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[Fin]

I have a 2001 2.6 CDX Auto Saloon and today I find I'm sporting an engine check light.

Everything feels and sounds fine however I would like to find out what's going on without swelling the coffers of my local main dealer.

Can anyone recommend a useful and useable Diagnostic Scanner that won't cost more than the car is worth?

It would also be a bonus if it would put out the Service Light on my wife's 2007 1.2 Corsa (it will help when I'm putting together the case for budget approval for the purchase!)
Thanks in advance

Fin

[Dave DND]

For general purpose stuff, we use one of these

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MaxiScan-OBDII-MS509-code-reader-can-bus-OBD2-Scan-tool-/310216421179?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Diagnostic_Tools_Equipment&hash=item483a56ef3b


and its not often we need to wheel out the bigger stuff

 

[Martin_1962]

Your feet - hold down both pedals and read the codes

[Fin]

Thanks Gentlemen for your quick and helpful replies.

I found the 'Pedal Trick' instructions on the forum and I've just established that I have:-
P0170  Fuel Trim Bank 0
P0173 Fuel Trim Bank 1

It seems to me unlikely that both Lambda sensors would fail at the same time so I'll check things like earthing, exhaust leaks and other common areas.
Any suggestions for other areas to check would be welcomed.

Best wishes

Fin

[Fin]

Further to my last post.
I have read the fault codes and the engine check light remains on.
If a fault is transient, will the engine check light remain on until the fault code is read and cleared or will the light go out as soon as the fault disappears?

Will the 'Pedal Trick' clear a fault code or just read it?

Regards

Fin

[Andy B]

Further to my last post.
I have read the fault codes and the engine check light remains on.
If a fault is transient, will the engine check light remain on until the fault code is read and cleared or will the light go out as soon as the fault disappears?

Will the 'Pedal Trick' clear a fault code or just read it?

Regards

Fin

EML should go out as soon as the fault is fixed. Pedal trick just reads codes 

[feeutfo]

Fuel trim more likely to relate to what the sensors are seeing in my limited experience. Fuel trim error is raised when +/- 20% trim is reached, or there abouts, possible causes air leak or maf, maybe others, but check vac pipes are all connected and the inlet is all seated correctly, if all ok suspect maf...
...but also see what others say on the fault before buying a maf.

Pedal trick is all you rearly need for reading engine codes, some form of live data is a basic requirement for a diagnostic tool if it was my cash.

Hth

[Kevin Wood]

Fuel trim on both banks - you have something common to both banks affecting the fuelling. Air leaks into the induction system, MAF sensor perhaps, clogged fuel filter, coolant temperature sensor, etc.

Get a reader that can do live data and further diagnosis is possible.

Kevin

[Fin]

Problem solved
I borrowed an Elektor code reader from a friend, and as soon as I cleared the fault codes the MIL went out.
I carried out a live check and the MAF sensor and the Lambda sensors seem to be giving outputs so no further on.
I had just filled my fuel tank before this happened so a possible cause , but then again can't think why.
Thank you all who took the time and trouble to help. Very much appreciated.

Regards

Fin

When I was checking my Lambda sensors, couldn't help but notice my cats are corroded to bu****y. Another post maybe!!

Fin