After my troubles with the Alta CAI and CELs popping up I was wondering what is the cheapest solution for reading and resetting CEL's on my R56? Thanks

 

local auto parts stores generally have the readers and will read codes and reset for free. If you get the codes write them down. Even if the reader says no definition found.

Sorry for any hassles!

 

The issue I had the last time I did that was they couldn't read any codes off my mini when the CEL was on. Very strange

 

Most autoparts guys have no idea how to set up the reader or where to plug 90% of cars ...
I bought a scangaugeII and can check/reset my own $129 ,
not having to deal with the pimple faced idiot at Autozone PRICELESS

 

HAHAHAHAHAH

That is funny. But you bring up a good point. They MUST have a CanBUS style OBDII code reader. If not it will not pair with the ECU.

Keep us posted!

 

I bought one at checkers auto parts for about $90. Works great. just make sure it is obdII compatible.


edit: Adam beat to it by moments.

 

HAHAHAHAHAHHAA

 

autozone checks them for free

 

Advance auto parts also scan for free. You can find a nearest one near you in http://advanceauto.know-where.com/advance-auto-parts/
Hope that helps...your not the only one with an annoying CEL

 

I have found the SCANGAUGE II to be very handy to scan CEL on the fly as well as clear them. Presently have a situation where my MCS is throwing up CELS every day now. It is the same code and already diagnosed by the dealer but until the required warrantly replacement parts are installed, the CEL keeps popping.

With the SCANGAUGE II, while motoring you can just push the button to scan codes on the fly, check the code and then clear it without stopping the car. One of the best MODs in my opinion .

 

hey kntrktor what kinda of cels are you getting and what kind of parts do you need?

 

P0420 CEL. This P0420 & P115D CEL codes first showed up when I installed the GEN 1 ecu. They went away for a while and returned again when I installed the Gen 2 harness. Again,the codes disappeared when I returned that Gen 2 set to ALTA and waited for the new harness sets.

When I received and installed the new and improved Gen 3 PnP ecu harness on 4/12/2008, Both CEL codes again re-appeared same day , so I proceeded to remove it and contacted ALTA and left a message for Jeff to call me (thought maybe it was a mapping issue since I had contacted ALTA previously when I had my car dyno'ed). Anyways, still waiting for a call back from Jeff!

The P0420 remains even after removing the ecu , so I decided to take the car in to the MINI dealer for diagnostics. They really didnt give me any hard time on the ALTA mods that I have installed and they informed me that there was a service bulletin on the P0420 CEL and proceeded to perform the MINI recommended software update as well as clear and reset the codes. The upgrade was successful.

However the code re-appeared again after a day and I went back to the dealer and because the recommended software update was successfully implemented the last time and I have all the mods, I had to pay to have the Master Technician perform diagnostics on the car again and warranty work will still apply except in the case of modded parts

This time, the diagnostics determined a code for bad catalytic converters and essentially my turbo back system. It probably was a bad batch or piece and ALTA has been contacted. Just waiting for my tuner to get back in town and make the necessary calls to ALTA to complete arrangements for a replacement.

This seems to be the reason why my Gen 3 ecu was not working well and kept throwing up CEL. It is still in the box as I write this. I want to wait to resolve the downpipe/cat issue and give it one more try before shipping it back if its still not working. I am hopeful though, because it seems that ALTA fixed the problems with the harness based on all the positive reports to date here. Maybe Adam or Jeff would chime in here on the effects of a bad cat to PnP ecu mapping.

If you have CELs that keep recurring, pay your dealer a visit to get the right diagnostics. I have a SCANGAUGE II permanently installed in my car but you really need the dealer equipment/technician to really decipher what is going on. I am glad I did even though I paid dearly . Maybe ALTA will take care of the bill or throw me a bone for pain and suffering when they ship my replacement part.

 

P0420 CEL. This P0420 & P115D CEL codes first showed up when I installed the GEN 1 ecu. They went away for a while and returned again when I installed the Gen 2 harness. Again,the codes disappeared when I returned that Gen 2 set to ALTA and waited for the new harness sets.

When I received and installed the new and improved Gen 3 PnP ecu harness on 4/12/2008, Both CEL codes again re-appeared same day , so I proceeded to remove it and contacted ALTA and left a message for Jeff to call me (thought maybe it was a mapping issue since I had contacted ALTA previously when I had my car dyno'ed). Anyways, still waiting for a call back from Jeff!

The P0420 remains even after removing the ecu , so I decided to take the car in to the MINI dealer for diagnostics. They really didnt give me any hard time on the ALTA mods that I have installed and they informed me that there was a service bulletin on the P0420 CEL and proceeded to perform the MINI recommended software update as well as clear and reset the codes. The upgrade was successful.

However the code re-appeared again after a day and I went back to the dealer and because the recommended software update was successfully implemented the last time and I have all the mods, I had to pay to have the Master Technician perform diagnostics on the car again and warranty work will still apply except in the case of modded parts

This time, the diagnostics determined a code for bad catalytic converters and essentially my turbo back system. It probably was a bad batch or piece and ALTA has been contacted. Just waiting for my tuner to get back in town and make the necessary calls to ALTA to complete arrangements for a replacement.

This seems to be the reason why my Gen 3 ecu was not working well and kept throwing up CEL. It is still in the box as I write this. I want to wait to resolve the downpipe/cat issue and give it one more try before shipping it back if its still not working. I am hopeful though, because it seems that ALTA fixed the problems with the harness based on all the positive reports to date here. Maybe Adam or Jeff would chime in here on the effects of a bad cat to PnP ecu mapping.

If you have CELs that keep recurring, pay your dealer a visit to get the right diagnostics. I have a SCANGAUGE II permanently installed in my car but you really need the dealer equipment/technician to really decipher what is going on. I am glad I did even though I paid dearly . Maybe ALTA will take care of the bill or throw me a bone for pain and suffering when they ship my replacement part.

 

If you don't mind telling, where did you get the Scangauge II at $129?

 

I know Way motorworks has it for $150 + ~$6 shipping. $129 is cheap!

 

No Kiddin! Maybe bad venge just inverted the 5.

 

The $150 was a group buy price, they are now $159 on the site
http://www.waymotorworks.com/product...6&cat=0&page=1

I have several in stock right now.

 

FYI, 0420 = Cat efficiency below threshold. You're either running really rich, or your cat is shot. Won't hurt anything unless it starts melting. In that case it'll likely block the exhaust, which tends to do bad things (You'll start running lean).

 

or possibly ignition misfiring, bad O2 sensor or sensor wiring. I have had two P0420's in a month since installing the ECU. I am suspecting the Unichip in my case. I think a bad cat would have thrown the CEL much more frequently. You are right on the money with KNTRKTR though, it's a bad cat.

 

It doesn't ALWAYS throw it often. My cat is bad after blowing about 2 quarts of oil through it and firing a 2 inch chunk of my piston through the #4 cylinder. The code only comes on every few days, and usually only when the engine isn't up to operating temps, and/or I'm hammering on the car.

Misfire codes normally come up when there is a misfire condition. O2 sensors also have their own codes.

Unfortunately with stuff like this it's pretty trial and error. You can replace the cat and see if it will help anything, or just leave it.