I know I need work done on my van … it is 20 years … To be truthful... I don't trust most mechanics… I have had things done in the past that weren't called for just to bolster their bill. I am wondering if anyone has tried the monitors that you plug into system. Here is the one I am thinking about.

https://getfixd.io/


I would appreciate any feedback you may be able to provide. Thank you. One thing I know nothing about, in all reality, is auto mechanics.

Thank you,

Garry-

I have one and it has helped me narrow down issues and finally find the cause of the problem. Mine was the kind that connects to a smartphone via bluetooth. It's a very basic code reader, but if your check engine light is on, it can tell you the code and the reason for the code.

Once you get the code, you may need to do some leg work online looking up your years make and model along with the code. Theres a good chance someone else has had the same issue.

Many auto part stores also have code readers that can test your vehicle and give you the codes, usually free of charge. If you're not comfortable doing the repair yourself, I usually make it a habit of telling mechanic what i think needs fixing and having them double check my diagnosis, but calling me to confirm or if something else comes up. That way I can decide if I want that particular "add-on" performed that day or not.

Good luck!

sometimes you can go to auto zone or similar place and they will read your codes for free you write them down then you stop right there and tell them you need to go home and do some reading on these codes and you will be back for parts if you need them.

if you feel guilt for using them buy a product you were already going to need like ArmorAll and shop rags.

research your codes say you need an O2 sensor you can dind out how much the part is by calling , and you can call around and get quotes for how much to replace it.

watch a few you tube videos on how to replace to understand what it is where it is and how it is done and if their price is fair given parts and labor.

This is what I want to do and why I was thinking about one … I know practically nothing about cars and would never attempt doing anything. When all of my buddies were out, learning cars from the ground up, (teen age Years), I was trapping, hunting and fishing. That was my way of helping to food on the table for our family. DID you look at the one I posted? It is the one like you have? I had to cut and paste the link it wouldn't open up unless I did for some reason.

Garry-

I change the 02 Sensor on my Toyota Echo. No skill needed. Just have to take out the passenger seat and pull back the carpet.

I don't have experience with that one in particular. What I suggest is going on amazon and searching for "OBD2 scanner bluetooth" and finding one with at least a couple thousand reviews and still has a 4+ star rating. There are a couple I see from Panlong and Veepeak that should fit the bill. Make sure they're compatible with your phone (android vs iOS) and go from there. Shouldn't need to spend more than $15 or so to get one.

Some fixes are easier than others.

No offense, but if you know nothing about cars, I don't think you'll understand what your scanner is telling ya.

It doesn't take a master mechanic to type a code and car info into Google and know whether you car needs a fuel pump or a spark plug. Seems like Actor is just trying to avoid getting ripped off at the mechanic, not necessarily get info for fixing it himself.

The link doesn't work, but I'm assuming it's either a code reader or a scan tool. A code reader provides just a code, a scan tool also provides data that the various computers are seeing. But either way you still need the skill to interpret and diagnose the information provided. There's no such thing as a code that means "replace part X".

For example, a "P0135--O2 sensor bank 1 sensor 1 heater circuit malfunction" indicates a problem with the 02
sensor heater, but the problem could be the O2 sensor itself, there could be a wire broken, maybe a connector is unplugged, maybe a driver in the PCM burned out. You might get lucky replacing the O2 sensor, but maybe not.

Then you might get into codes that don't even involve a specific part for example a "P0171-bank 1 lean" code. Then youll have to have a scan tool to be able to see and interpret fuel trim numbers. And you'd have to know what can cause a lean condition, and how to investigate each possible cause.

You can type a code in on Google and get some possible common causes for various codes and you might get lucky, but if not you could spend a lot of time and money throwing unneeded parts at a vehicle.

Exactly,

Alot of the time experience tells a good mechanic there is another reason for a certain code.

You're right. I have a basic understanding of cars and my scan tool has enough features to mo key around with that it help me diagnose a bad O2 sensor in my trailblazer. They can help point you in the right direction, and can be had for around $12.

Sometimes they they point to the exact problem. Sometimes they don't.

No... I have NO intentions of working or even thinking about working... I will stick to repairing steel traps. But I do have friend, my age and older that no longer work on cars that can help me understand what is going one. And tlguy is correct … I am getting tired of being ripped off by mechanic that charge $135 to $175 dph and fettle fart around so they can charge you more... especially when you are a senior citizen.

BTW... cut and paste that link I posted, I don't know why it won't responder to curser action. Thanks for the info.

Garry-

Know what I love best about that commercial? They are ripping you off while warning you about someone else ripping you off. OBD Bluetooth scanners can be had for a lot less money, and any advice that can be had by them is only a google search away.

As others have advised, if you are looking for a cheap OBD2 scanner, then either go totally cheap and get an elm327 unit for around $10.00, or get a higher quality obdlink lx for around $50.00. They both do basically the same thing as far as the average user goes, but the elm327 is more likely to break or arrive dead. The LX unit is higher quality and way less buggy. Whichever unit you buy, download the Torque link to your phone to talk to the car. It's free for Android phones, and cheap for iPhones.

Joe