OBD Code Readers - 9-5

[jmblack]

I have a basic code reader that seems to pick up any of the generic codes and some SAAB specific ones. Is it possible/likely that there are a range of secret SAAB codes that it won't get? If so, I presume I'd then need Tech II to read them?

Thanks!

[Audax]

I have a basic code reader that seems to pick up any of the generic codes and some SAAB specific ones. Is it possible/likely that there are a range of secret SAAB codes that it won't get? If so, I presume I'd then need Tech II to read them?

The Saab codes aren't "secret" but a generic code reader will only (generally) talk to the engine management and if you're lucky gearbox+abs/esp module, they generally won't speak to other ECU's in the car so things like the SID, ACC, DICE, TWICE, SRS, radio etc. will not be able to be interrogated and settings won't be able to be programmed which you can do with a Tech-II. There are some aftermarket things that will let you speak to different systems but none of them will do everything that a Tech-II can do (that I'm aware of).

[jmblack]

Thanks - I was being intentionally awkward with my secret description.... I guess then that these other codes would simply not register on other systems?

[Audax]

They won't register as each ecu reports the fault code, if you don't send the right commands to ask it for data you'll get nothing back. The generic readers just speak OBD2 which is a standard way to get them to talk, the more advanced stuff will use a different protocol and then have different ways to address each module, hence why most kit won't speak to it.

[Steve440]

I borrow my friends Snap On Solus code reader and we can most codes with that, it does not have a Saab specific so you have to use a variety of GM and OBD but each time I have needed a code read it has worked, it even told me which part failed on the ABS last year.

There was a company on the internet last year advertising Tech2 copies for about £800, made in China so buyer beware but if you are doing a lot of work and dont have the £3k for a genuine might be an option?

Steve

[Audax]

There was a company on the internet last year advertising Tech2 copies for about £800, made in China so buyer beware but if you are doing a lot of work and dont have the £3k for a genuine might be an option?

Don't bother, I've had the misfortune to use a Chinese clone Tech2, it was a heap of **** £800 will pay for lots of Tech-II sessions for when you really need it and give you £100 to buy a decent generic code reader with.

On the solus does that cover all systems (ACC,SRS,SID,Stereo,DICE,TWICE etc.) or just powertrain components (ABS/ESP, Autobox ECU and Engine ECU)?

[Steve440]

Just the power train modules. It will do live data and can reset some fault codes.

Steve

[stevetreacy]

Hi,

I use an Autel MS509. Reads and clears codes in ECU, TCM, ABS. No commnication to Dice or Twice.You can record data live and has freeze frame data that shows all readings at the time of EML being generated. Good value bit of kit.

steve