Automotive Diagnostic Tool

[Renken2000Classic]

Any recommendations on what to get? I've got a cheap code reader, but I might like something that'd do more (like one you could drive with it hooked up?).

My newest car at the moment is an '05 (Acura, 178k).

That's the one that made me think of this; it's got some mild stumbling, mainly before it's warm and if I push it just a little. It' not giving any engine codes, so I'm thinking change the plugs? But there may be something else I need to zero in on.

 

[matt167]

You can get a cheap scanner from Walmart that will show the data stream.

A bi directional scanner will do more, if you have $300. A stumble can be many things. Fuel injectors being where I would look first

 

[Scott Danforth]

I use a blue tooth ALDL reader and the torque app

 

[Renken2000Classic]

Thanks. Will look into it further, and try to (eventually) post what I did/found.

 

[Sprig]

I’m thinking fuel not electrical. Without knowing anything else about the car or maintenance history, impossible to diagnose. But depending on last tuneup I would if due change the spark plugs. It could be dirty MAF. I’m going to bet the MAF has probably never been cleaned. That’s the first thing I’d do. Then I’d put some fuel injector cleaner in the tank and see what happens after a tank of gas.
I wouldnt buy an engine code scanner If I was you. You probably won’t use it enough to make it worth it. There are numerous businesses around who will scan it for free. Many parts places, repair shops, brake and tuneup places etc. etc. will scan it for free.

 

[Renken2000Classic]

I've considered just taking it to the shop; don't have one, but have one recommended to me that I haven't tried out yet.

Main reason for that would be diagnosis of a noise it's been doing off an on that I suspect, but don't know to be the timing belt tensioner (that I already replaced, but didn't use a Honda part (!!! oh what a mistake)).

They could do the tuneup while it's there, and lets see, change the oil, and replace the transmission oil that I've aslo put off...

$$$ and uncertainty it would all be done right is sort of the disincentive on that.

 

[Bob_VT]

SCAN GUAGE II I have one I run all the time in my older Tacoma. Cmall and velcroed to the top of the rearview mirror, It will do just about anything except ABS

 

[Renken2000Classic]

Cool...

Looking at the list of what that does made me think of the MPG display under the speedometer of the '02 Lexus I recently got for my 3rd to youngest (in other posts here). That particular item is distracting to me and essentially useless. It never says anything close to "19" when I look at it, which is about what it gets for the type of trips it sees, lol. I'd put a piece of tape over it if it was me driving it. Some of the rest of that I might like to see occasionally.

I also found comparison (articles) from Car and Driver, and Buyers Guide that had a lot of info.

I'd need to get one that could be independent from a phone, which yes, would put me in the several hundred $ range.

Started it just to move it tonight and it was ticking away. If I were to drive it, that would quiet down very soon to sort of a flutter. I want to hope maybe fuel injector or something, but doubting it.