My 98 3.4 has started not wanting to start after being stopped at a store etc e.g. after it is warm and has been shut down for only 5 mins or so.

To start it, its almost like it is carburetted.

You need to pump the gas. If not, it starts , struggles to about 400 rpm and stalls.

It is not throwing hard codes yet.

I cannot pull the codes here at work anymore as they no longer have the code reader for post 95 imports.

Any cost effective readers/code clearers out there ?

I have a slick set up for my Audi S4 that runs off the laptop so something similar would be nice.

David

 

Ok,

I did some searching....

Seems I can get a laptop based one for around $100 and a hand held with less functionality for the same price.

David

 

I ordered a obdii reader for $96 shipped to canada from http://www.scantool.net/

The software is half assed, but there is alot of different software out there.

 

If you already have a laptop, this would be the best one to get for price vs features.

http://www.obddiagnostics.com/

 

This is the one I would have gotten, but they said they would only ship within the states.

 

I hear ya, a PO box on the US side helps alot (so do friends and family down there).

 

You just made my enemy list ...... or good friend list, I havent decided yet.

 

Hmmm.

Serial port only. My laptop is USB and the notes suggest not all people have success with a USB to serial port adaptor.

David

 

USB serial adapters are nothing to be afraid of. We have plenty in my comp store and lots of people use them for older accessories.

 

I just purchased an Innova (equus) CANOBDII reader for 120.00 refurbished on ebay. It reads 96+ and the new CAN protocol. Works great, is flash upgradable, but also needs a USB Serial (DB9) adapter for the firmware upgrades ... Software based might be more versatile, but for me, this works fine.

 

Thanks,

I am leaning toward the Innova for the portability.

It would be nice to be able to leave it permanently attached as my issue is intermittent.

CAN protocol only impacts a few vehicles right now, right ? But I understand it will be required for all 08 and up model year vehicles.

David

 

nrg,

True about the CAN usage, but who know what you'll be buying in the future...? FJCruiser?? I spent a few extra $ now for a reader that'll be good for 10 years... Other cheap readers will cost you at least 50 bux...

And the Innova 3110 can be used to test drivability. I haven't used it for that, yet.

http://www.canobd2.com/tool/3110.asp

 

Thanks.

A little more googling and it seems my laptop SHOULD have a serial port although I can't say as I have seen it BUT I can't say as I have ever looked hard

I will check tonight.

If so, the laptop based system from OBD diagnostics looks good value at $96.

David

 

OK,

1. My Laptop has a serial port
2. I downloaded the software from obd diagnostics and messed with it a bit

I think that is the way I will go .

Thanks

David

 

21$ delivered off ebay. Its just a basic code reader, can do the tests, reset the codes and stuff. Good for those of us that wouldnt know what to do with all the extra info from that nice pc one.

 

Here's the one I picked up...

http://www.canobd2.com/tool/3030.asp

Paid about $70 for it at WalMart and it does all that I need one to do.

Matt