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Cheap fault code reader - question?

  • 05-11-2014 6:59pm
    #1
    Cona
    Closed Accounts Posts: 591 ✭✭✭


    hi
    I bought a cheap fault code reader off eBay to check a fault on my car. When I plugged it in and scan, the reader shows 1 fault. However when I select the fault to view the code it just says NA

    Anyone got experience with these could tell me why that happens? Is there a certain kind of fault that a cheap reader can't read or something..?


Comments

  • #2
    Foxhole Norman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,875 ✭✭✭Foxhole Norman


    Most readers like that will only give you an idea of what the code is, some are more detailed than others. Would be best to get it checked by someone with proper diagnostics for the car.


  • #3
    ardle1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,521 ✭✭✭ardle1


    Does the screen show: Engine(Select)Detect(Select). And then the number 1.. After that it should automatically display fault code!


  • #4
    vinnie13
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 494 ✭✭vinnie13


    what kind of kit did you buy?


  • #5
    Cona
    Closed Accounts Posts: 591 ✭✭✭Cona


    Bought this guy...

    http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/251678876180?_mwBanner=1

    it shows:

    FAULT 1
    PENDING 0

    Then when I press enter to view fault, it shoes NA

    The manual states NA = "The monitor is not supported on that vehicle"

    I think I just wasted my money....


  • #6
    cletus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,228 ✭✭✭cletus


    Cona wrote: »
    Bought this guy...

    http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/251678876180?_mwBanner=1

    it shows:

    FAULT 1
    PENDING 0

    Then when I press enter to view fault, it shoes NA

    The manual states NA = "The monitor is not supported on that vehicle"

    I think I just wasted my money....

    There are 2 types of codes that you get, first is a generic code that will be common to most vehicles. Cheap obd readers can read these on most compliant vehicles, but the description they give sometimes needs a bit of research to figure out the problem for your specific car.

    *edit* is your car a vw by any chance

    The other type of code is manufacturer specific. Cheap obd readers usually won't read these at all, but I suppose there's a chance your reader has regestered a code but cant read or display it


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  • #7
    joujoujou
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,055 ✭✭✭✭joujoujou
    Unregistered Users


    What car?


  • #8
    Cona
    Closed Accounts Posts: 591 ✭✭✭Cona


    Ford Mondeo mk3


  • #9
    Interslice
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,506 ✭✭✭Interslice


    Cona wrote: »
    Ford Mondeo mk3


    What year and engine? OBD 2 start in 01 for petrol and 04 for diesel.


  • #10
    Cona
    Closed Accounts Posts: 591 ✭✭✭Cona


    05 petrol 1.8 lx

    thanks for the replies...


  • #11
    Interslice
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,506 ✭✭✭Interslice


    Cona wrote: »
    05 petrol 1.8 lx

    thanks for the replies...


    Should work so...

    Have you tried it on another car?

    What's wrong with the car?


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  • #12
    Cona
    Closed Accounts Posts: 591 ✭✭✭Cona


    Nope haven't tried it on another car. The device shows the fault but just not the code.

    There's nothing obvious wrong with the car so I don't know why the engine management light is on..hence the fault reader


  • #13
    Interslice
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,506 ✭✭✭Interslice


    Cona wrote: »
    Nope haven't tried it on another car. The device shows the fault but just not the code.

    There's nothing obvious wrong with the car so I don't know why the engine management light is on..hence the fault reader


    With the EML on I'd guess the code reader not up too scratch to properly access the ECU or maybe just not able to read that particular code, as cletus says. Maybe have a look on the net and try and find another code reader/diagnostics known to work properly with your car and engine. I've got this ELM327 knock off and it's worked on a 03 petrol and a 00 diesel so far with the torque app on android. http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004KL0I9I


  • #14
    ardle1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,521 ✭✭✭ardle1


    Silly question 'maybe'... But you do have ignition on(engine not running)!?


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