after all, those bastards wrote the computer codes that run the vehicles computers, and when THEIR check engine light is activated, they have the source code in their database, and with a simple connection to their website, we ought to be able to get an instant idea of what's going on.
Is it just bad gas (happened to me in Barstow a couple years ago) or a loose gas cap, or is it emissions, oil pressure, the O2 sensor, or something that will cause our engine to grenade?
I don't think that would work because they don't know.
ReplyDeleteIt records a fault code which turns on the light but that code is for a system fault. Somewhere in that system there's a problem but it could be caused by a part failure, damage, or dumb operator (which I have first hand knowledge of).
On my truck a code could be a loose gas cap, punctured tank, solenoid tank vent, line damage, vapor recovery tank fail, or vapor tank to engine intake connection. A $30 hand held reader will give you the code then the internet conversations will tell you which part of the system is most likely culprit.
How about a device you leave plugged into the OBD port, which bluetooths to your phone, then an app that links to internet site(s) to research the code?
ReplyDeleteDon in Oregon
Absolutely. I am a simple car guy, I just want a simple understanding of the effing "check engine" light, as it's a damn liar. There is no checking an engine on new computer equipped vehicles, unless it's by the trained mechanic at the dealership, with the factory software.
DeleteI happen to think, though, that every reason that damn light comes on, has a simple trigger, from an individual sensor, and that information belongs to the owner of the car, as they own the sensor, and the computers, and the AV display, and the OBD port... and ALL of it should work FOR the owner/driver, to simply let us know "what just happened to turn on the check engine light"
No matter what, that light should not exist. "See Dealership service dept" would make sense, and not annoy me.
But "Check Engine" was last logical in 1971, before smoggy shit was added into the engine bays, and we owners/mechanics could fix anything under the hood with simple garage tool boxes.
So, since the world moved on, and tech invaded the cars, and we all have cell phones with internet, how about, like you, Don, just suggested, we benefit from some aftermarket company making that OBD to phone device! You're on point!
Thank you!
Of course they can. Cars now have huge screens that could tell exactly what is happening. However, how the dealers would make that extra cash by lying to you?
ReplyDeleteYou're absolutely right, and that's why it's got to be an aftermarket product.
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