Using an obd-2 scanner

[Traveler74]

I am embarrassed to admit that I don't have the vaguest idea of how to use an OBD-2 scanner tool.

I ordered one from Amazon and it should be here today or tomorrow.

So, I looked on youtube to see how to use it. But, that stuff only confused me even more.

Do I run the engine in order to get current codes ? How long does it take for the scanner to get those codes ?

Any advise/instructions gratefully appreciated.

 

[RandyBobandy]

There’s a plug under the dash on the right side of the drivers foot well that matches the plug on the end of the scanner, plug it in and turn the key but don’t start the engine, just turn it to on or whatever the last position before starting is.

Every scanner is different, but it should take a few seconds to connect to the vehicle, and it might ask you some details about the vehicle such as make mode and year, then just select whatever option lets you read the codes, it should be pretty self explanatory but every scanner is different so I couldn’t really give specific directions for the one you got.

 

[Doc2012]

I am embarrassed to admit that I don't have the vaguest idea of how to use an OBD-2 scanner tool.

I ordered one from Amazon and it should be here today or tomorrow.

So, I looked on youtube to see how to use it. But, that stuff only confused me even more.

Do I run the engine in order to get current codes ? How long does it take for the scanner to get those codes ?

Any advise/instructions gratefully appreciated.

What scanner did you get?

Some are more advanced than others.


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[brillo_76]

Nothing wrong with never using a tool. Its how we all learn. Each code reader is slightly different so if you let us know the type. There is a possibility someone on the forum has the same one.

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[Traveler74]

There’s a plug under the dash on the right side of the drivers foot well that matches the plug on the end of the scanner, plug it in and turn the key but don’t start the engine, just turn it to on or whatever the last position before starting is.

Every scanner is different, but it should take a few seconds to connect to the vehicle, and it might ask you some details about the vehicle such as make mode and year, then just select whatever option lets you read the codes, it should be pretty self explanatory but every scanner is different so I couldn’t really give specific directions for the one you got.

Thank you. That's a helpful start.
I think I saw something on youtube that talked about "LIVE DATA". Can anyone tell me what that is ??

 

[RandyBobandy]

Thank you. That's a helpful start.
I think I saw something on youtube that talked about "LIVE DATA". Can anyone tell me what that is ??

It gives you data while the vehicle is running, don’t worry about that for now, just pull the check engine codes

 

[Traveler74]

It gives you data while the vehicle is running, don’t worry about that for now, just pull the check engine codes

Thank you very much. I feel better now. Computers and fancy cell phones and other electronic stuff confuses the hell out of me. Sometimes I feel like an old dinosaur. OBD-2 should be here soon.

 

[19963.4lsr5]

Like Doc said....what scanner did you get?


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[Traveler74]

What scanner did you get?

Some are more advanced than others.

Nothing wrong with never using a tool. Its how we all learn. Each code reader is slightly different so if you let us know the type. There is a possibility someone on the forum has the same one.

Like Doc said....what scanner did you get?

I got an AUTEL MS309 UNIVERSAL OBD2 scanner. On Amazon it says, "Check engine fault code reader, reads codes, clear codes, view freeze frame data, I/M readiness smog check.
More info available on Amazon

 

[Twisted Sid]

Hasn't the battery been disconnected from this thing multiple times and over night since you started having all these issues?
If so, not a very good chance the reader is going to pick up any fault codes that were once stored or catch any in the 2 minutes it runs before it stalls out.

 

[Traveler74]

Hasn't the battery been disconnected from this thing multiple times and over night since you started having all these issues?
If so, not a very good chance the reader is going to pick up any fault codes that were once stored or catch any in the 2 minutes it runs before it stalls out.

Yes, battery has been disconnected many times and occasionally overnight.
The last time I tried to run the engine, it threw a "check engine" light.
Even now, if I only insert key and turn it to "on position" I see a check engine light on the dashboard.
I do hope you are wrong, however. Many people here at T4R have been encouraging me to buy an OBD-2

 

[Endlessblockades]

They are plug and play. You want to Read Codes. Some have Current (the cause of any CEL - Check Engine Light) and Pending codes (not thrown to the CEL yet, I believe). Live Data can tell you things like engine coolant temp, maybe mpg, voltage, etc. I moved to a fancier full-time scanner so i may be rusty. You can also Clear Codes but you want to fix the suspected cause first of course. Many data sources in the vehicle need time/miles to acquire data and will report that to a smog tester's gear, for example, and will fail the test if insufficient data is found (due to recently clearing codes).

 

[19963.4lsr5]

Read for codes when the engine stalls before you turn off the ignition.


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[Twisted Sid]

Yes, battery has been disconnected many times and occasionally overnight.
The last time I tried to run the engine, it threw a "check engine" light.
Even now, if I only insert key and turn it to "on position" I see a check engine light on the dashboard.
I do hope you are wrong, however. Many people here at T4R have been encouraging me to buy an OBD-2

Having a scanner is a very useful tool to own and everyone should have one.

The check engine light is supposed to come on when you turn the key to the on position with the engine not running along with a few other lights. Every car made in the last 30ish years has done that. The lights will also come on when the engine stalls out. What you need to look for is when the engine is running and the light comes on. Now there can ben codes pending that dont throw the light on but with the battery being disconnected, it resets the computer and any codes that might be pending or storred get erased.

Im not trying to be mean but honestly, you need to drag or tow this thing to a good mechanic and let them work on it. It really sounds like whoever you bought this truck from screwed you and sold you a lemon with lots of problems they didnt tell you about or masked.

 

[19963.4lsr5]

Having a scanner is a very useful tool to own and everyone should have one.

The check engine light is supposed to come on when you turn the key to the on position with the engine not running along with a few other lights. Every car made in the last 30ish years has done that. The lights will also come on when the engine stalls out. What you need to look for is when the engine is running and the light comes on. Now there can ben codes pending that dont throw the light on but with the battery being disconnected, it resets the computer and any codes that might be pending or storred get erased.

Im not trying to be mean but honestly, you need to drag or tow this thing to a good mechanic and let them work on it. It really sounds like whoever you bought this truck from screwed you and sold you a lemon with lots of problems they didnt tell you about or masked.

The way this thing is acting it could also be a flood vehicle.

But the fact that after the engine stalls the starter doesn’t work everytime ...........


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[DMiller]

ODBII with advanced functions

I am searching for the cheapest solution for a ODBII device that allows active test.
Like cycling door actuators and looking at status of Neutral starting switch.
I am sure techstream will do that but it takes a while for a cable to arrive from offshore. ;-)
I just got a tech support reply from Bluedrive saying they don't currently support that but may in the future.

Thanks
Dave

 

[HiLife]

Yes, battery has been disconnected many times and occasionally overnight.
The last time I tried to run the engine, it threw a "check engine" light.
Even now, if I only insert key and turn it to "on position" I see a check engine light on the dashboard.
I do hope you are wrong, however. Many people here at T4R have been encouraging me to buy an OBD-2

That tool should be a part in everyone's tool box with todays cars. It aids troubleshooting otherwise complex electrical component circuits somewhat easier once you get the hang of using it.

 

[Traveler74]

Having a scanner is a very useful tool to own and everyone should have one.

The check engine light is supposed to come on when you turn the key to the on position with the engine not running along with a few other lights. Every car made in the last 30ish years has done that. The lights will also come on when the engine stalls out. What you need to look for is when the engine is running and the light comes on. Now there can ben codes pending that dont throw the light on but with the battery being disconnected, it resets the computer and any codes that might be pending or storred get erased.

Im not trying to be mean but honestly, you need to drag or tow this thing to a good mechanic and let them work on it. It really sounds like whoever you bought this truck from screwed you and sold you a lemon with lots of problems they didnt tell you about or masked.

You very well may be right. I've thought the same thing myself. Very strange how during the test drive the truck seemed to have plenty of power with no noticeable problems. Then when I changed the oil and filter, and drove it, the 1st thing that became apparent was that the alternator was not working. The truck died due to a dead battery. Nothing has worked correctly since then. I think the seller probably put something in the oil to quieten the engine and he also probably fully charged the battery before I drove it. Even with a bad alternator, a car can drive maybe 1/2 hour or so before the battery finally dies.
As far as a mechanic is concerned, I have not yet given up on doing the work myself. Besides, finding a GOOD and HONEST mechanic here in Mexico is not an easy thing. I can easily imagine being charged 5,000 - 7,000 pesos, only to be told that he can't locate the problem.
The stealership, could probably find the problem BUT, they would certainly charge me more than the truck is worth.

 

[Endlessblockades]

Edit - the mods whacked that bot fast!