FYI - Techstream, or some of the upper level more expensive scanners will show "stored codes", engine errors that have not yet popped up a CEL. IF yu are technocally saavy and have a Windows laptop Techstream can be had for $30 it'll show you current and past codes, erase codes, erase airbag and other faults most scanners won't allow, real-time engine monitoring data, allow you to do some customizing, also allow you to pair a new key to your car... it is dealer level software. I have both a $50 generic scanner I keep in the car as well as Techstream on my laptop

 

That's what I do too.
I have a scanner to keep in the car for convenience and Techstream on my laptop for when I need to go in deeper.

After helping people for a few years here on CL, I'm at the point where I won't help anymore past a certain point if someone doesn't have techstream.

The reason why is the complexity of modern cars requires having the right tools for the job.

Otherwise, just flying blind and I don't like doing that.

Read basic codes and see basic live data = scanner.
Flooded vehicle or crank no start = techstream. 😃

 

Ditto - I've found there are usually two types of people:

Those who are sincerely interested in learning so they can do themselves. They are happily willing to invest in the right tools, take the time, research, listen to proper davice ,actually get their hands dirty
and
Those who are simply looking for others to do for them, and God forbid something negative happens someone to blame and hold responsible (my son falls into this category). They are alway looking for a "shortcut", not willing to invest their own time and energy they are just looing for the cheapest way to temporarily fix a problem with no regard to longevity, quality, reliability. They happily gravitate towards wahtever is told to them by anyone who offers the cheapest solution (often times a clueless relative or very low caliber mechanic like Firestone, JiffyLube, Midas min wage employees).

I quit offering my services years ago only offer advice even to friends. I have a young lady friend who called me saying "I need new brake pads, will you teach me how to do this?"... I was very impressed so happy to help... rather than my son saying "My car needs brake pads will you do this for me" showing zero desire to learn he believes others are there to serve him.that he is entitled..

Back to Techstream - it can be had on Amazon for @$30 which includes the disc to install on a laptop AND the special data cable... if someone has a Lexus or Toyota and can't invest $30 for something that is extremely useful then like you I have little respect in their investing into the right tools. The other option is a top level code reader running probably >$150 to do the level of scanning TS does.

 

I'm glad you mentioned this. What a TERRIBLE location for the Fuse panel! It's literally a backbreaker, and a ballbreaker. They make "Under-Dash Creepers" for this nonsense. Did you know this? I did not until I one day I wondered: hey, someone should make a thing to help us lie down and look under the dash. Lo & behold, googles pointed the way!) I bought one (not cheap) because I figured I could use for under-the-sink, too, hahaha. But it's a rather simple thing to DIY: all you need is a narrow board and some blocks (or old encyclopedias for going under the sink )



*Phil, I should add this to your DIY Tools thread.

 

Oh yeah please add it and review too if ya feel like it. 😃

 

Margate330
I appreciate your position and that it's a waste of your time and effort to go into more detail than the listener/reader wants or is equipped to handle. I am clearly one of those, and I'm curious, but past a certain point I've absorbed all I'm able. Thanks for explaining as much as you have!

 

Um, I understand your point of view. I'm not a "young" lady anymore; I'm retired and can't afford to buy gadgets even if it's going to be extremely useful. In addition, I'm not as strong and flexible as I once was. I appreciate your point of view and generally agree with it. However, I would not want to leave you the impression that I am one of those people who gravitates to shortcuts, shoddy workmanship, or taking the cheapest way out. I do the best I can with what I have to work with.

 

Hi. @Joyous56 , this was not aimed at you or anyone else my friend. The subject of scanners comes up often on complicated repairs and there's only so far someone can help without one, all I was saying. 😁

You were only seeking obd info. Lol

 

My post was in no way a slight or swipe at you, though you seem to infer it may be, nor was my mention of a young lady in any reference you yourself it was more to point out how impressed I was that a young lady has a desire to opt to learn mechincal car stuff rather than expect others to do "for" her. Her appoach was a stark contrast to most including my own son.

You do as you please, opt to purchase tools or not as you please in no way does it affect me nor the advice I'd give. If you were nearby I'd glad run Techstream or other scanner on your car... perhaps even mention your location see if anyone offers to help. Good luck, hope my/our advice helps you in some sort if I can help with advice let me know otherwise wish you the very best

 

@Joyous56
Your user ID told me everything I need to know. You're not that far behind me. At my age I have a hard time getting on my knee and standing back up even just for few minutes, so don't feel bad.

Try to head back to the Advance Auto or AutoZone. Ask the employees to scan your vehicle to see if the OBD reader is able to communicate with your vehicle, if not, you could just ask them to check your # 51 fuse.

I think Advance Auto could have provided better customer service for your last go around. Let us know.

 

Thanks Margrate330, I was able to locate the OBD port and i can't feel or see that anything is attached to it. If I could get a decent scanner for $30, that sounds reasonable should I have future issues.

 

Thanks! I'll go back there and have them do a scan. The guy offered to change my wipers, so maybe one free service is their limit, but that's lame. Full disclosure, I had an IID installed, and I don't know if they used the OBD port and maybe messed up when it was removed. It cost me $400 to uninstall because they had to remove the entire dashboard, and I'm not looking forward to spending that again if they erred in that process. I will update.

 

Awesome!
I knew you can do it.

Ok, so you confirmed that there is nothing already stuck in the obd port.

Next, if you can get it scanned you can confirm there's no reason they couldn't do an emissions test.

Maybe they couldn't find the port and made excuses?

 

That under-the-dash creeper looks like a great investment!

 

Hi @joyous56, just checking up on you.

Were you able to get your inspection?