I have a Palm-os based scan tool, from Auterra. (www.auterraweb.com) It can read out lots of fun data from a car's OBDII connector and also be used to do various on-road tests. Just an FYI for folks who are into this sort of thing, the new MINIs use the CAN bus protocol for ODBII. For me, this means my cable won't transmit the right signals into the Treo to get any data.(My cable supports all BUT the CAN protocols) Doh, it works fine on my Z3, worked on the 2002 MINI and various other cars. Something to think about if you are looking to get a hold of a scan tool. Be sure it supports the CAN protocol! (Auterra makes a cable for CAN that support other protocols as well)

 

Now - I searched this forum, but there was no experience with it (only on Gen I minis - that were not CAN - as I understood). It was shipped yesterday (yes - I ordered for the infamous Check Engine Light error)... It was 49$ w free shipping at Amazon and they have a decent return policy. My (new) car will be delivered by Friday (hopefuly) and I'll try it at that time.

On the Actron web site there is the following note:

"A Scan Tool can be used to read and erase trouble codes, display, record and play back LIVE diagnostic data and perform other tests allowed by the vehicle maker. We have scan tools that cover vehicles 1982 to present depending on required coverage. All Actron Scan Tools are CAN compliant."

..and teh device is well reviewed at Amazon.

http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16298

It is small and I thought it would fit in the "gadgets for MINI" bag, with the tire pressure meter and other fancy-schmancy-glittery-bling-blingy things.

MMM

 

Can you clear codes with this?

 

Wow makes me wonder if I should take my Palm off ebay.

I'm really hoping Vag-com decides to make a software similar to their Audi/VW software as it is priced great and is easy to use; but their development has seemed to stop.

 

For more $$ you can get a ScanGaugeII that is CAN compatible, will read codes and clear them, and can monitor four functions while you drive. I use it for water temp, boost (MAP), mph, and mpg. There are other interesting functions such as engine load, battery voltage, Air Intake Temp, etc. (assuming the MINI has all of them in the OBC).

It also includes a trip computer that will record the standard stuff, plust max RPM and max coolant tem. So you can see whether your boyfriend/girlfriend/wife/husband/friend/valet/mechanic over-revvvved it or overheated it. Useful if you are already using the MINI one for something else.

 

Robin, I can't tell from your comment if you own a scangauge or not. Does it reset the oil service interval?

 

Yes, I own one.



It is on the top of the dash between the tach and NAV.

I don't know about resetting the oil service interval. I can't see why you would want to since all it would do would be deny you a free service. I guess it might be useful after you were out of warranty.

 

I wish they could spit this information onto the readout section of the R56 speedo like they do other OBC info. That's be cool. It's be a great OEM (or even aftermarket) option, too...folks would pay money to access that info (at user discretion) right on the speedo display.

 

I have Auterra with CAN; worked great on my R56. It was fantastic for datalogging during dyno pulls and parts testing. It's awesome to datalog the RPM, MAP, WBO2, IAT, and Timing all at once! It's also great to log MAF because that essentially equals HP once you can account for MAP, IAT, WBO2, and BSFC.

Good stuff.

 

Hi can somebody recommend my a good scan to buy for my mini cooper r56.
I need something that can erase the light error and not too expensive
Waiting for a good answers
Please let me know
Thanks

 

obdcom.com

 

after all the free scan reads at the autoparts houses produced nothing of significant importance, I purchased an acutron CP9185 to try to diagnose why the check engine light was on.
with the engine running, the scanner called out 3 codes ... P0010 "cam position actuator A, Bank 1 circuit malfunction.
The scanner also posted a P1497 and a P 1434 -- "no DTC information, see service manual" for both.
My surprize is that as expensive as this tool was, some codes are not covered.
I purchased my 2007 in march, 2011 and it has a 2008 engine. Around 45,000 miles.

 

What is the difference between a camshaft position sensor and a camshaft position actuator in the R56 engine?

 

I have the Ultragauge, I really haven't tried it on the mini, but it works on our 03 Dakota, 00 Miata and 08 Saab. The instructions say it will work on the mini, but you don't want to leave it plugged in when the car is off, something about the OBD being on all the time in the mini and draining the battery. They're around $70. It gives you 3 pages of sensor readings you can set up however you like. I'm sure it reads the CAN. It also reads and clears codes.

 

The sensor should be something that reads the position of the camshaft.

The actuator should be something that changes the position of the camshaft.

At least, if they follow standard nomenclature it should be. I haven't actually stared at the manual enough to tell if that's what they actually do mean.