Just bought a low priced OBD2 code scanner and data reader, specifically to help with transmission work on Scenic, but also will cover most makes and models since about 2004. My previous simple little Autel code reader could not read the auto faults in the 03-04 Scenic, it is one of those cars in the limbo area between having nil coverage or having full coverage, nor could it show temperatures, etc, just read the fault codes.
"Low Price" is open to conjecture - you can get a simple code reader for $50 and a professional workshop these days would spend $3000-$6000 for a quality hand held unit. This one was $395 from OBD2australia.com.au, warehouse in Perth so I was able to pick it up myself. The brand is iCarSoft which seems fairly popular worldwide with a good European presence. They make "one make" readers with similar database coverage (eg, Renault only), also some with EU coverage (many makes & models), this one (CR PRO) covers basically all makes and models worldwide, so I hope it will come in handy quite often.
I am no expert in these things, but learning fast. There seem to be various functions available, you pay more for more functions. This unit does fault code reading, live data readings (eg, oil pressure, temperature, solenoid on/off, etc) and also does Service Resets (eg, Oil Change light, Service Due, Battery Change reset, etc).
There is a huge number of vehicles available. This video of the makes available to select:
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipNKbnLzc2sl3thkOzn-0RvXyScfTRneV-W1kam6
When the Renault make is entered this is a video of the models it covers:
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipNkOtLjgn4rmLDqUOXxaaU-74IzlcevbZ8_cAlh
(The Scenic I is included with the early Megane - Megane/Scenic, later Scenics have individual databases).
(If the videos don't work direct from my Google Photos, I will copy them to Youtube).
Plugs into PC with USB for updates and saving files (I think) and printing reports. Keyboard in photo for scale.
Showing some of the systems available to be checked - varies with make /model.
Showing fault code DF131 in the auto trans - simply Slip. No other faults are logged.
Stored data selected, file created.
Direct reading from my Scenic, Auto Trans data, I have selected these items to be shown, should be useful info when I use it in anger.
So this is nearly warmed up, not been driven so not hot, trans temp 85°C, engine coolant 99°C. Easier than getting under car with hydraulic pressure gauge and digital temp gauge!
This are the resets available in the SERVICE section. (Only as available on particular models - I think none on Scenic 1).
Home screen - SERVICE RESETS selected.
Well I hope to be able to use this to my advantage. Already I can do stuff which before was difficult, ie, trans temp for fluid level check, and trans line pressure. I have much to learn though.
Hope this info is useful to some who may have been looking for something like this.
My disclaimer here: The supplier (OBD2 Australia) has a local presence, and have been excellent to converse with by email, responses within the hour or less, and instant on their Chat line. I believe this unit to be of reasonable quality and worldwide reputation but you get what you pay for, and the first unit I picked up had a dodgy microswitch in the Up-Down-Left-Right arrows selector switch, hopefully an isolated case. I sent them a quick video of the fault as requested, and immediately they advised another new unit was available at the warehouse for pickup. I chose to pick up as they are very local to me, but they obviously do most of their shipments by post. Very good to deal with.
Cheers.
"Low Price" is open to conjecture - you can get a simple code reader for $50 and a professional workshop these days would spend $3000-$6000 for a quality hand held unit. This one was $395 from OBD2australia.com.au, warehouse in Perth so I was able to pick it up myself. The brand is iCarSoft which seems fairly popular worldwide with a good European presence. They make "one make" readers with similar database coverage (eg, Renault only), also some with EU coverage (many makes & models), this one (CR PRO) covers basically all makes and models worldwide, so I hope it will come in handy quite often.
I am no expert in these things, but learning fast. There seem to be various functions available, you pay more for more functions. This unit does fault code reading, live data readings (eg, oil pressure, temperature, solenoid on/off, etc) and also does Service Resets (eg, Oil Change light, Service Due, Battery Change reset, etc).
There is a huge number of vehicles available. This video of the makes available to select:
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipNKbnLzc2sl3thkOzn-0RvXyScfTRneV-W1kam6
When the Renault make is entered this is a video of the models it covers:
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipNkOtLjgn4rmLDqUOXxaaU-74IzlcevbZ8_cAlh
(The Scenic I is included with the early Megane - Megane/Scenic, later Scenics have individual databases).
(If the videos don't work direct from my Google Photos, I will copy them to Youtube).
Plugs into PC with USB for updates and saving files (I think) and printing reports. Keyboard in photo for scale.
Showing some of the systems available to be checked - varies with make /model.
Showing fault code DF131 in the auto trans - simply Slip. No other faults are logged.
Stored data selected, file created.
Direct reading from my Scenic, Auto Trans data, I have selected these items to be shown, should be useful info when I use it in anger.
So this is nearly warmed up, not been driven so not hot, trans temp 85°C, engine coolant 99°C. Easier than getting under car with hydraulic pressure gauge and digital temp gauge!
This are the resets available in the SERVICE section. (Only as available on particular models - I think none on Scenic 1).
Home screen - SERVICE RESETS selected.
Well I hope to be able to use this to my advantage. Already I can do stuff which before was difficult, ie, trans temp for fluid level check, and trans line pressure. I have much to learn though.
Hope this info is useful to some who may have been looking for something like this.
My disclaimer here: The supplier (OBD2 Australia) has a local presence, and have been excellent to converse with by email, responses within the hour or less, and instant on their Chat line. I believe this unit to be of reasonable quality and worldwide reputation but you get what you pay for, and the first unit I picked up had a dodgy microswitch in the Up-Down-Left-Right arrows selector switch, hopefully an isolated case. I sent them a quick video of the fault as requested, and immediately they advised another new unit was available at the warehouse for pickup. I chose to pick up as they are very local to me, but they obviously do most of their shipments by post. Very good to deal with.
Cheers.