I am a DIY when it comes to maintenance items. On "real" repairs, I let the pros take care of it.

I was thinking about getting a OBDII reader.

Questions

1. To reset the Check Engine Light, what's the difference using the code reader to clear it vs. disconnecting the battery to reset it?

2. I was told that some sensors can go bad without triggering a code for the reader to read. True, sometimes, not that often. Most issues will trigger a CEL and a code.

3. If I do take it to shop, do shops often appreciate or frown on owners telling them what's wrong? Shops sometimes charge a diagnostic fee. So if I inform them "what is wrong" will they likely wave that?

4. If I buy a code reader today, will it still be effective tomorrow? Meaning, cars and technology changes. I assume there will be new codes? Do codes change? Codes for 2000 car are the same as 2012? Do some readers do a firmware update and some don't?

 

1. Yes, every driver should have a GOOD OBDII reader. It will help the pros to do their job and allows you to reset the CEL on your own.

2. This happened on my first CTS-V. GM has its own special device (Tech-II) to read some sensors that are not available to most OBDII readers.

3. A CEL light doesn't say what's wrong, it only localizes the problem. My experience is that a good shop will look at all available data, not just a CEL code.

4. Yes for the most part, in my experience. I've had a Scanguage II for almost ten years and it's been useful for all the cars I've owned in that timeframe.

 

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