator?
It's very expensive and only used occasionally. I do not have one.
It will pressurize the EVAP system with smoke to visually inspect for leaks.

In my case, the vapor managment valve was defective.

No scanner in the world could have told me that.

You said:
"a 150 dollar scaner can tell you that code"

Yes. But, the odometer will read the same code for FREE!!!!
My point is that you don't get much more for your investment. (unless you are a gadget freak with money to waste)

[Mark1]

Originally posted by MX-5
(unless you are a gadget freak with money to waste)

That is me !!! well the first part anyway!