I'm in the "planning" stages regarding a 05/06 MC, and want to know if anyone has used a computer reader to know what the SES light means, etc... I have no experience with this kind of a device, but want to know if they are helpful. In the event I get a MC, the nearest dealer is 47 miles away - I'd like the ability to know if my SES light comes on: is something really bad (ie, recommend towing), if I can drive it slowly (limp home mode), or if the issue is "cosmetic" (airbag, emissions, etc...).

Thanks,

John

 

Thursday I drove the 20 miles to my dealership in the "Limp Mode" with the "service engine soon" light on.. No problems other than a total lack of power and no A/C. They're still working on the problem..

 

driving in *Limp Mode* can be dangerous on the highway . I would avoid that if possible. It happened to me once on the highway, and I was not too comfortable, to say the least.

With regards to scanning software, I have been looking into the Auterra scanning software. It can act as a code reader and also give you real time diagnostics for up to 5 sensors at a time. It also has dyno measuring capability and 1/4 mile times as well. There are also other software packages out there, I'm sure someone else will chime in with some other options.

 

The reader gives you a "code". The code means nothing. It tells you what system is being affected by the problem and gives you a diagnostc procedure to follow, but does NOT tell you what is wrong with the vehicle. For example you may get a code for the Oxygen sensor. Many mechanics say "oxygen sensor code = replace oxygen sensor". That is not the way it works. The code could be set by anything from a vacuum hose leaking to an engine that is running rich to a failed catalytic converter. There is a small chance that the sensor is bad, but it could also be at least 100 other things. The code only gives you a place to start and a diagnostic chart to follow. Without the diagnostic procedure, the proper tools, and skills needed to follow the procedure, the code means nothing.