Testing a code reader

[Sheldon]

Would the easiest way to test a code reader on an Outback be to simply
loosen the gas cap, which should trigger the "Check Engine" light? I read
that even if you do this by accident, the light will reset after you tighten
the gas cap and after about 10 engine restarts.

tia

Sheldon

 

[mulder]

Would the easiest way to test a code reader on an Outback be to simply
loosen the gas cap, which should trigger the "Check Engine" light? I read
that even if you do this by accident, the light will reset after you tighten
the gas cap and after about 10 engine restarts.

tia

Sheldon

You wouldn't get the code right away, it would only come on after some
driving. But you shouldn't have to set any codes, as long as you can
plug the reader into the port and see that it is communicating with
the ECU that will tell you it's ok. Depending on the particular unit
it should give some indication that it has successfully connected and
found no codes.

 

[CiscoHeadsetAdapter.com]

Would the easiest way to test a code reader on an Outback be to simply
loosen the gas cap, which should trigger the "Check Engine" light? I read
that even if you do this by accident, the light will reset after you
tighten the gas cap and after about 10 engine restarts.

I read somewhere, that Check Engine Light goes on when ECU detects the same
error 2 or 3 times in the row (sometimes it's at engine starts, sometimes
it's at period of time). And that for some "not important" errors, ECU may
turn CEL off, after about 10 engine (ECU) restarts. Just think logically -
you have a lose gas cap, it brings your CEL on. You determined it one,
twice, and then you get used to it and do not turn it off right away. What
if serious problem comes up, but your CEL is already ON and you will not
know about it?

Good luck,

Mike
www.headsetadapter.com

 

[Sheldon]

You wouldn't get the code right away, it would only come on after some
driving. But you shouldn't have to set any codes, as long as you can
plug the reader into the port and see that it is communicating with
the ECU that will tell you it's ok. Depending on the particular unit
it should give some indication that it has successfully connected and
found no codes.

After it would not connect I e-mailed the company who told me how to reset
the unit. After that it seemed to operate as shown in the manual and then
came back with message stating that the codes had been cleared. This makes
sense as it was just in the shop to have the throttle sensor replaced, which
was causing the light to come on.. I think it's working okay, and I'm just
going to keep it in the car. It's pretty small.

 

[Sheldon]

I read somewhere, that Check Engine Light goes on when ECU detects the
same error 2 or 3 times in the row (sometimes it's at engine starts,
sometimes it's at period of time). And that for some "not important"
errors, ECU may turn CEL off, after about 10 engine (ECU) restarts. Just
think logically - you have a lose gas cap, it brings your CEL on. You
determined it one, twice, and then you get used to it and do not turn it
off right away. What if serious problem comes up, but your CEL is already
ON and you will not know about it?

Good luck,

Mike
www.headsetadapter.com

Well, if the light came on I was going to check it right away and then clear
the code to turn the light off, but I get your point. It was never my
intention to drive the car around with a lit CEL, just check the reader
using a non serious problem that would light the lamp.

 

[calhoun]

Pull a plug wire you will get a misfire code.

 

[Sheldon]

Pull a plug wire you will get a misfire code.

Sounds easy enough.

 

[dnoyeB]

Well, if the light came on I was going to check it right away and then clear
the code to turn the light off, but I get your point. It was never my
intention to drive the car around with a lit CEL, just check the reader
using a non serious problem that would light the lamp.

each code can have different setting and clearing standards. Loost gas
cap might go off after 1 ignition cycle. Engine related codes may go
away after a few hundred. Especially stuff like O2.

But just because the light is off does not mean there are no stored
codes. And just because you clear the codes does not mean the light
will go off. Especially if there is an active fault.

--
Thank you,



"Then said I, Wisdom [is] better than strength: nevertheless the poor
man's wisdom [is] despised, and his words are not heard." Ecclesiastes 9:16

 

[Michael Pardee]

Pull a plug wire you will get a misfire code.

Be sure to ground the plug wire you pull, though. Dunno about the Subaru,
but Honda products especially will zap the coil if run with an open ignition
lead.

Mike - the voice of sad experience.