Diagnostic kits - how easy are they to use?

UngratefulWhelp

Have an 05 Opel Vectra and the radio display and steering radio controls are acting up. I see these home diagnostic kits for offer on Donedeal for 50 quid. Is it worth getting one and doing this myself, rather than booking it in for a diagnostic test and getting the usual, I suspect unnecessary, extras such as air filter changes?

If it's a question of replacing engine parts, then I wouldn't have a clue. But if it's an issue of dealing with electronics and fuses - is that complicated and would I save a bit doing the simple stuff myself (assuming there is simple stuff, tbh this ain't my area of expertise).

Nissan doctor

The are very simple to connect and read the code but understanding the readings they give is the key to diagnostics.

Jesus Shaves

UngratefulWhelp wrote: »

Have an 05 Opel Vectra and the radio display and steering radio controls are acting up. I see these home diagnostic kits for offer on Donedeal for 50 quid. Is it worth getting one and doing this myself, rather than booking it in for a diagnostic test and getting the usual, I suspect unnecessary, extras such as air filter changes?

If it's a question of replacing engine parts, then I wouldn't have a clue. But if it's an issue of dealing with electronics and fuses - is that complicated and would I save a bit doing the simple stuff myself (assuming there is simple stuff, tbh this ain't my area of expertise).

very very simple to use, have one for sale in my adverts, have a few of them, all do different things depending on what you want

Owen

I doubt any but an official Opel will give you the cause of your problems.

Row

Op com is as good as you'll get on opels and the price is very reasonable..:)
http://shop.ebay.ie/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m570.l1313&_nkw=op+com+

UngratefulWhelp

I'm after pulling out the fuse for the central control unit from the Vectra, only to be greeted by the constant wail of the horn.

I put it back in immediately, but now when I turn the ignition, all I get is a a rapid light drumbeat type sound. The engine doesn't turn over and the exhaust gases symbol that flashes up briefly when you turn the key comes on and stays on.

Meanwhile, the radio itself is running what appears to be an automatic search.

The car won't start, which makes getting it to a dealer for a diagnostics test a little problematic....

Jesus Shaves

UngratefulWhelp wrote: »

I'm after pulling out the fuse for the central control unit from the Vectra, only to be greeted by the constant wail of the horn.

I put it back in immediately, but now when I turn the ignition, all I get is a a rapid light drumbeat type sound. The engine doesn't turn over and the exhaust gases symbol that flashes up briefly when you turn the key comes on and stays on.

Meanwhile, the radio itself is running what appears to be an automatic search.

The car won't start, which makes getting it to a dealer for a diagnostics test a little problematic....

Edit: An Autel Eu702 is what you want!

UngratefulWhelp

I may well need one, but I can't afford to wait for it to be delivered.

It strikes me that this issue is something along reset lines, but I'm shagged if I know how I'd go about it.

Jesus Shaves

UngratefulWhelp wrote: »

I may well need one, but I can't afford to wait for it to be delivered.

It strikes me that this issue is something along reset lines, but I'm shagged if I know how I'd go about it.

where do you live?

UngratefulWhelp

Ah here, right now I'm not looking for one of the kits.

What I want is a way of fixing this and then I'll bring the car to the nearest dealer and let them take care of the problem.

It appears to me that this issue can be fixed pretty quickly if it was simply caused by a fuse being pulled out.

Jesus Shaves

UngratefulWhelp wrote: »

Ah here, right now I'm not looking for one of the kits.

What I want is a way of fixing this and then I'll bring the car to the nearest dealer and let them take care of the problem.

It appears to me that this issue can be fixed pretty quickly if it was simply caused by a fuse being pulled out.

i was only asking in case i could help

UngratefulWhelp

Ok thanks, but tbh, I've made enough of a mess of it.

I just need to find a way to reset the car or do whatever step is necessary so I can actually start the car again.

The initial problem - a loss of power to the radio controls in the steering wheel - is now a minor issue.

Jesus Shaves

UngratefulWhelp wrote: »

Ok thanks, but tbh, I've made enough of a mess of it.

I just need to find a way to reset the car or do whatever step is necessary so I can actually start the car again.

The initial problem - a loss of power to the radio controls in the steering wheel - is now a minor issue.

ohhhhhh k, i mean't by way of diagnostics

knifey_spoonie

Disconnect the battery and leave for 10 Mins.

If not most people have breakdown cover with their insurance, Give them a call.

mickdw

UngratefulWhelp wrote: »

Ok thanks, but tbh, I've made enough of a mess of it.

I just need to find a way to reset the car or do whatever step is necessary so I can actually start the car again.

The initial problem - a loss of power to the radio controls in the steering wheel - is now a minor issue.

You are pretty much insulting a guy who may well have the answer to all your problems?

UngratefulWhelp

Nothing more complicated than a flat battery in the end. Thanks for all the suggestions.

Jesus Shaves

UngratefulWhelp wrote: »

Nothing more complicated than a flat battery in the end. Thanks for all the suggestions.

is it wrong to laugh at this?

BeardyGit

darokane wrote: »

is it wrong to laugh at this?

I'd be laughing at that AND the username....

crosstownk

They may be easy to use but what will you do when you know what the fault is?

If you're a handy auto DIYer and reckon that you can fix it then it's something that's worthwhile getting but if you're going to invest in a diagnostic kit and think that you haven't a hope in hell of dismantling, repairing and reassembling then don't waste your money.

illegalpower

crosstownk wrote: »

They may be easy to use but what will you do when you know what the fault is?

If you're a handy auto DIYer and reckon that you can fix it then it's something that's worthwhile getting but if you're going to invest in a diagnostic kit and think that you haven't a hope in hell of dismantling, repairing and reassembling then don't waste your money.

If you know what the problem is and cant fix it yourself atleast the garage cant rip you off and let on there was more wrong then there actually was.

Knowledge is a great thing to have in reserve

listermint

illegalpower wrote: »

If you know what the problem is and cant fix it yourself atleast the garage cant rip you off and let on there was more wrong then there actually was.

Knowledge is a great thing to have in reserve

But can also make you look like you dont know what your talking about. That would be weeded out fairly quickly by someone who does .

Goal is to have a decent garage with a good track record.

Nissan doctor

illegalpower wrote: »

If you know what the problem is and cant fix it yourself atleast the garage cant rip you off and let on there was more wrong then there actually was.

Knowledge is a great thing to have in reserve

Simply reading the code off the screen of a basic code reader does not always tell you how to solve the problem.

Jesus Shaves

Nissan doctor wrote: »

Simply reading the code off the screen of a basic code reader does not always tell you how to solve the problem.

That's what this forum is for!:)