Bocatrip

Has anyone on this forum used an OBD2 Scanner that did not have ABS/SRS to reset their check engine light without any issues? I remember using an inexpensive Zurich (from harbor freight)without ABS which after resetting my CEL, it triggered my VDC and Slip lights to come on. After that I had to use the paper clip method to reset and shut those lights off. I then used an Actron 9660 that had ABS as well as the Blue Driver without any issues. I was told that the OBD2 scanner for the LS430 must have ABS/SRS or it will have issues with the VDC and Slip lights. Anyone have positive experiences with the cheaper OBD2 scanners wtihout ABS? Scotty is pushing a "THINKOBD 100" on You Tube but they are all sold out. Thanks all.

Johnhav430

Yes I have a < $20 Autel and I used it when I got an engine misfire. Never came back it was > 7000 miles ago. Since a misfire is not related to abs one would think that abs/srs doesn't have anything to do with that type of code...

As mentioned, a person at work has a GM SUV like my wife's and the < $20 Autel was not able to identify the issue, whereas the Autel with ABS was. It's because the more expensive reader has one identify the make/model of vehicle, not the ABS/SRS in itself.

The worst thing a cheap reader will do is not identify a fault, but imho it would not mess up the car.

Bocatrip

Thanks Johnhav430.....My CEL has always had the same code (PO440) for the Evaporative Emission System, yet the Zurich without ABS did trigger the VDC and Slip. The Evaporative System has nothing to do with the ABS. I thought I read on another thread on this forum that the ABS was necessary on our Scanners for the LS430 or they played havoc. I guess I could try another one and see what happens. Its funny how the price from the basic OBD to the OBD with ABS goes from $30-$35 to almost up to $100+ just for the ABS. I liked the BlueDriver other than the bluetooth connectivity being unpredictable and I don't like to have to use my phone.

911LE

I have a cheap code reader that I've had for at least 10 years. All it does is read or erase ECM codes. I've used it on all my vehicles with no issues. What's interesting is that I had an alignment done at a Lexus specialist shop and they somehow triggered an ABS code that they couldn't reset with Techstream. My scanner put the ABS into test mode (same as the paper clip trick) and the code cleared itself.

Bocatrip

Are you saying that your cheaper OBD2 scanner without ABS capability was able to clear the ABS light after an alignment caused it?

911LE

Yes, but it was a fluke. My ABS code was for a LR wheel sensor (the shop said it was for a failed $600 yaw sensor). I pulled the ABS code using the paper clip method. I cleaned and tested the sensor and could find no issues but the VSC light would illuminate as soon as the car started moving. I tried resetting the code with the paper clip method but that didn't work either. A few days later I plugged in my code reader to read ECM codes and I noticed the ABS was in test mode (light flashing and notification in the message display). Once I removed the scanner the code was gone and all lights were off, never to return.
My reader is one of the first generation ones. It has 2 buttons, read and erase, and will display the code and it's generic description.

Margate330

Hilarious!!! Priceless!

Customer goes in for alignment and comes out with broken Yaw sensor @ $600 & ABS Codes...
Then mechanic gets schooled by customer with generic code reader... Awesome.

Johnhav430

I had this happen at BMW. The odd thing about denying they broke my car was when a BMW rolls in, 2 lackeys I mean interns stroll up with $1500 iPads and begin taking 360 degree pics. The alignment is read, and the key is read for faults. i.e. they absolutely know what condition the car came in with.

Long story short as I have said many times, nothing could get the dealer to admit fault until the BBB dropped them from a A+ to a C-. Then I got a call, "What can we do to make this right?" I said you can do my water pump (a $1100 job) and you can cut me a check for $13 which was my cost, I'm not charging you for my labor, they said yes, absolutely we will do that. They even threw in a free oil change which I don't need as I DIY and I thought it would be tacky if I said just give me 7 quarts of oil, and filter. I talked it over to a coworker and decided against ever letting them touch my car again, it's like sending food back to the kitchen and having it come out again. We all saw Road Trip 2000 and the French toast scene.

When the tech goes to do the rear toe it's often frozen depending on when the nut was last loosened. That ratchet slips, it does damage.

But what I do like about BMW over firestone? Your car can roll in all green. They still set everything to the middle of the range. Firestone does not. Green means leave it.

edit I just thought about Road Trip 2000 and the scene with the nurse was hilarious