• RME Gear & Apparel

OBD2 to PC interface

B

bobdog

4x4 Addict!
Location
Sandy
Anyone have any experience with one of these?
http://obddiagnostics.com/

I need to get a scan tool to work on my BMW and this seems like the way to go. With an old laptop and and interface It seems like I would have a way better setup than the ones like they sell at CHecker for $300 for less money. Also does anyone know where the cheapest place to find an old lap top is. You only need one running Windows 95 or newer.

Also if there are any techs onboard. The codes I am getting are:
P0101 which is a MAF Range/Performance Problem
P0121 which is a TPS Range performance Problem

The car has a very intermitant rough idle and every once in while seems to jerk ever so slightly when cruising.

I can't find much out about these codes. I hope the sensors don't have to be replaced. From the little research I have done It sounds like the MAF is seeing a different amount of flow than it thinks it should with the throtle open a certain amount(unmetered air entering intake system?). First thing I am going to look for is leaks. I have checked the TPS with a MM and it checks OK. Has anyone ever cleaned a MAF with electronic contact cleaner? If anyone has any ideas I could sure use the help. I will not return to the stealership ever. They tried to rip me off to the tune of $400 for an O2 sensor that was just unpluged( I beleive they actually unplugged it) last time I was there.
 
Caleb

Caleb

Well-Known Member
Location
Riverton
well I had a friend who cleaned his MAF with just regular carb cleaner...claims it worked but I don't really know if I would want to try it...I had a bad MAF on my wife's Jetta...the codes that pulled up said both the MAF and O2 were bad...I replaced the MAF and everything is fine now...


BTW, I have not had any experience with that other than what I have read from the guys on POR...everyone that has used it has liked it...I was looking at that the other day...I willprobably get it in the next little while...It would be WAY nice to have and I already have a laptop...
 
B

bobdog

4x4 Addict!
Location
Sandy
supergper said:
well I had a friend who cleaned his MAF with just regular carb cleaner...claims it worked but I don't really know if I would want to try it...I had a bad MAF on my wife's Jetta...the codes that pulled up said both the MAF and O2 were bad...I replaced the MAF and everything is fine now...


BTW, I have not had any experience with that other than what I have read from the guys on POR...everyone that has used it has liked it...I was looking at that the other day...I willprobably get it in the next little while...It would be WAY nice to have and I already have a laptop...
Click to expand...

I have never seen disscussion on POR I will search there. Is the one you are looking at the same as the link I posted?

If I have a bad sensor I sure hope it is the $80 TPS and not the $400 MAF but what little info I can find on my codes(mostly from Chevy LS1 boards) people replace MAFs and it does not solve the problem. I think I really need a scan tool so I can see exactly what the sensors are doing while driving.
 
Caleb

Caleb

Well-Known Member
Location
Riverton
bobdog said:
I have never seen disscussion on POR I will search there. Is the one you are looking at the same as the link I posted?

If I have a bad sensor I sure hope it is the $80 TPS and not the $400 MAF but what little info I can find on my codes(mostly from Chevy LS1 boards) people replace MAFs and it does not solve the problem. I think I really need a scan tool so I can see exactly what the sensors are doing while driving.
Click to expand...


yep, its that exact one...there was just a thread abou thtem yesterday (I think, maybe it was the day before)...either way it was just barely brought up over there...and it has been brought up quite a bit over there...
 
B

bobdog

4x4 Addict!
Location
Sandy
I just ordered the interface. I figure I cant lose for $88, even if it is only used as a code reader. I am sure I will be able to use the scan features also.

I took a chance and sprayed the MAF elements with CRC QD electronic cleaner. Took it for a test drive and it ran perfectly and the check engine light did not come on. I am crossing my fingers.

Mark let me know what you are asking for that Laptop I am shopping for one.
 
Caleb

Caleb

Well-Known Member
Location
Riverton
bobdog said:
I just ordered the interface. I figure I cant lose for $88, even if it is only used as a code reader. I am sure I will be able to use the scan features also.

I took a chance and sprayed the MAF elements with CRC QD electronic cleaner. Took it for a test drive and it ran perfectly and the check engine light did not come on. I am crossing my fingers.

Mark let me know what you are asking for that Laptop I am shopping for one.
Click to expand...


sweet, let us know how it works...
 
C

cheapzuk

Registered User
Location
Saint George
I would look at the maf and see if it is dirty. If it is already bad than what is the harm by trying to clean it. We use starting fluid all the time at work to clean the maf.
 
B

bobdog

4x4 Addict!
Location
Sandy
cheapzuk said:
I would look at the maf and see if it is dirty. If it is already bad than what is the harm by trying to clean it. We use starting fluid all the time at work to clean the maf.
Click to expand...

It looked looked perfectly clean. Sprayed it with Electical cleaner anyway and so far so good. With my luck I am not holding my breath though. From what I have been able to find out the code I am getting does not usually mean a bad sensor. It can often be a dirty one but usually that is caused by K and N filters with too much oil and I run stock paper. A common cause for a P0101 on a Ls1 Chevy is a bad AC compressor switch drawing voltage away from the sensor. Vacume leak will throw it also. It is very common with big cams but I do not have one. It sure is hard to get good tech info on the web for BMWs. On a BMW forum a do it yourself oil change is high tech. They can go on and on about how great the four pronged $12 spark plugs are.
 
Caleb

Caleb

Well-Known Member
Location
Riverton
bobdog said:
...On a BMW forum a do it yourself oil change is high tech. They can go on and on about how great the four pronged $12 spark plugs are.
Click to expand...


:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: now thats funny, I'm sure its true but damn is it funny:D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top