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.

 

[Scott06]

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.

I have had this scan tool for 5 years, works on all my toyotas. the mini cooper not so much BMW has their own protocol.

Amazon.com

 

[Renken2000Classic]

Thanks.

On the noise thing, I got a short video the other night, if it'll attach:

 

[Renken2000Classic]

I'm slightly tempted to get another timing belt tensioner and change it again, but not 100% sure that's it, and that's kind of an involved repair.

 

[jlh3rd]

if you want to isolate a noise, get an automotive stethoscope....
It doesn't have to show a check engine light to have a code stored as an intermittent or temporary issue.
I use an xtool d7 which is a bi-directional scanner. It runs around $400 +/-, I got a prime deal so it was half. I've got 4 cars to maintain plus I'm always helping family members.
You don't necessarily need one like that, but really comes in handy for me.

 

[Renken2000Classic]

Thought I replied to this; maybe didn't send or something.

Thanks, and I tried the vaccum tube to the ear, but didn't get anywhere with it. Do need to get a stethoscope...

 

[nola mike]

I have had this scan tool for 5 years, works on all my toyotas. the mini cooper not so much BMW has their own protocol.

Amazon.com

If you want to play around with an incredibly powerful scan program for bmw/mini, check out deep obd to use with a bt dongle. Unfortunately it's very un user friendly. And it's kinda in German. BUT it's free and has all the bmw specific codes (that parts not hard to figure out).

 

[jlh3rd]

Thought I replied to this; maybe didn't send or something.

Thanks, and I tried the vaccum tube to the ear, but didn't get anywhere with it. Do need to get a stethoscope...

they are inexpensive....

 

[Scott06]

If you want to play around with an incredibly powerful scan program for bmw/mini, check out deep obd to use with a bt dongle. Unfortunately it's very un user friendly. And it's kinda in German. BUT it's free and has all the bmw specific codes (that parts not hard to figure out).

I love chit made by Germans for Germans... actually the one I got for like $100 works pretty good. I think part of the issue I had was the code was in the trans or chassis seeing an error in engine temp sensor... yeah very german... car was idling like chit. reset the code runs fine since.
ordered the part still sitting in the box in my garage hasn't popped back up again.

 

[dingbat]

Thanks, and I tried the vaccum tube to the ear, but didn't get anywhere with it. Do need to get a stethoscope...

Used a 14”, carbon steel, wooden handle screw driver to diagnosis gear and bearing issues for years. Isolates much better than a stethoscope

 

[jlh3rd]

eh...pick your poison..

 

[Chris1956]

Gee, a noisy belt tensioner is usually pretty easy to diagnose. It usually sounds like a squirrel taking a beating under the hood.

When was the last time you replaced your spark plugs?