DeanGS

iTrader: (8)

Hey everyone,
Killing some time, browsing some of the sub forums, I have noticed that many of the posts regarding engine performance/gas mileage problems come from people that don't have or at least use a scanner. Granted, you can go to many auto parts stores and they will read your codes (when you have a CEL) for free. However, an OBDII scanner/monitor (you can pick them up for $50-$100) will allow you to read your codes, reset the codes but more importantly they allow you to monitor sensor output while driving. Some of them even have a minimal data logging feature. If you are a shadetree or higher mechanic and/or modder the scanner is one of the first things you should pick up.
Remember that the ECU will let a lazy sensor slide by for a while before it sets a CEL. That sensor(s) can hurt mileage, performance and engine longevity.
Using scanners over the years on various cars I have been able to find:
lazy O2 sensor
bad MAF
bad tps
clogged/leaking injectors (not directly but due to variances between the O2 sensor readings)
bad knock sensor

All of the above decrease gas mileage and performance.

As a side benefit the generic hand held scanners are not car specific so you can use it on your whole "fleet" :-)

Just want to throw that out there.......

starfyrels

iTrader: (2)

Can you post which ones you use (as well as other members?) so that some of us can get a general idea of which to use.

I've seen some guys use this pigtail harness to connect to their laptop via serial or usb and they've got a program that runs and logs everything. I have some links somewhere that shows all of this but Im at work now.

LexCafe

That's a good idea. Always good to know how your engine is running. Thanks for ur thought.

McKrevice

iTrader: (1)

Just get this and call it a day.

http://www.scangauge.com/