Over the years, I've gone to Autozone/FLAPS to have the codes read off the ECU and find out what was wrong with the car. I've saved myself a ton of money over the years replacing my own sensors and other simple parts that were not major issues, but I hate having to go to the store to have the codes read. There are code readers available at the same stores, but they can be a little expensive.
My wife's DD (Honda) recently started 'acting funny' to her, but when I drive it, it seems fine. I popped up the 'wrench' signal a couple days later, but provided a direct Honda code on the dash indicating it was time for a tire rotation and transmission fluid change. Wife was still convinced there must be something wrong with the engine.
I found that since I had last looked at a code reader a couple years ago, new versions have come out in the form of a Bluetooth enabled code reader which uses your smartphone as an interface. That is nice because the code readers I've used at the FLAPS usually have a pretty clunky interface.
The first one I looked at was an ELM127 reader, which is available for about $20 on Amazon. There appear to be a couple different versions, but then I found the newest version in the Panlong Mini OBD II scanner. Lots of positive reviews on Amazon about the scanner.
I ordered one via Amazon Prime and got it in about 2 days with free shipping. Cost was about $15.
To use the device, you have to download an appropriate app to your phone. The suggested app for this unit is called 'Torque'. There is a free version and a 'Pro' version for about $5. I have only used the free version so far. The unit can be a little finicky in pairing with your phone and then reading the car. It was easy with the wife's Honda, took 2 tries for me to get the sequence right with the Chevy (I think I just did not wait long enough with it the first time).
What I've learned so far is that I can:
- Read all the codes in the car (Amy's car and my truck are both running fine and neither had any codes....)
- Set up an interface to see running diagnostics as the car is running and driving (only works with the Bluetooth/Android version, won't work with the Iphone supposedly).
- Add other performance based measures which use the GPS and the accellerometer in the phone to assist in the calculation.
For $15 and the free app, I'd say its completely worth it. I guess maybe I'll see later if I see an issue with the car via the Panlong that it truly pays for itself.
If nothing else, in my mind, it makes sense to know what codes your car is throwing when you have a problem even if you take it to someone for service. More information means less of a chance of getting ripped off.
So if you work on your modern car, this little device so far seems worth it.
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