Reading Codes
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From: Cleveland to Hotlanta
Reading Codes
I have had a flurry of bells and signals go off on my car in the last 6 weeks - Service stability system soon, seat belt light, abs brake light, etc. So I took it to AutoZone to have the codes read - they said no codes returned... 
What kind of code reader do they have? I guess I have to go to a dealer to have it done properly, right? Or will a regular car repair shop have a better code reader than Auto Zone... ??
What kind of code reader do they have? I guess I have to go to a dealer to have it done properly, right? Or will a regular car repair shop have a better code reader than Auto Zone... ??
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They had a little hand-held orange box, about the size of two cigarette packs, which looked pretty cheesy. I was surprised about the "no codes" reading, but he said the engine checked out fine - no codes, and I'd have to go to a dealer for the stability system code check. So I don't know wtf, maybe I should go to another AutoZone..
RIP
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Grand Rapids, Mi
The Autozones around here use the Actron code reader, which is orange. It'* a good code reader, but can only do so much. Your stability system code is likely a problem with the steering position sensor. The column has to be removed to replace it, and there are something like 3 different options as to which sensor you have. You find out when it'* removed. 
Not an easy job.
Are you having traction control issues, also? ABS codes can only be read at the dealer, or with a very expensive scanner. Could very well be a wheel speed sensor on one of the hubs that is causing the problem. It could range from a bad connection, to a bad sensor which requires that the hub be replaced.
The seatbelt warning could be just a loose connection in the seat.
Not an easy job.Are you having traction control issues, also? ABS codes can only be read at the dealer, or with a very expensive scanner. Could very well be a wheel speed sensor on one of the hubs that is causing the problem. It could range from a bad connection, to a bad sensor which requires that the hub be replaced.
The seatbelt warning could be just a loose connection in the seat.
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I'll try a dealer for a good reading because I definitely have traction control issues. That light goes on constantly in bumper to bumper traffic.
Thanks Archon!
Thanks Archon!
that'* steep!! I regular car repair shop should be ok, yes?
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True Car Nut
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From: Grand Rapids, Mi
Only if the regular repair shop has a Tech II scanner. If they do, chances are they'll charge in the neighborhood of $50 - $60 to scan your car. Sometimes, if you're lucky, you can find a shop who can read the ABS/TC codes and will do it for minimal or no cost. You can try it. You'll be out nothing but your time.
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Saying that a tech2 is required is not true. I currently have an AutoEnginuity scanner and can read all of the sub-systems in most all OBD2 GM vehicles. I had an autotap before this and was pissed to find that the $350 AutoTap couldn't read the Airbag sub-system. I paid $75 to have the dealership tell me that the front impact sensor was bad. So I sold my Autotap for my AutoEnginuity scanner. I wish I was able to keep both because the Autotap was much easier to use and much more configurable, but the AutoEginuity shows you everything.