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diagnostics code readers

Hello,

I'm a bit confused about these diagnostic code readers. The more googling I do, the more confused I become.

I thought that all cars after 2000-ish had to be OBD-II compliant? Doesn't that mean that any car of that age will work with any code reader?

From what I have read on the net, there seem to be two groups: VAG and everyone else. VAG needs different software and is VW and Audi Group. Is that right?

I was also looking at Vauxhalls and web sites seemed to be suggesting that they used a different system too.

Am I getting older and newer cars mixed-up? Is it that before 2000-ish there was not agreed standard so that VAG used something different to vauxhall, who used something different to everyone else?

Will all post 2000 cars be OBDII and work with any old ELM CANBUS interface off ebay?

I appreciate that each manufacturer will have their own specialised software to work magic but just for reading fault codes etc?

Thanks.

Reply to
Stephen
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Nope; 2001 MY for petrol, but not until 2003 for diesel.

The original OBD systems were US; some manufacturers pre-2001 used the US system on European cars in the expectation that it would be adopted here. However, the standard was altered here to become E-OBD.

That means three broad groups, although that is a simplification.

See above.

If only!

All post-2001 petrols, and all post-2003 diesels should be capable of basic fault code interrogation using the same equipment.

Trouble is, from the POV of fault diagnosis you need more. And the equipment you then need is vehicle specific.

There is a lot of useful information about this on the 'net if you Google for it.

Chris

Reply to
Chris Whelan

Not here - it's a US standard and only covers emission related things.

Reply to
Dave Plowman (News)

In message , "Dave Plowman (News)" writes

Um, yes here. E-OBD-II. It has to be fitted and it has to provide certain data to a 'standard' code reader. Any other information can be manufacturer specific and proprietary/not available unless you have a suitable reader.

Reply to
Clint Sharp

No, not really. All cars after a certain date will do ODB-II, but most manufacturers have extensions to the diagnostics, so a basic reader will only read a subset of codes. Also, the manufacter-specific software will allow you to reprogram some controllers in the car.

Reply to
Chris Bartram

And the free ones will talk to VAG group cars but VAG-Com's so good that not buying it is only sensible if you value your time at pence per hour.

Reply to
Duncan Wood

Indeed. There's an example on Ross-Tech's site for the relatively common relay 109 problem:

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Reply to
Chris Bartram

My '96 Volvo uses OBDII.

I've got a Snap-On OBD diagnostic gubbin, there are around 30 'code keys' with it for different vehicles. Can read almost everything, can't reset the bloody service light on my Volvo with it though.

Got a proper VAG-COM box as well. Its rubbish.

Reply to
Pete M

On some 850's if the odometer is above the speedo needle you turn on the ign. press the button (under the grommet to the left of the speedo) with a suitable thing and turn off the ign, not the rest of the models though.

Reply to
Mrcheerful

Indeed there is. Not on a '96 850 though. Mine's got the old mechanical trip meter and no rubber grommet. It's not got the Volvo diagnostic gubbin under the bonnet with "Plug A/B Socket 1/2" either as it is one of the in-betweenys. Has to be done through the OBDII, but with a special Volvo reset tool. Bit annoying that.

Reply to
Pete M

You're genuinely the only person I've heard say that. What don't you like, and what version is it?

Reply to
Chris Bartram

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