kmk42019

About 2 weeks ago my check engine light came on and i received the p0420, thinking it was the cat or O2 sensors. A few days later after a high octane fill up it went off and was off until 2 days ago, when it came back on. I wanted to get it scanned again to see if it is the same problem but Ive gone to 2 different places and they cant scan to see what the error code is. It seems there is no communication between the scanner and my car. Anyone ever have this?

ENTOURAGE-2005RL

It might depend on the scanners used. The dealer's scanners are more comprehensive than some of the other types of scanners, I have been told by frineds who are mechanics.

kmk42019

thanks, do dealers charge a diagnostics fee to get my CEL scanned?

PACman

Depends on the dealership, but generally yes. I was quoted a flat rate of $65 about 3yrs ago. I declined that and bought my own scan tool.
I heard chain stores like Autozone can lend you a scan tool for free.

poltergeist

Possibly the original scan tool connector damaged one of the pins in the vehicle's OBD2 connector.

Personally, I wouldn't trust a parts store "counterman" to touch my car. Often you get what you pay (or don't) for.