Thinking I might pick up an OBD II meter. The one they use at AutoZone (Actron CP9135), works, but they tell me at the dealer that the codes I give them as a result of using this meter are too generic. That the meter they use returns the exact problem. So, instead of emissions leak, large they might get something like "bad seal on gas cap", my words, just an example of how I understand it.

Anyway, is there an aftermarket meter out there that will do this? Carchip? Peak? I also want it to clear the light if need be.

Thanks

 

I have the 12/31/2005 version of the Actron entry level scanner.

It will not read the CAN bus, that some of the higher end Actrons will. MINI quereys the CAN bus for information. The CAN serves many systems beyond the Engine. I SUSPECT you need to know what numbers to QUERY, and then need to know what the results mean, in order to make any use of that. The Actron certainly will not know the MINI propriatary codes.

The actron does read and reset the DTC Diagnostic Trouble Codes on the OBDII bus.

I am in the process of trying to repair my Chevy Tracker.
The DTC says I am running to Rich.
The factory book has a trouble shooting process for that DTC. I need to access the Freeze Frame Data to see what was going on when the code was set, and I need to read the real time data from the sensors to see which sensor or actuator is misbehaving. Only the high end scanner will do that.

I thought I had it fixed, so I cleared the DTC. The light went off. The scanner told me that 5 of 8 "monitors" are not ready. That means that certain engine self tests have not been run, and I can not pass a pollution test until all monitors are ready, AND there are no DTC.

John

 

i use the cheepo one myself. works fine.

 

I use the CP9135 it has sufficed so far.

 

So what do you do with a P0455 error? I mean it kind of leaves thing wide open as to what it could be. I cleared it, but if it comes back I can't be sure it's, say, a faulty gas cap and have them send me one. But if I go there and use their's it will tell me what it is, or so they say.

 

check out proscan, if you have a laptop this is very power full tool for 100.00 i just bought this and am very impressed. NOTE TO THE MODERATORS: I AM IN NO WAY AFFILIATED WITH PROSCAN, JUST TRYING TO GIVE MINI OWNERS A ALTERNATIVE THAT IS POWERFULL AND REASONABLY PRICED.

cheers