Comments on: What Does That Check Engine Light Really Mean?

By: CJ

CJ — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 10:26:01 +0000

In the aviation world, the check engine light is the same as the “Master Caution” light. It means there was an electrical spike somewhere and you need to reset the light. Not if it comes on more than once…then there may be a problem…

By: hvorre

hvorre — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 06:31:23 +0000

It’s amazing. I like it. Sounds good to me, even though I can’t agree with everything

By: KaiserM715

KaiserM715 — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 15:07:12 +0000

I own the EZ-Scan 4000 (the same unit as the 6000, less some of the software upgrades and does not include the OBD I cables like the 6000) and have been very happy with it. A little internet searching (eBay…) will get you a 6000 for around $375. For the number of features that you get, the 6000 is a better deal than the 4000 that I have. One thing not mentioned in the review is that the 6000 also includes manufacturer enhanced codes for Ford, GM, Chrysler and Toyota (I purchased the Ford and GM update separately for the 4000), a feature that not many other units in this price range include.

By: james b

james b — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 16:06:59 +0000

Won’t most newer vehicles dump the code to the digital odometer or the flash the dash lights - - - - - - - = 43, etc? I’ve done this on a Jeep, and Honda to reset service soon indicator on the Honda, and seen that the Jeep had a downstream O2 sensor error.

By: bob

bob — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 17:33:58 +0000

B&B electronics (www.bb-elec.com) offers a few different flavors of scanners that are effective and better suited to the home user than the EZ Scan, which at over $500 is a bit expensive for the backyard mechanic. I’ve used their Auto Tap version 1 product for years. The B&B products use a PC w/ USB, or there is also a palm-compatible version. These come in at $199.95 for generic OBD II parameter support for almost all mfr’s (OBD II is 1996 and newer), and for the advanced user, manufacturer-specific expanded parameter upgrades can be purchased. If you already have a palm or a laptop (this will run on a fairly antiquated machine … a 233mhz pentium running Win98, for example) this is a good option for you. B&B also supports backyard mechanics by sponsoring the OBD II site http://obdii.com/ … I’m not in any way affiliated with this co., but I’ve found their stuff extremely helpful on my 1996 Chevrolet Impala SS and my wife’s former 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix GT.