U480 Code Reader

[UKKid35]

Has anyone found this cheap code reader useful?

It seems to connect, but hasn't retrieved any stored faults on my car, even though the Engine Light was on recently (it cleared after disconnecting the battery but before using the reader).

[Heinkeljb]

Disconnecting the battery will clear all codes. If they persistent ones, they will come back. So your warning light will be on again if the engine management deems the errors are critical.

Most generic code readers will only be able to read engine error codes and sometimes even those badly: My cheap bluetooth one said I had a misfire on cylinder 5 at one point!

John

[UKKid35]

Thanks, I was hoping it would tell me if there had been a fault with the used Boost Control Solenoid I fitted, as the engine is very sluggish.

I haven't done a compression test yet, but I doubt there's a problem there. Sticky wastegate arm - maybe.

[pinger]

As per post#2, battery disconnect banishes codes.
When I had my boost control solenoid fail the symptoms were stronger than usual engine torque followed swiftly by limp mode. Disconnecting battery just allowed the process to repeat. When my wastegate arm was sticky it stuck open - no boost. Easily checked by manipulating it by hand.

[UKKid35]

Very useful thanks.

About to start on the front suspension (broken springs worn shocks), wish me luck.

[UKKid35]

So after the Engine Check light decided to illuminate today, I thought I'd plug in the uber cheap diags tool

Three faults reported

Petrol tank sensor - Yup, it is pants

O2 sensor 1, bank 1
O2 sensor heater 1, bank 1

After clearing the faults the O2 sensor faults were marked as pending

But the engine check lamp was cleared

I have a later 450 with two lambdas, which one does the diags think is at fault?

Is it worth swapping one of them with a spare?

Are they both the same?

Many thanks

[tolsen]

O2 Sensor Heater burnt out. Confirm by measuring its resistance. I bet you need a new O2 sensor.

[UKKid35]

Any chance it could be the cause of the blipping idle?

[UKKid35]

O2 Sensor Heater burnt out. Confirm by measuring its resistance. I bet you need a new O2 sensor.

I fitted the spare used sensor, cancelled the errors, and now it's all good

I correctly guessed that Sensor1 Bank1 was the turbo mounted sensor rather than the exhaust mounted sensor

It even smells better now, I bet the sensor had been faulty for some time before the engine light came on