CEL already :(

[Yoshoobaroo]

Originally Posted by soundman98

it is almost easier to just drive down to the autoparts stores to get it read.

they do it for free, and if there's a problem, you can get the part immediately. so on my timeline, i can install that part in 5-6 months.

i have one, and i barely ever use it. usually only think of it when i'm driving by a auto parts store, so i just stop in and let them scan it.

I’ve never had a car before that I can get parts at an autozone for, so I haven’t been on that side of the fence. Going to the parts store is more inconvenient for me lol. With older BMWs having a reader it’s pretty much mandatory.

[mav1178]

Originally Posted by Yoshoobaroo

1996. OBD2 has been around for a long time now.

I know, I threw out the timeline as an arbitrary reference, more like "if you own a modern car in general"

[TheDonEffect]

In the amount of time already invested, couldve prime shipped an obd reader and scanned it, thereby putting your mind at ease. The ECU needs to go through a full driving cycle before it clears, usually 15-45 minutes worth of mixed driving.

[SpectreRT]

What everyone else said. Get yourself a bluetooth ODB2 reader for next time. For now, just drive. The only time a CEL is really a "PROBLEM" is if its actively flashing.

Or, just drive to an advance auto / autozone and get it scanned there. Likely by the time you get there the light will go off.

[mav1178]

Originally Posted by SpectreRT

Get yourself a bluetooth ODB2 reader for next time.

I will say, for sake of simplicity a normal OBD reader works fine.

some of the OBD Bluetooth dongles don't like to connect properly. I had one before for my E39 and it worked about 50% of the time, but worked perfectly on my Lexus as well as my BRZ before I used the OBD port for something else.

[Fletch]

I tried driving for around 45 minutes but it just wouldn't clear so I bought a cheap $70 ODB reader from O'Reillys. Confirmed it was P0455 which I think is typically the gas cap one. Managed to clear it through the ODB.

Thanks for everyone's input!

[Midnightsky]

Originally Posted by Fletch

I tried driving for around 45 minutes but it just wouldn't clear so I bought a cheap $70 ODB reader from O'Reillys. Confirmed it was P0455 which I think is typically the gas cap one. Managed to clear it through the ODB.

Thanks for everyone's input!

Ouch $70? That's expensive for a very basic cheap OBD2 code reader. I use the Bluetooth one and an app called "Torque" for scanning codes and also monitoring data. They are peanuts on Amazon, like $5 I think.

[mav1178]

I got mine from Amazon for $25 and have been using it for 6+ years without issue

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Sport-Tech]

I read somewhere that generic OBD2 readers are not nearly as specific in their diagnostic readings as the manufacturers' own tools - anyone know more about this?

[MisterGoober]

Originally Posted by Sport-Tech

I read somewhere that generic OBD2 readers are not nearly as specific in their diagnostic readings as the manufacturers' own tools - anyone know more about this?

OBD2 is a standard and a generic reader will get a basic code. The manufacturer's own tools generally has far more information. Subaru isn't going to sell us their diagnostic software for $20 though, so the OBD tool is a great resource to see how serious your problem is. The code can tell you if it's something like the gas cap or maybe something more serious like a misfire caused by a bad plug/wire.

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by Midnightsky

I use the Bluetooth one and an app called "Torque" for scanning codes and also monitoring data. They are peanuts on Amazon, like $5 I think.

Yea, I use the same. Although, as I recall Torque only works on Android. I did end up paying for Torque just because I use it enough the coder deserves the money for his work. All told though, I probably have $30 in the hardware/software and I can use it on my phone or on a fire tablet I have laying around the house.

[Yoshoobaroo]

Honestly if you’ve spent $70 anyway, consider returning it and spend $70 on an OBDLink LX adapter for android (you need the $100 WiFi MX version for iOS). Their app is fantastic and the adapter’s polling rate is fast enough for live telemetry and useful datalogging in the app.

Alternatively both app stores have plenty of free OBD2 apps what work with the generic $15-25 adapters. Just remember Android uses Bluetooth and iOS uses WiFi for obd2 adapters.

Originally Posted by Sport-Tech

I read somewhere that generic OBD2 readers are not nearly as specific in their diagnostic readings as the manufacturers' own tools - anyone know more about this?

You will still get a code unless it’s a shadow code. You can then google the manufacturer specific codes, most brands have had a list published by at least one person on a random forum.

[soundman98]

keep it. it's a hardwired unit that you can shove in a drawer until it's needed.

i hate bluetooth add-on devices. i've been there when customers pay big bucks to replace bluetooth smart switches that are only a year old because their phone updated, and no longer connects to use them.

bluetooth is great when it works for entertainment, but being a trouble-shooter has taught me to never rely on it for troubleshooting, because temporary-use stuff relying on new tech never works like it's supposed to...

i just went through this fiasco myself with a $100 'wifi' boroscope camera to see in walls. worked great on my phone and android 9. then my pone decided to update to android 10, and suddenly i can't use the camera, which changed my troubleshooting procedure until i had time and energy to get another one that didn't rely on the phone for the display.

[Yoshoobaroo]

Originally Posted by soundman98

keep it. it's a hardwired unit that you can shove in a drawer until it's needed.

i hate bluetooth add-on devices. i've been there when customers pay big bucks to replace bluetooth smart switches that are only a year old because their phone updated, and no longer connects to use them.

bluetooth is great when it works for entertainment, but being a trouble-shooter has taught me to never rely on it for troubleshooting, because temporary-use stuff relying on new tech never works like it's supposed to...

That’s a fair perspective. The wired unit will always work no matter what.