Question:
IS IT WORTH BUYING A CAR DIAGNOSTIC FAULT CODE READER?
?
2010-04-24 14:21:09 UTC
Hi im thinking of buying a CAR DIAGNOSTIC FAULT CODE READER SCAN TOOL GARAGE T55e.
I've seen one on ebay costing £90. Are these reliable or not? tried to google this product to read reviews but can't find much information. Has anyone or does anyone use this tool? what do you think? Please let me know.

Many thanks!
Seven answers:
David
2010-04-24 14:33:00 UTC
If you are using this scan tool for personal use, I would pass on buying one. There are a lot of options available to have the codes read and cleared for free. Most auto parts stores will hold these devices behind the counter and will pull the codes from your car at your request at no cost. Unless you plan on getting a LOT of use out of one, I would say that it isnt worth the money.
2016-06-02 09:26:48 UTC
A P0300 code is indeed for a "random misfire'. The computer monitors the crankshaft speed, and has noticed a variation in that crankshaft speed that fits a misfire parameter. However, the speed variation was intermittent enough, or didn't last long enough, to pinpoint a particular cylinder as being the culprit. That's true as far as the federal misfire parameters are concerned. HOWEVER, there is a way to access the actual engineering data using almost any scanner that will identify the cylinder(s) causing the problem. Using "Mode 6" in the scan tool and accessing the data available can be extremely helpful. The misfire can be ignition, fuel, or mechanical, but from what you are describing, I'd put my money on fuel. A slightly restricted injector is the most common cause if it misfires only on initial startup, at least in MY experience,BUT I also have concerns over the secondary ignition parts that are still original. Although it is true that Ford recommends 100,000 mile parts replacement intervals, the fine print dictates "under normal driving conditions". Delving further into those definitions shows that, according to Ford, there are NO normal driving conditions. Everywhere in the country its either too hot, too cold, too dry, too wet, too high, too low-you get the idea. I personally recommend replacing the secondary ignition components at about 60,000 miles to avoid having an issue with parts seizing in aluminum heads and causing problems. And for my last point, I NEVER recommend driving a vehicle any longer than absolutely necessary with a warning lamp on. While 95% of the causes for a Service Engine Soon lamp won't harm anything, there are those things that the SES lamp is the first indication that something is being hurt, and with it already on for another harmless reason......you get the idea. Remember, that light is supposed to be illuminated when the vehicle is exceeding the Federal emissions standards by 1 1/2 times.
MARTYN
2010-04-27 04:17:34 UTC
They are a useful tool, but not a substitute for experience.

They will only (hopefully) point you in the right direction of a fault, and are not foolproof.



The cheaper ones wont provide the level of information that a professional model, costing £000's will.



However, as a general tool, they can be useful.

Make sure the one you choose covers your vehicle, since we have different software for different vehicles.
?
2014-04-17 02:25:37 UTC
Car Diagnostic Tool, Obd2 Scanner, Obd2 Bluetooth, Launch X431 Tools etc at the best price supplied from China and shipped to worldwide. Welcome to buy.
?
2010-04-24 23:48:58 UTC
You're right to have second thoughts. So many people buy these things with no clue how to use them, how to interpret the readings or, more importantly, how to fix any problems that show up.



I wouldn't bother if I were you unless you're skilled enough to know how to benefit from it.
Davycrop
2010-04-24 17:34:32 UTC
If you buy a code reader would you know how to use it & be able to rectify any faults.Not as easy as it sounds & expensive item to have unless you use it a lot.
Tinker
2010-04-24 14:24:17 UTC
They really are difficult to buy ..Vauxhall engines for example have around 20 variations..

You need to be very specific before buying one


This content was originally posted on Y! Answers, a Q&A website that shut down in 2021.
Loading...