Yes, it is a super investment if you are mechanically inclined, make your own repairs, and have a basic to moderate understanding of the ECM. (Electronic Control Module), or in english, the vehcile computer. Most vehicles are fitted with the OBD II system. I have one myself, The average cost to have a vehicle computer scanned at a repair shop is around $50 to $80. Yes, they are accurate, all it does is when you plug it in the data port on your vehicle, it reads your vehicle computer by extracting the codes that is stored, if any. The scanner itself cannot create codes, it can only read what the vehicle computer stores, when your check engine light on the dash is on, and stays on during normal driving, that means that your vehicle's computer has detected a problem, and a scanner will be able to allow you to read those codes. The scanners you can buy will give the fault code and a brief description of the problem, it can tell you if a sensor is bad, or if there is something abnormal going on with the vehicle, providing you understand the language. The more expensive model scanners, such as the ones dealers have have the software updated each year. but the scanners that a homeowner can buy are just fine being its only going to be used on your vehicles.
2007-11-09 23:46:35
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answer #1
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answered by bobby 6
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2016-08-30 19:41:37
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answer #2
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answered by Millicent 3
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On 1996 and newer vehicles you buy an On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD-II) "code reader" or "scanner". The scanner views live data streams of sensor and control information from the computer in addition to simple readout of the codes as done by the code reader. Both are able to clear the current codes to turn the yellow check engine light off until they are reset by the computer and the dash light comes back on. Professional level scanners can also read some manufacturer specific codes and reprogram the computer itself etc. Actron has reasonably priced scanners and code readers for the home mechanic and they come with a book or disc that tells what the code numbers indicate.
http://www.actron.com/product_category.php?id=249
2007-11-10 00:00:52
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answer #3
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answered by bobweb 7
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It can be a very good investment especially if you have no warranty on your car. Some of the codes you will be able to check, and reset would cost a couple of hundred dollars at the dealership, or repair shop. I don't know the make or model of your vehicle, but the cost of some of these sensors can be as much as 5 or 600 dollars for certain cars. If you're just wanting to check one code, or reset one fault it would probably be a lot cheaper to have a repair shop or the dealership where you bought your car take care of it. If your getting more than one fault, or a frequently reoccurring fault then one of these programmer boxes is the way to go.
2007-11-09 23:42:14
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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There are several different types that are sold, but they are not cheap, at least for a good one. You also need to have the list of what the code numbers stand for. Unless he is a mechanic, it would be a lot better to just take the vehicles to auto-zone or another auto store and have them read the codes and give you a printout of what could cause the code. That way, someone else is paying to get all the updated codes every year, instead of you having to.
2007-11-09 23:37:45
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answer #5
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answered by johnny b good 4
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I'm sure your husband knows what the scanner does, but my question is why does he want one. Without a manufacturers service manual and the knowledge to understand and diangoise the code, it's just a high priced electronic toy. Besides most parts stores will read the codes for free>
2007-11-10 01:48:36
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answer #6
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answered by Ron B 6
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They tell you what sensor is picking up a problem, but not what the exact problem is...For example, the code could read (cylinder 2 misfire) which could be caused by several different things, being a good Mechanic is needed....if your good at fixing and recognizing car problems this would be a good investment..
2007-11-09 23:35:38
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answer #7
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answered by Speedstar 5
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whether you checked the timing belt, and it seen looks sturdy, it would not advise its not unfastened adequate to smack the sensor and reason a code. on some autos, the sunshine will come on if it sees the mileage is on the mark preset on the production unit. in case you have in no way replaced the timing belt, and your vehicle has greater then sixty 5,000 miles, have it replaced. merely be sure you replace the water pump on a similar time if its pushed by way of the timing belt.
2016-12-16 04:13:38
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answer #8
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answered by ? 4
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Better to check out sensors that identify individuals using discreet camera arrays.
2007-11-09 23:23:55
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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