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Cheap fault code reader that works on E46

Tamworthbay

By Tamworthbay
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Tamworthbay Rank: Talbot Matra Rancho

Tamworthbay

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Any suggestions for a cheap fault code reader that can read and clear does on an E46. I have an oxygen sensor code that will need clearing after I swap it out so decide I may as well join the 21st century and buy a cheap reader.

Tamworthbay Rank: Talbot Matra Rancho

Tamworthbay

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I've used this on a BMW before. Think it was a 318i.

 

I didnt pay that much for mine, I think it was about £25 quid.

 

I've used it on many other cars too.

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/U581-Diagnostic-Car-Scanner-CAN-OBD2-EOBD-Scan-Tool-Engine-Fault-Code-Reader-/232344876039?hash=item3618d57407

Thanks, I have found one for £29 but it doesn't list BMW specifically. Did it reset the codes OK when you used it?
cpjitservices Rank: Renault 16

cpjitservices

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Thanks, I have found one for £29 but it doesn't list BMW specifically. Did it reset the codes OK when you used it?

Yes. Have used it on many cars.

  • Tamworthbay
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Squirrel2 Rank: Austin Maxi

Squirrel2

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This Elm327 one can be used on pretty much any car with an OBD port:

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ELM327-WiFi-OBD2-Car-Diagnostics-Scanner-Code-Reader-for-iPhone-iOS-AND-Android-/251760321498?epid=814600008&hash=item3a9e15a3da:g:fXsAAOSw2XFUkX3U

 

You need a smartphone or tablet. If you have an iPad use wifi or Android use Bluetooth. Torque Pro App for Android is one of the best for most diagnostics.

 

 

Squirrel2

cpjitservices Rank: Renault 16

cpjitservices

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I personally rate the DS150e for general diagnostics.

Me too, best bit of kit ever. Mine was stolen unfortunately. Still got Delphi Cars in my laptop for when/if I replace the DS150e. You can do a lot more with it than just general diags too.

BavarianRetro Rank: Citroen Ami

BavarianRetro

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Creator c310+ on Amazon. Best £40 you can spend on a post 97 BMW

  • Tamworthbay, smellypoo and Vince70
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Tamworthbay Rank: Talbot Matra Rancho

Tamworthbay

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Thanks for all the replies everyone, at less than £20 it's a no brainer. Only need it to reset the eml light once the lambda sensors are swapped out but I dare say it will come in handy.
Tamworthbay Rank: Talbot Matra Rancho

Tamworthbay

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The £17 reader as suggested by Tayne arrived this morning. I turned it on and plugged it in, got the engine running (as we did when I borrowed my mates posh one) and got an error saying it couldn't connect. Tried again, nothing. Then tried with the ignition on but the engine not running and bingo! Two minutes later faults were read (the lambda again in one of its off moments) and deleted. EML is now off again and I am a happy man. Thanks Tayne (and everyone else who offered suggestions).

  • cpjitservices and Craig the Princess
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cpjitservices Rank: Renault 16

cpjitservices

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The £17 reader as suggested by Tayne arrived this morning. I turned it on and plugged it in, got the engine running (as we did when I borrowed my mates posh one) and got an error saying it couldn't connect. Tried again, nothing. Then tried with the ignition on but the engine not running and bingo! Two minutes later faults were read (the lambda again in one of its off moments) and deleted. EML is now off again and I am a happy man. Thanks Tayne (and everyone else who offered suggestions).

Same interface as mine that one.

 

Different shell.

Tamworthbay Rank: Talbot Matra Rancho

Tamworthbay

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Same interface as mine that one.

 

Different shell.

I bet there are a load of different types depending on which Chinese factory they come from. I found a manual online in reasonable English, but to be honest I found that after I had used it and it's so simple that I don't think you really need any instructions. It's limited in what it will do but I am not complaining, it's brilliant for the money. I have needed to dip my toe into fault reader for ages but never had the reason to dive in before.
cpjitservices Rank: Renault 16

cpjitservices

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I bet there are a load of different types depending on which Chinese factory they come from. I found a manual online in reasonable English, but to be honest I found that after I had used it and it's so simple that I don't think you really need any instructions. It's limited in what it will do but I am not complaining, it's brilliant for the money. I have needed to dip my toe into fault reader for ages but never had the reason to dive in before.

Yeah your probs correct, I got the one I have because I saw a garage using it. Its ok buying these Bluetooth ones and using your phone but sometimes I cant be arsed, easier to plug in the reader direct and sort the codes that way. It is very easy to use. I keep mine in the glove box in the car its its box.

 

Not as nice as my DS150e Delphi kit like, could do everything with that at dealership level, even programmed keys with it once.

Tamworthbay Rank: Talbot Matra Rancho

Tamworthbay

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They all seem to have to come down in price massively, I guess the technology has been around a while now. I was impressed that my cheap one gave the actual fault and not just a DTC that I had to translate.

SiC Rank: Matra Rancho towing a Tagora

SiC

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Don't forget these are still knockoffs. Genuine DS150e are £1.5k plus. I reckon autocom (who make the ds150 and Delphi rebrand) are really missing a trick by not doing a legit version for enthusiasts but a lot cheaper but having it limited. I.e. can only 2 different models per week max.

  • 2 years later...
aldo135 Rank: Citroen Ami

aldo135

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I maybe should have started a new thread on the ask a shiter page? I’m not even sure this is what I need! Any help appreciated :) 

Tamworthbay Rank: Talbot Matra Rancho

Tamworthbay

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I got a cheap eBay one and have now used it on half a dozen cars. It has worked on everything reading wise but would not turn off an airbag light on a Mazda despite the fault being corrected. For about £15-20 it has more than paid for itself.

PiperCub Rank: Renault 16

PiperCub

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43 minutes ago, aldo135 said:

Looking for similar advice, got a 2010 Hyundai and 2002 Saab, both with ABS lights on and would like a cheap code reader. Seen this at ECP, any good?

https://www.eurocarparts.com/p/streetwize-obdii-fault-code-reader-lcd-screen-548775301

Mainly as there’s one walking distance from my house and I’m like a child, I want one NOW ?

I suspect this won't work for what you want to do. I have a similar cheapo one (from ebay similar to those at the top of the thread) and the vast majority of the cheaper ones only do powertrain ('P'-codes) as they are pretty generic as they are supposed to comply with OBD2 spec which concerns powertrain/engine codes only. All other codes relating to body, brakes etc can be more bespoke to a manufacturer or group so ABS faults in your case are unlikely to be covered by one of the cheap FCR's. 

 

Oddly, I was going to start a thread regarding recommendations of FCR's that do a wider variation of codes that hopefully would solve many of our issues with respect issues such as ABS, Airbags, transmissions etc.. I'm thinking of getting a better one (Alfa on the horizon.......) myself in the near future. 

 

I've heard good things about Foxwell products but haven't used any, it's just what I've read. 

Shirley Knott Rank: Renault 16

Shirley Knott

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I recently bought a 'topdon elite' for about £70 as I needed to investigate/clear an airbag light on the wife's C1. It was the cheapest one I could find capable of reading ABS/SRS across a range of vehicles and had loads of good reviews so I begrudgingly went for it.

Interestingly it actually picked up a code for a cylinder 1  missfire on the V70 that none of my cheaper scanners had found, also the live data showing exactly what 02 sensors etc are doing is great for more fine tuned diagnostic work. 

 

twosmoke300 Rank: Matra Rancho towing a Tagora

twosmoke300

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If ( and it would never happen ) I owned an E46 I’d invest in some good quality diagnostic gear - you are gonna need it ?

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