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Autel MS300 OBD2 Scanner Code Reader, Turn Off Check Engine Light, Read & Erase Fault Codes, Check Emission Monitor Status CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool?
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That's what I assumed unfortunately.
I got a $20 scanner on Amazon, and it can check inspection monitors. It's a simple tool, but it will go through the list of monitors (evap, cat, etc.) and tell me if it is ready or not.
I guess I will just have to hope for the best if I don't see any CELs. Thanks for the answer!
I recommend buying from Amazon a diagnostic code reader so you can read the check engine codes yourself and verify what the garage is telling you. I bought one a few years ago for only $15 and it works great, there are newer/ better ones now but here is the one I use: Diagnostic Scan Tool for OBDII Vehicles
Yes, but I think their cheapest one costs more than my $13 one I've been using since I was a teenager. Here's a link to what I have, just branded different. It won't give you a ton of detail, but it'll point you in the right direction. That way a mechanic won't try to sell you a whole new engine if you just need spark plugs etc.
You need to scanner like this. If you have OBD2 bluetooth, it will for too.
Autel MS300 Universal OBD2 Scanner Car Code Reader, Turn Off Check Engine Light, Read & Erase Fault Codes, Check Emission Monitor Status CAN Vehicles Diagnostic Scan Tool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001LHVOVK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_RSZVZH8DAWE5Y04BFZBQ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Ive used this one for many years. Its really cheap but works perfectly to read and erase codes.
I keep this one in the glove box. It’s basic but tells you the codes and clears them which is all I need
I don't know if this will help pass emissions, but you could get a cheap code reader and erase the code/turn off the light.
I have this one an fit works great. $20. Reads all basic codes and allows you to clear them once the issue is fixed. Gives you peace of mind if it’s just an O2 sensor.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001LHVOVK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_WmU6FbX99JF7F
https://www.amazon.com/Autel-MaxiScan-MS300-Diagnostic-Vehicles/dp/B001LHVOVK/ref=mp_s_a_1_32?dchild=1&keywords=obd2 scanner&qid=1606003202&sprefix=obd2 &sr=8-32
It went up a bit in price but this is the exact one I own. It stays in my truck with my tools lol. It works great though. 0 complaints
speaking of 'CHECK ENGINE' I recommend buying a Diagnostic Scan Tool from Amazon that will allow you to see the codes that are causing the light to go on, so you can verify what the mechanic tells you. I got one for under $15 Amazon Diagnostic Scan Tool
It's an OBDII port. You can plug one of these in to read Diagnostic Trouble Codes.
This is probably the most basic of basic scanners, it will allow you to read and clear codes but wont provide any further diagnostics, you can scan the code which will usually start with a P0*** and then you can research the code via internet about the cause and possible solution. Most codes are very vague on very big systems. Also take with a grain of salt that the code found could may say one thing, but be caused by something else seemingly not related to the code. Its a starting point for diagnostics.
Autel MaxiScan MS300 CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for OBDII Vehicles https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001LHVOVK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_SiTSyb4B4N7C7
Bought one of these two years ago after my Jetta started throwing codes. Cheap, simple, easy to use, I just look up the codes online after scanning.
Buy this:
Autel MaxiScan MS300 CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for OBDII Vehicles https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001LHVOVK/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_vn3HwbDBPRRM0
In the mean time, go to your local auto parts store and get the codes read.
Full synthetic every 3k, premium gas, pcv update. If your vacuum lines show any aging or are cracked, replace them all. Don't forget to check your spark plugs.
BTW every Saab after 98 has a turbo. For 9-5s of that year they are either base (2.3t), SE (3.0t), or aero. Sedan, or wagon.
Either an OBD reader this or in the US certain stores can read codes for free like autozone, don't know about the UK though.
They make bluetooth readers too if you have a smartphone and or want to leave it plugged in.
Invest in a code reader, that'll tell you what the problem should be. I have this one and it works fine on my Jetta. Also, tuning chips on non-turbos hardly add any power, like 5-10hp which wouldn't be noticeable.
You can always just buy a OBD2 reader and turn the light off yourself when it comes on....
Just make sure your car does not run hot.
Not that you would ever use it in California but does your heat work in your car?
Thank you so much for that check list. I am a BIT car savvy, I definitely have been looking at a lot of cars and learning since I've been wanting to buy for a while but I am still pretty unfamiliar with engine bays. Also, I think I can resist the love for the car. I did a lot of test driving of new cars the past month so I've been working out my mental fortitude against the ethers of salesmen. So pretty much, check off the checklist you supplied to me, make sure the car's cosmetic condition is indeed usable and won't cost another arm and a leg to restore, run an OBD Reader (do I want to see if codes still exist or if they are cleared?) And drive the car like I stole it.
Is this OBD Reader a good one? Or does it not really matter?
I bought the cheapest one off of Amazon (~$15) and it has served me faithfully for 3 years and has no learning curve.
Autozone will scan it for free and give you the error #, like on my car I have error 456 small evap leak.
Google the number and your make and model car. Also try searching for the error on vwvortex.
The search with the error code should work for you.
Lastly, get a cheap OBDII scanner as you own an Audi and will become very familiar with the CEL(check engine light)
I highly recommend grabbing a cheap OBD2 reader off amazon like this one. It can help you fix certain minor issues yourself or at least give you a heads up when you have to take it in for service.
Check your owners manual regarding a transmission flush. Many vehicles advise against it even though quick change places push for it.
My advice is to order up a code reader Like this and then you can scan it right away next time the check engine light comes on. You can always stop into an advance auto or autozone and they'll scan it for free, but these readers are very handy to have.
they are pretty cheap...theres also cables you can hook up to your android phone and do the same thing
I bought my car with the CEL on and two codes: P0329 (knock sensor, $78 at Autozone, one 12mm bolt) and P0130 (front O2 sensor malfunction, $100 at Autozone, 7/8"). I simply took the car by my local Autozone on the test drive, and the guy read my codes and then took us inside and explained what each code meant, the part needed and the cost. I figured they were both easy fixes I could do myself so I didn't see a problem buying it.
EDIT: it can also be helpful to buy your own scanner on Amazon, I got this Autel MaxiScan for like $18 shipped.
Weird! AutoZone will read the codes for you for free, as someone else said. They'll probably reset it for you. I picked up a bunch of ODB II scanner tools off of Amazon for $20/each as stocking stuffers.
www.amazon.com/Autel-MaxiScan-MS300-OBD-II-Scan/dp/B001LHVOVK/
I don't know what CAN means, but the one I linked to seems to support it. Mine turns off the check engine light if it's on, and it reports the codes, which I then look up online.
Nice. Glad I could help. I just bought my Bronco a couple weeks ago so the shopping tips are still fresh in my mind.
I'd also suggest taking the truck to a garage to have it checked out before you purchase. Firestone does a used vehicle evaluation for like $30. Definitely worth it since we're spending 4k on a 19 year old vehicle. You don't want to end up paying 4k for a truck that needs $1500 in brake work done.
Also you'll be glad you got a 96. It's the only year Bronco that has an OBDII. Just get one of these to diagnose any issues. There's a plug under the dash on the passenger side.
| Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autel MS300 Universal OBD2 Scanner Car Code Reade… | $19.98 | $19.98 | 4.4/5.0 |
^Item Info | Bot Info | Trigger
I use this little guy and it's very simple, but it at least gives you direction:
www.amazon.com/Autel-MaxiScan-MS300-Diagnostic-Vehicles/dp/B001LHVOVK/ref=sr_1_19
https://www.amazon.com/Autel-MaxiScan-MS300-Diagnostic-Vehicles/dp/B001LHVOVK
If you ever want one that doesn't need a phone, that works well too.
Will any ODB II scanner work? Like this? I'm checking out a 2000 Ford E-250 later this week.
Non-mobile: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001LHVOVK/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1430458294&sr=1-2
^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble. ^WUT?
Non-mobile: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001LHVOVK/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1431204128&sr=1-3&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70
^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble. ^WUT?
I have this one. It gets the job done.
I didn't know. Well, you can buy one online for $20 though.
I do all of my own repairs on my car, when the 'check engine' light comes on, I don't know what it means and I don't do a god damned thing. 'Check engine' usually just means there's an anomalous reading in the cars onboard computer, it's 'on board diagnostics'. Sounds bad, but if something's off by like 1/1000th of a percent, your check engine light will be on. It could be anything, and is usually something innocuous.
Your ears and hands are way better than the check engine light. When your car's running well, take mental notes every so often how the vibration feels, and how it sounds. If something changes, then you'll know where to start.
If you want to really get to the bottom of things, get an On Board Diagnostic reader for $20, then google the codes it spits out at you.
But yeah, women and cars, am I right? El oh el, etcetera.
Here's my suggestion if you want to pass emissions but don't want to repair your car. Go online and get yourself an ODB2 scanner for less than $20. Then when you pull up to the smog place next time, plug it in and clear all the codes on your car and then run the emissions test.
As long as the light doesn't come on during the test, you should be good to go and could pass your test. You can also go somewhere like AutoZone and have them check the code on your car for free to see what it is.
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