Thetownend.com

Got a cheap bluetooth OBD-II scanner tool from Amazon (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00DY3EZSI/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and this Android app (http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.prowl.torque&hl=en_GB)

Can do the same diagnostics as what a garage would charge you £50 or £60 quid a go for and it cleared the stored fault code I had from a gunked up throttle body.

Nice one Si, cheers

Just ordered one. Pity it wasn't earlier in the day before I forked out 50 quid at my local Honda garage

There's so much you can do with the app it's actually quite tricky to set up the realtime information dashboards. Amazing how much difference a brand new air filter makes to the MAF readings, didn't think the one it replaced was that dirty either.

But for scanning for fault codes and clearing them it's a piece of piss, just select the fault codes option, let scan and you can then view the details of each of them. Within this the menu allows you to clear fault codes by just selecting the option :)

Superb - cheers

I've just ordered one. I've got a recurrent fault code, which I'm 99% sure is a glow plug fault, but it'll be good to know.

I used to have a handheld scanner, but it got pinched when some little scrote broke into my car.

Just an aside note to this. I have an Airbag warning light that comes on, usually in wet weather thanks to a dodgy sensor (£214). Apparently if your airbag warning light is on the airbags won't work - they are effectively deactivated in order they don't go off by chance. Certainly made me think a little differently.

I've just got a car (MOT'd early Jan...) which, whilst I was driving home, noticed the airbag/seatbelt tensioner light come on and go off intermittently. 2 things:

Does a OBD scanner count as a modification for insurance purposes (sounds a stupid question I know but then insurance companies are utter utter wankers), and can you easily remove it for a service?

I ask because the car's got full main dealer history up until now, and I'm kind of in two minds whether it's worth in resale to continue down that route or not bother- don't want some snotty vauxhall mechanic going 'Errr, what's this and why is it here?'

The OBD2 scanner isn't a modification AFAIK. They just plug into the socket, so are easily removed. It's usually beneath the ashtray in most cars.

An airbag warning light (or any other safety warning light) is an instant fail on an MOT these days. If you just bought the car, I'd be taking it back.

Hmm, see I was given the car as opposed to buying it (family member upgraded and didn't like the part ex offer), so can't really take it back.

Looks like an OBD scanner for me!

I'd be seriously worried about resetting/deleting faults which relate to the ABS, Traction control, EPS, Airbags etc.

Really you should only remove the codes once you have corrected the problem. For example, I unplugged my MAF to see the effect and this threw up 2 error codes. Once I plugged the MAF back in I knew I had rectified the problem so deleted the codes.

All of my codes are pending i.e. the ECU has logged the fault but is monitoring it before turning on the Engine Management Light. Usually if you get an Engine Management Light it will turn itself off when the fault is corrected, but the ECU still stores the fault as pending for another 30 ignition cycles, or at least with my car.

I'm not ignoring the Airbag light. The garage have now reset it off twice and charged me for the privilege. It’s a dodgy sensor that will probably need to be replaced.

I have a faulty abs wheel sensor, diagnosed for free  :)

Going to be booking the car in for a service soon and will get them to replace it.

Have you tried just smothering it in contact cleaner? Usually does the trick with sensors that can be a little temperamental to damp.

Good shout Sam - I will if I can find it  ;D

I was last reset 18 months ago and has been fine ever since so I am reluctant to get it replaced without a try.

What can Bewster? Same happens on my old mans citreon c4

I wasn't really aiming at you dear :)

Yeah, that was probably aimed in my direction. Obviously I don't want to dick around with important/dangerous stuff like the airbag, but the fact it's the same light for that and the seatbelt tenstioners, and that I only noticed it going on and off intermittently when I drove back from Surrey a couple of days ago (not seen it since...) makes me more prone to believe it's a sensor fault as opposed to an actual problem, particularly as it's just flown through its MOT.

I'm gonna wait and see if it re-appears. I also happen to know several friendly neighbourhood repairmen so might ask if I can borrow one of their scanners to have a look before shelling out for anything.

It could be the switch under the drivers seat. If it becomes disconnected the light will come on, and the only way of getting rid of it is via plugging a device in.

That's ok, I agree with you

Its a Honda CRV. Its the front left sensor

Turned up today, downloaded the app, paired it up and as thought it confirmed the glow plug fault.

Car still starts and runs fine so can't be arsed to change it. Plus on my car, Vauxhall in their infinite wisdom decided to site the glow plugs on the back of the engine facing the bulkhead, below the fuel rail in the most awkward place ever.

Still havent got mine  >:(

Good work though Sam

I bought mine from eBay. Exact same one as Si linked to, but a few quid cheaper and free delivery :)

Might have to get one of these! Is it easy to use? Seems pretty straightforward....

Thatl'll be why then

It is just a standard port somewhere in your car. In my Astra there is a plastic panel underneath the handbrake which needs prising up and the port is beneath that. In my brother’s Corsa the port is beneath the heater controls and you only have to pull out the port cover/cap with your fingers. Should be easy to find the location of your OBD port by google.

Then it’s simply a case of just plug into the port, pair the scanner with your phone (via Bluetooth) and then start the Torque app. With the key turned to point II on the ignition barrel the scanner/Torque will connect to the ECU and all sorts can be done. For simple fault code reading and clearing it’s very simple though. If you have a newer car with a canbus system I would check whether it will work with the particular scanner in question. Reading reviews and googling your car model (and year) and ‘OBD scanner Torque App’ should tell you all you need to know.

The realtime information of your car’s data is a little bit trickier to use, but not too difficult to get the hang off. I suspect this is probably beyond what most people will be interested in.

Although the realtime information is quality, you should remove the scanner from the port when not using the car because the port is constantly powered, even with ignition off. This means that that the Bluetooth transmitter within the scanner could theoretically drain your battery. There are pricier scanners (£50+) which switch off Bluetooth when there is no connection to the ECU if you did want to leave it plugged in all of the time.

Cheers for that Si, think I will be investing in one :)

This scanner doesn't clear faults does it? It just scans on what issues are?

For example, can you remove the 'service' indicator?

Did you actually bother reading the other posts? The scanner just communicates with the ECU and the software (in this case the Android App "Torque Pro").

Torque Pro allows you to scan for fault codes and clear them. So yes it does clear faults - I myself have found three faults, rectified the issues and cleared the codes which have not recurred.

A service indicator is not a fault and would require manufacturer specific software in a lot of cases, a bit like changing the mileage on the clocks. However, on my car if I hold the odometer reset button down whilst turning ignition on it clears the service indicator, so there are workarounds. Google or a Haynes manual will tell you the answer.

Only just seen this. Nope, not really. I just don't want to give the impression this is a clear and forget tool and people driving around in something which is essentially a hazard to themselves and other road users :)