Fault code reader

[ADP]

Does anyone know if it's worth buying a fault code reader/clearer. Do they work? I've seen many advertised but are any of them worthwhile.
ADP

 

[television]

Its fairly easy to get a reader for engine faults, but for other things on MB cars a dedicated reader is needed, and these are expensive

 

[Miffy]

for the £60 they cost you might as well, as most garages wont have anything better, unless they are merc specialists.

 

[ADP]

So they are no good for electronic faults? Just wondered if they were worth buying as many state they can be used on all car makes. I have two merc's and two VW's and repair the majority of things on them apart from anything to do with the OBD.
ADP

 

[Miffy]

tells you what faults (engine orientated) you last had, fuel mixtures, and stuff like that, and most allow you to clear the fault

if your local to me, or we go to the same meet, your welcome to play with the reader I have to see if its worth you getting one

 

[ADP]

I recently had my C200's wiper sensor reset and it cost £49. So that kind of reset would not be possible then?
ADP

 

[Miffy]

No, i think thats fixed with a STAR system, way more advanced than the code scanners

 

[television]

No it would not cover that, just engine and running gear

 

[ADP]

Thanks for your advice. It may still be worth buying one for the engine diagnostic. Anyone have any recommendations as to which brand and type to buy? One that covers most cars would be good.
ADP

 

[Miffy]

AS far as I know, the engine fault codes all follow a standard (ODB II), so all compliant readers should at the very least read all of the data, and I guess reset the error code.

Some info on the OBD II standards and buying guides can be found here

http://www.obdii.com/scantool_selection.html

 

[nickcc101]

Just bought U581 from Amazon app £70. Scans, lists codes and resets. Also performs checks when engine running. As stated by Malcolm and other members, only covers engine and Star still needed to clear other faults. Still saved me two visits to Inde At £40 each. Can be bought off ebay for app £60 but prefer fully guaranteed warranty. Can be updated via website, all cables provided.

 

[prc6]

In the process of thinking of buying one of these ELM327 USB to get the codes from my CLK as going to my local dealer for £40 a time seems like a waste to get the engine codes. Just wonder if anyone has had any experiance with this one at all. Also am i right in thinking i would need the adaptop cable or does the Mercedes also have the 16 pin connector?

I have been looking at the hand held units but would prefer something that i can run on my laptop. So if people have other recomendations i would be happy to take a look.

I have though about possible buying a star but woried i might do more damage with it and also it is a lot of money.

Thanks

Pete

 

[television]

I would check Pete with the makes you do not have the 16 connection,only the 38 pin