New car on fleet - Cookie's adventures in shiteing

[SiC]

This seems to have good reviews and possibly does everything you made need:

Deal: Topdon ArtiDiag800BT OBD2 Scanner Bluetooth Car Diagnostic Tool with Full Systems Diagnoses, 28+ Reset Services, Free Lifetime Update, AutoVIN/ABS Bleeding/IMMO/SAS/BMS/EPB/TPMS/Oil Reset/DPF https://amzn.eu/d/0eztx6mj

Probably worth doing a bit of research on it first though. Or just take advantage of Amazon's fantastic returns policy. 

 

[SiC]

That one has All systems coverage for code read/clear/live data and a few systems reset like headlights/suspension/etc. Those functions sell it to me.

For my address it would arrive by tomorrow at 1pm as the extra clincher.

I don't know if you need much more for your use?

[Snake Charmer]

All this diagnostic talk prompted me to dig out the iCarsoft CR Max I bought for the first S211, l have not used it on the latest S211 as the Xentry laptop has almost lived in the car since I bought it!

That was purchased as I needed something to use on other vehicles, might keep it in the car as its a little more convenient to use than the laptop. 

[Cookiesouwest]

59 minutes ago, SiC said:

This seems to have good reviews and possibly does everything you made need:

Deal: Topdon ArtiDiag800BT OBD2 Scanner Bluetooth Car Diagnostic Tool with Full Systems Diagnoses, 28+ Reset Services, Free Lifetime Update, AutoVIN/ABS Bleeding/IMMO/SAS/BMS/EPB/TPMS/Oil Reset/DPF https://amzn.eu/d/0eztx6mj

Probably worth doing a bit of research on it first though. Or just take advantage of Amazon's fantastic returns policy. 

 

That is a good scanner, but one for the near future.

Gonna get this for now, as I just want the codes.

TOPDON Topscan OBD2 Scanner Bluetooth, Wireless OBD2 Code Reader with Active Test, 8 Reset, Car Diagnostic Tool for All System, Vehicle Performance Test for iPhone & Android, All Software 1 Year Free https://amzn.eu/d/0eSqD7kp

 

 

[Cookiesouwest]

49 minutes ago, Snake Charmer said:

All this diagnostic talk prompted me to dig out the iCarsoft CR Max I bought for the first S211, l have not used it on the latest S211 as the Xentry laptop has almost lived in the car since I bought it!

That was purchased as I needed something to use on other vehicles, might keep it in the car as its a little more convenient to use than the laptop. 

When I had the Disco 3, I had iCarsoft. Good scanner

[Cookiesouwest]

Changed mind.

Got this instead.

[SiC]

20 minutes ago, Cookiesouwest said:

Changed mind.

Got this instead.

That's no good I'm afraid. That only does basic OBD2 testing. Nothing more than a £15 scantool does but with just a battery tester attached to it. 

It's the "All Systems Testing" that you are after. Tbh that Topdon Bluetooth for £60 (after its 15% Amazon discount) probably isn't a bad shout. Shame it doesn't do headlight adaptation reset but at least it says it should do all modules. 

Edit: I'm not actually 100% that Topdon Bluetooth adapter does all modules. It says OBD2 in the description and not about other modules. 

Edit 2: looking at the review images actually I think it does all modules and is what you need.

Edit 3: reading more reviews, watch out. Appears it gives you all the functions for 1 year. After that year you need to pay them to continue using it. So basically a subscription. I don't know how much the renewals are. 

[SiC]

This looks reasonable for an all systems scan tool. 

2024 LAUNCH CRP123 V2.0 PLUS All System OBD/OBD2 Scanner Diagnostic Tool, Engine/ABS/SRS/EES/Dashboard/TPMS/AT Etc Code Reader Diagnostic Scanner for Cars, Extensive Vehicle Coverage, Free Update https://amzn.eu/d/0bRmh7hS

No Function reset (e.g. headlight recalibrate, oil reset, etc) but I guess that's why it's cheaper. 

[Cookiesouwest]

Well @SiC was indeed correct.

 

The TopDon unit won't communicate with BFG in any way !

Shame, because from a build perspective, it feels well built and designed.

Weirdly the coolant fault has disappeared. So looks like the TopDon did something.

The TopDon will be returned.

Then 3rd time lucky for a scanner. 

If I'm not careful, Amazon is going to ban me lol

[Snake Charmer]

Have you looked at the iCarsoft diagnostic units? The MB V1.0  is £92 on the UK importers site.

I have recently realised the most reliable part on both my S211's has been the diagnostic port flap. 😆

 

[Cookiesouwest]

16 minutes ago, Snake Charmer said:

Have you looked at the iCarsoft diagnostic units? The MB V1.0  is £92 on the UK importers site.

I have recently realised the most reliable part on both my S211's has been the diagnostic port flap. 😆

 

I hadn't looked at a v1.0

Always assumed, perhaps wrongly,  that I should always buy the latest version.

But given, I only want reliable code reading an older version, may be the way to go. I will have a look.

[Snake Charmer]

I sympathise with your search, I started to lose the will to live looking at what's available. I very rarely need one at work as most of the cars have carburettors or early injection systems with no diagnostic port.

[Cookiesouwest]

Icarsoft v1.0 ordered.

Should have done that in the first place.

BFG is sat in the road. Too nervous to drive it, till I know whats wrong.

[Cookiesouwest]

Quick fleet update.

CRV picked up a puncture. Not had it fixed yet, I chucked on one of the spares from the shed.

I've not scanned BFG yet, due to life, but error message has disappeared without me doing anything. Not using the car much, due to a little lack of trust. Really need to scan it soon.

Mondeo -little Cookie announced today that after giving it some thought, once shes passed her test, she doesn't want the Mondeo. She's worried its too large. 

To be fair, I thought it might be a tad big for a new driver.

So I need to find a smol auto - not in a rush, as she is probably a few months away from being test ready.

[SiC]

I really suspect it's going to be something silly and nothing that really affected the integrity of the cooling system and engine. Like the fan ecu reckon it's not spinning or something and now working just fine. Or if it has several temperature sensors (I think it might?) and one briefly read incorrectly (like a connector slightly disconnecting).  

If you leave it too long before scanning, the code may end up deleting itself if it's had enough drive cycles for it to not come back. 

[Cookiesouwest]

Well this one is new

Its been a week since it was last driven. 

I may have to remember to give it a spin more often.

Just did a 60 mile trip, so battery should have some juice back in it now.

Was bricking myself when I stopped for fuel, that it wouldn't restart.

[SiC]

When that message goes away, it should have enough charge to power up all the functions and if the battery isn't knackered, restart just fine. How easily it started up when it had that message up (i.e. does everything dim and go a bit mental if it's really flat) should give an indication of the state of charge. If fine then, then should be fine after a few mile journey. Basically the car is shutting stuff down with that message to make sure it has the best chance of restarting.  

How are the new rear end air bags holding up pressure after it's been sat for a while?

[Cookiesouwest]

It started ok, maybe one or two cranks extra. No blinking lights, didn't go mental. About 30 seconds after starting, it said that functions restored.

I think its just telling me to use it more often

I'm pleased with the rear bags. Dont lose any air at all. Pleasantly surprised that maxpeedingrods, have reasonable quality - fingers crossed. 

[Cookiesouwest]

Norman the Mondeo leaves the fleet today.

Taken it for a hoover at the local garage, to use the asthmatic vacuum, cleaned the windows, cleared my crap out.

Its a bit cleaner now. In no way perfect. OSF tyre has gone from 31 psi to 19 psi, since Wednesday, so def a leak somewhere. Did knock a bit off the price to make up for it.

What next?

The S211 and CRV are staying. I need to find a small ish auto for Little Cookie, but I'm not going to rush.

Life is busy. We are trying to get house sorted, so it can go on market in New Year, ready for a 325 mile move to Northumberland. Mrs Cookie has either had a stroke or has the weirdest migraine known to man. NHS can't make up their mind. MIL is in hospital very poorly.

So I'm in no rush for a third car in the fleet. Can barely look after the two remaining.

Off to Hexham tomorrow for a week.

 

[andyberg]

Anything I can do to help mate, just shout. I’m 10 mins away. 

[somewhatfoolish]

On 07/07/2024 at 14:46, Cookiesouwest said:

Another trip to Hexham to care for MIL for a week.

Done in record time ( best time in over 10 yrs).

MPG same (ish) as last time. So happy.

Not happy, was a 20kg spaniel that worked out how to get past the dog net and then caused a bit of havoc, till we pulled over

This is the spaniel that nearly caused a crash - like butter wouldn't melt.

And his well behaved sister, who stayed in the boot.

Now have to buy a proper dog guard, for the trip back next weekend.

 

My brother just keeps his in the cages, if they'll fit in the boot it saves buying an extra thing.

[Cookiesouwest]

Our cage doesn't fit the boot.

For this trip, we put them in the back seat, with seatbelt straps and the bags went in the boot.

They behaved, so seem to prefer it.

I dont, as despite covering the seats, bloody dog hair everywhere !

[SiC]

Probably like the back seats even more if they knew how to operate the heated rear seat buttons 🤣

[SiC]

If they are more well behaved as they like sitting on seats, would they behave sitting on the rear facing boot seats?

[Cookiesouwest]

19 minutes ago, SiC said:

If they are more well behaved as they like sitting on seats, would they behave sitting on the rear facing boot seats?

You are a bloody genius. Clean forgot it had 7 seats !!

[Cookiesouwest]

The BFG clearly does not like the return trip from Hexham.

Just south of Gloucester, warning message flashes up to add 1 litre of oil.

I've looked online and found multiple grades being suggested.

I reckon 5W 30, but any suggestions welcome.

[SiC]

This is what I had put in when it was serviced by Panhard65
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/303572342768

MB 229.5
MB 229.3
MB 226.5

One of those is the right spec but I can't remember which is the most important. That oil has all three of those though.

I don't think I ever topped it up since the service. So however many miles since then it gets through a litre of oil.

[SiC]

This says Mercedes compatible on the bottle. No pictures of the back and the manufacturer grades, so double check. However these older design N/A engines usually aren't too fussy.
https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/314420662?_gl=1*cvvhz5*_up*MQ..*_ga*MzA1Mjg4MDI0LjE3Mjc2MzcwODE.*_ga_33B19D36CY*MTcyNzYzNzA4MS4xLjAuMTcyNzYzNzA4MS4wLjAuOTM4OTk3MjIy

[Cookiesouwest]

41 minutes ago, SiC said:

This is what I had put in when it was serviced by Panhard65
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/303572342768

MB 229.5
MB 229.3
MB 226.5

One of those is the right spec but I can't remember which is the most important. That oil has all three of those though.

I don't think I ever topped it up since the service. So however many miles since then it gets through a litre of oil.

Thanks

Pretty sure its 229.5

[Cookiesouwest]

Checked the oil level - 5.4 L

Oil capacity is 8 Litres, so its lost quite a bit since it was last serviced.

I hate not having a dipstick, as I don't really trust the computer.

Will recheck again tomorrow, before putting any oil in.