Ive already got 2 code readers but all they do is read the current code/s… Does anyone know the best scanner for the money that reads codes that were just deleted (like a dealer bringing a car w 6 misfire codes to auction and clearing them right before) as well as pendings?
Thanks
I would also like to know this
Once it’s cleared it cleared bro , no way to see what they were ! Until they refail . That being said I do have a OTC genesis scanner "full on diag " I wanna sell it ain’t real pretty but it gives ya live data and test functions
best thing you can do in that situation guys is check the I/M monitors. If multiple ones are listed as not ready then don’t buy the car, since it most likely just had codes cleared.
Came here to say this ^
Even the cheesiest of cheesy scanners can do this.
What’s the I/M monitors?
Can’t tell if being sarcastic. Ill bite.
serious question, thanks for answering
I think thats what I meant… when there cleared, theres no more cel on, but they still show until driven far enough to reset in the ecu right? and more times then not, if its something serious, it will never clear long enough to be driven 20-30 miles… at least from what ive seen…
My scanners I currently have dont have this function.
When CEL/DTC codes are cleared…they are gone. Any associated I/M monitors go into “Not Ready” mode.
They will display that until the vehicle has gone through the proper drive cycles for each monitor. They will then show either “Ready” or throw a code.
If you went to an auction and scanned a car that had I/M monitors in “not ready” status…they were reset very recently. Either gamble on an easy fix…or walk.
I have the CHEAPEST scanner I’ve seen. Actron lowest level reader from Advance Auto…it has the ability to check I/M monitors.
What models are you using?
USB OBD2 interface + some free software like scantool.net (or buy one of the many programs available to do things better, that program sucks but it does do the job). I think I paid like $25 a few years ago. You can get bluetooth units that interface with android/iphone apps to do the same thing.
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Mostly used it for reading/clearing codes, and monitoring sensor datastreams (Is that O2 sensor throwing a code because it’s getting a crappy reading due to exhaust leak, or is it actually broken?).
Ive got this joint
it actually says it does check im status but ive never been able to? Just reset my tahoe cel for evap and tried to find im status with no luck
A lot of cars you can check if the monitors are set without a scanner. Some cars if you turn the key to the on position without starting the car the CEL will come on and go off after about 30 seconds. If it flashes before going out the readiness monitors are not set. It was like this on my Honda, Acura, and Mazda at least. Something to try.
Dave look for an option on your scanner called Drive Cycle Monitor, sometimes located under a special tests menu, sometime in the diagnostics code menus. Those are the aptly know ready monitors. OK= good to go, INC = incomplete/inconclusive
And as stated, once codes are cleared they’re gone unless tripped again.