Code readers and diagnostic scanners (1 Viewer)

[Dave and Ginny]

Hi all

So having now successfully completed a full brake system re-furb and competed my own servicing on my 2004 2.7 Cdi Sprinter (1995 - 2006 chassis) and got through an MOT test, I'm wondering whether or not to invest in a Code reader and Scanner.

They seem to start fairly cheaply with a basic model on eurocarparts through to this one that I quite like the look of.

This is a new area for a mechanic like me trained in the late 60's so I'm wondering if it's a worthwhile investment and whether other use them to good effect?

Cheers Dave

 

[chesterfield hooligan]

The problem I have is the connection to the obd port mine is a 2003 316 round connection some have the standard connection, I have tried lots of friends with different readers some costing 7k+ who cannot read all the information some cannot read it at all. Some say I need a Mercedes reader program I have tried Bosch specialist. I would buy one after I have seen it working. The one you have shown the connection is wrong for my van, but might be ok for yours.

 

[chesterfield hooligan]

This is my connection on a 2003 316

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[Dave and Ginny]

This is my connection on a 2003 316

View attachment 251494

That's interesting Brian, I've got the same port also!

 

[chesterfield hooligan]

Most I understand are the normal obd port but I have found it very difficult to find someone to read it, I have bought a lead from China for £3.50 to convert it to the normal obd connection. My mate in Boston can read it now with his latest snapon reader but it is very expensive.

 

[Stealaway]

Even my mates £4k Snap on reader has trouble sorting out my particular type of 2012 Ducato. Generic readers will be a complete waste of time and money.

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[mitzimad]

might be worth a try with a cheap generic reader see if it connects

 

[chesterfield hooligan]

might be worth a try with a cheap generic reader see if it connects

That's like the one I purchased from China £3.50

 

[mitzimad]

ive got the vw version of this and it works for reading codes and switching lights off ive not had rehttps:// to go further than that

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[Crazylegs]

Even my mates £4k Snap on reader has trouble sorting out my particular type of 2012 Ducato. Generic readers will be a complete waste of time and money.

This person speaks the truth, we all like to save a bit of dosh particularly at a motor dealer, but the genuine manufacturers readers and experienced techs are the best way to identify a fault.

 

[mitzimad]

This person speaks the truth, we all like to save a bit of dosh particularly at a motor dealer, but the genuine manufacturers readers and experienced techs are the best way to identify a fault.

thats not true for every or even most cases there plenty of info re fault codes available online and being charged 80 plus to be told whats wrong vs a £15 code reader is a no brainer .No they will not always help and yes some experience using one will be a benefit but most of the time they will identify defective sensors and then you can investigate whether its the sensor thats failed or connections