Diangnostic Codes query?

[AHADTHEONE]

Hi,

If i buy a diagnostic scan tool to read codes and lets say i get couple of codes displayed on the screen.

If i erase these codes does that mean it means I just erase the codes and the problems are still isnt fixed?

Once the codes are erased using the scan tool I would never see those codes again even though the problems are still there? Or will i get those codes reported again when doing a fresh test after erasing them?

Cheers,

[TheEnd]

Erase them and they will come back the next time the problem is seen again.

[AHADTHEONE]

TheEnd said:

Erase them and they will come back the next time the problem is seen again.

Ok cheers, so if I were to buy a used car from trade the seller can scam me by erasing the codes just before I turn up to look at it with my diagnostic tool scanner that will run the test reporting the results that is no problem codes found?

[TheEnd]

Yep, they can, so don't mention the code reader, take it for a test drive, then pull out whatever gadget you've got and see what turns up.

[AHADTHEONE]

thanks for the advice.

[Cerbieherts]

The cheap obd code readers will only read emmision-related fault codes, most of which will cause the engine light to come on anyway. If there are other faults they won't show up, abs airbag transmission etc. if you are worried about getting scammed by a seller you should;
1. Buy from somewhere reputable.
2. Have a dealer inspection carried out as part of the purchase deal.

[Cerbieherts]

The cheap obd code readers will only read emmision-related fault codes, most of which will cause the engine light to come on anyway. If there are other faults they won't show up, abs airbag transmission etc. if you are worried about getting scammed by a seller you should;
1. Buy from somewhere reputable.
2. Have a dealer inspection carried out as part of the purchase deal.

[AHADTHEONE]

Cerbieherts said:

The cheap obd code readers will only read emmision-related fault codes, most of which will cause the engine light to come on anyway. If there are other faults they won't show up, abs airbag transmission etc. if you are worried about getting scammed by a seller you should;
1. Buy from somewhere reputable.
2. Have a dealer inspection carried out as part of the purchase deal.

my obd reader supports internet updating and shows live dats. Cost about £40. Which reader showls all codes?

[lgw]

You won't find a code reader that reads all codes, we use Texa, Carmanscan and KTS which are all workshop grade diagnostic equipment costing thousands and none of them read everything

[AHADTHEONE]

lgw said:

You won't find a code reader that reads all codes, we use Texa, Carmanscan and KTS which are all workshop grade diagnostic equipment costing thousands and none of them read everything

Which one reads everything?

[TheEnd]

There isn't one, and if there was, you could expect it to cost something like £10k

[Cerbieherts]

TheEnd said:

There isn't one, and if there was, you could expect it to cost something like £10k

Exactly. I have over 40k in diagnostic gear and it covers 15% of the market. If you want your car checked just pay someone who knows What to look at rather than being a cheaparse buying rubbish kit that will tell you nothing.....

[AlLondon]

Wow you want a tool that reads everything for £40. You need to add a few 000s on my friend.

[stevieturbo]

AlLondon said:

Wow you want a tool that reads everything for £40. You need to add a few 000s on my friend.

Well it almost exists...and for perhaps not much more than £40

It's called a competent mechanic. Not quite a tool you can fit in your pocket, but often a tool all the same lol

[AHADTHEONE]

these £20 - £40 code readers are worthless then?

Then why is there a market for them and they sell loads?

[Cerbieherts]

If you want to look at basic engine-only fault codes and switch off the engine warning lamp, then they are fine, but to use as a tool to diagnose a car properly (all systems, engine, gearbox, airbags, traction systems etc) they are not. If you simply want to look at generic OBD faults then go ahead and purchase one. They are limited as to what they will do outside of this. For many, nothing more is required, hence the amount of them for sale/purchased, but for proper diagnostics on a modern car you need to spend a fair bit more money....

[AHADTHEONE]

Cerbieherts said:

If you want to look at basic engine-only fault codes and switch off the engine warning lamp, then they are fine, but to use as a tool to diagnose a car properly (all systems, engine, gearbox, airbags, traction systems etc) they are not. If you simply want to look at generic OBD faults then go ahead and purchase one. They are limited as to what they will do outside of this. For many, nothing more is required, hence the amount of them for sale/purchased, but for proper diagnostics on a modern car you need to spend a fair bit more money....

How many fault codes can a modern average car possobly have?

[TheEnd]

You'd probably have 8-20 different modules, Engine ECU, lights, windows, aircon autobox, ABS, airbags etc, and any scanned car would usually come back with 10-20 codes stored for various things.

[stevieturbo]

AHADTHEONE said:

How many fault codes can a modern average car possobly have?

Hundreds.

[AlLondon]

stevieturbo said:

Hundreds.

On a modern car, more like tens of thousands.