hey guys, i need to find a reasonably priced OBDii reader that's for smog readiness reading only. basically something simple and easy to use and doesn't cost an arm.

i haven't been driving my V8V a lot, since it's a weekend car. went in for service in Oct and now need a smog test. through a helpful fellow here who is a smog expert, i was able to perform drive cycles to clear all the items. but last one AIR (secondary air pump) just refuses to clear. it's been a week, and i am running out of patience. and i hate keep going back to the smog station to bother the guy to plug in his OBD reader. so i want to get one myself.

there's no CEL or no error codes whatsoever according to the smog station. the guy just told me that all those European cars have the most difficult time with AIR (Secondary air pump), usually takes some cold weather start to get it ready, and in his experience is usually the last item to be ready. but i'd like to perform a bunch of different scenario cold starts without keep going back to the smog station.

i just need something simple to use and understand. please nothing complicated. ideally the interfaces with large icons and check marks are the best.

thanks

 

I purchased an Innova 3100 on amazon for $100. Reads all OBD2. And will show readiness for smog ck. Make sure your car is fully warmed up before smog check.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I am looking into the Innova 3100 right now. Is yours a similar model year vantage?

Does it read check engine light error codes as well? In case if I need it in the future.

 

While I have a Porsche GT3 OBDII is a standard...the Innova will do a readiness check as well as display any thrown codes (ck eng light) for any OBDII vehicle

 

thanks. i've never owned a OBDii reader. the only thing that was remotely close to was a $20 blue-tooth one i got few years ago which was only good for reading the most generic check engine code and resetting the CEL, no emission data or anything else. and it doesn't work on the Aston nor the BMW 228. only worked on my wife's 2012 Dodge durango. although it was enough for me to diagnose a thermostat issue few years ago on my wife's dodge and allowed me to change out the thermostat myself and topped off the coolant.

actually just ordered the Foxwell NT301. was in a bit of a hurry and seeing that it would get here tomorrow through Prime delivery, figured i'll give it a shot. Foxwell's website does list Aston on their NT301's product page.

correct me if i am wrong, the difference between the Foxwell "code reader" line NT301/204 vs the higher end "professional Scanner" line NT510/520/530, is that the higher end professional scanner allows you to do more stuff like flashing to each modules and changing parameters. the Code Reader line is just mainly for reading error codes and logging O2 sensors and reading emission data, which is exactly what i need. i'd rather not mess with anything that could potentially alter any pre-configured parameters. Chances are, if i ever run into a CEL or error code, it's good to know what it means and so i can take it to my mechanic. but mainly right now i just need it to check my SAP (AIR Monitor) readiness without keep driving back to the smog station.

 

You might want to check out this thread...


https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...8-vantage.html


oops... nevermind, I see you have already found it and it appears the Foxwell will do the job for you.

 

Yeah thanks regardless. Really appreciate it.

About the scanner. Can it be plugged in and run the emission readiness test when the engine is on? I am reading the manual and it says plug it in and turn the key to ON to run the test. But the smog station tech always seem to leave the car on and plug it in to run the test.

Nowhere in the manual says whether to run the test with engine on is ok. but with the live reading for example, wouldn't you need the engine on and driving to record the readings?

 

Most scanners now should let you plug in while you drive around. Some will give a beep if the readiness codes are completed. I haven't looked into the Foxwell unit yet but just be careful while you check the readiness and drive at the same time.

The secondary air should not take that long to complete. Usually checks during the first few minutes after a cold start.

 

I’ve never checked with the engine running as my instructions also say to just turn on the key and not run the engine...but, I always drive the car first to get it good and warm so the cats will show ready. I see no reason why it can’t be checked while running and likely the smog shops need the car warm to show readiness so they run it. I’ve had them do both.

 

I am not sure why it took so long. It's been almost a week. The smog tech guy said it's pretty common for euro cars especially when weather these days haven't cooled down all that much and it's usually the last item to clear for European cars.

I am going to try start it at 2am a couple times and check with the scanner. If it doesn't clear, sigh.... I might have to take to my mechanic. I've read all kinda of scenarios online with lots of odd occasions where people with cars like BMW or VW that the SAP wouldn't clear for a long time. And then it mysteriously cleared for them. One guy with a E46 took 2 months. Another occasion I read required parking the car at the dealership AC conditioned lot overnight to get it cold enough to clear. But then it could also be a lazy O2 sensor or vaccum leak somewhere that's not throwing a code. I don't know. Really frustrating. Had I known it was going to be like this I would've driven the car more since the service.

 

There is a few things to consider before all monitoring items will set. Battery charge/ condition should be good or checked. Vehicle needs fuel level between 1/4-3/4. Air injection check is usually one of the 1st monitors to set. If all others have set you may need to keep doing a cold start, let car idle for 2-3 minutes then a short 10min drive at normal steady speeds. If it doesn't set after multiple drives you may have to clear everything and start over, meaning erase and start the process again. If there was an actual problem you would have a code within 2 drive cycles.

 

i would very much rather not reset and do it all over again. hate to put unnecessary miles and drive it again until my face turns blue, especially you gotta drive it with such gentle pedal force it's utterly painful, not to mention the various low mph speeds i have to go through. i am really hoping some cold 2am starts will do.

 

I have cleared it and set every monitor except 1 within 8 miles of driving. Allow car to sit overnight regardless of ambient temp outside and set the last monitor without 2nd drive cycle. You getting conflicting opinions of why it doesn't set from people that don't know how it works. Smog guys just say "drive it 50 miles, and come back"

 

well... i got the Foxwell NT301. and sure enough, AIR is the only one that still has an X mark everything else is green check mark. no MIL, and no DTC, or pending DTC.

i am going to try resetting the monitor on my BMW 228i first and see how it regains readiness. the BMW isn't due for any smog test for another couple more years.

Will the scanner update constantly if i leave it plugged in and on the I/M Readiness screen? or do i have to reload the I/M readiness screen again and again.

 

You can keep it on when running or driving to monitor status. I wouldn't leave it plugged in with the car off or overnight as it may draw power from the vehicle.