where to hire or buy an engine diagnostic kit?

Question

anyone know if i can hire or buy cheaply a diagnostic kit for my car, because i have taken it to mechanics and they say there is no fault, but there definitely is!!

Matt

thanks for the advice so far guys. for those of you asking what the problem is i recently put a question up describing that headed 'why does my vectra have a flat spot'

Answer 1

Let's talk... E-mail me year make model miles and just what you preceive the problem to be?

Answer 2

A P0300 code is indeed for a "random misfire'. The computer monitors the crankshaft speed, and has noticed a variation in that crankshaft speed that fits a misfire parameter. However, the speed variation was intermittent enough, or didn't last long enough, to pinpoint a particular cylinder as being the culprit. That's true as far as the federal misfire parameters are concerned. HOWEVER, there is a way to access the actual engineering data using almost any scanner that will identify the cylinder(s) causing the problem. Using "Mode 6" in the scan tool and accessing the data available can be extremely helpful. The misfire can be ignition, fuel, or mechanical, but from what you are describing, I'd put my money on fuel. A slightly restricted injector is the most common cause if it misfires only on initial startup, at least in MY experience,BUT I also have concerns over the secondary ignition parts that are still original. Although it is true that Ford recommends 100,000 mile parts replacement intervals, the fine print dictates "under normal driving conditions". Delving further into those definitions shows that, according to Ford, there are NO normal driving conditions. Everywhere in the country its either too hot, too cold, too dry, too wet, too high, too low-you get the idea. I personally recommend replacing the secondary ignition components at about 60,000 miles to avoid having an issue with parts seizing in aluminum heads and causing problems. And for my last point, I NEVER recommend driving a vehicle any longer than absolutely necessary with a warning lamp on. While 95% of the causes for a Service Engine Soon lamp won't harm anything, there are those things that the SES lamp is the first indication that something is being hurt, and with it already on for another harmless reason......you get the idea. Remember, that light is supposed to be illuminated when the vehicle is exceeding the Federal emissions standards by 1 1/2 times.

Answer 3

On some cases, these types of equipment cost more than the repair itself so is not cost effective to purchase them. On your case, I read on some Impala forums and they mention lost of power on them. It turns out a plugged Catalytic Converter. That can explain the flat spot. Once the engine produce enough pressure it will overcome the back pressure. If I am not mistaking, the Ecotech is a GM engine. See if there is a recall on your vehicle for that too on the local dealer. If there is one, the repairs are free.

On engines, a flat spot on the power curve inclines to exhaust. You get those on motorcycles. If you read them you will see when they do test on a Dyno and tune the engine with different exhaust pipes, headers and such.

Answer 4

An OBD-II "code reader" just reads out the code numbers, but a more expensive "scanner" also shows you some sensor outputs etc. http://www.actron.com
If your yellow check engine light on the dash has never come on (OBD-II), then an error code may not have been set in your computer even though you have an engine performance problem. Try asking another question relating to how to fix your performance complaint about your car.

Answer 5

Wallmart or any auto store like Autozone and Advance auto sell the OBDII code reader/scanner hand held...that reads the codes and lets you erase the codes and turn off the check engine light. I got mine at wallmart for $60..... I have seen them for as low as $40 lately..... they are well worth the money if you work on cars.

Answer 6

Northerntool

Answer 7

frist off . is the service sngine light on?
what is the engine doing that makes you think there is a problem ?
service engine lights normaly tell you a code is stored in memeroy . if there is a nother problem it may not show up !
so can you tell me more ?

Answer 8

sometimes it will show no fault find a mechanic that will keep the car and drive it let him know what its doing so he knows what to look for

Answer 9

What is the fault MattR ????????????/.