My Fabia has started to occasionally stutter like it's out of fuel for a second then carry on as normal for a few days, each time triggering the EML to light up but go out after an hour or so. It's done it again but is now staying on, everything is running fine otherwise.
Does anyone have a recommendation for an inexpensive code reader that does more than just the really basic ones and will let me reset the light? Not interested in modifying stuff, just want it to help with diagnostics. Will be keeping this car for a while yet so don't mind spending a bit more if needs be but something around the £30-50 mark would be ideal.
This it’s for
VW/AUDI/SKODA
ANCEL VD500 Pro OBD2 Reader for Volkswagen VW Audi Skoda Seat Diagnosis Check Engine Light EPB ABS SRS Code Reader Oil Throttle Position Adaption Service Due Reset Tool https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07ZJ3V5J3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_44C770DKT5Z24WSEMFK8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Any of the ELM327 bluetooth readers from eBay for about a fiver plus either Torque Free or Car Scanner apps will do what you need. I've used a cheapy ELM327, and currently have a Vgate iCar 2 - both do the same job.
Carista dongle and app? Works on pretty much most cars and vans.
Carista reader and app are good and easy to use. But Skoda wouldn't accept any fault codes I read myself.
A cheap obd will read and clear
Vcds is good but more complex
The Ancell above. Also good for retracting the electric rear calipers.
VCDS will get you to the sub-controllers that VW litter about the place, but for general diagnosis of engine ECU, body computer and airbag, a standard EML327 reader and some basic software will be fine. A carista dongle and the app would be perfect.
It's a near-base level Mk2 and well out of warranty so don't need to worry about dealer stuff or even rear calipers (has drums). The Ancell does look like it can delve deeper if needed than the generic stuff, not interested in the Carista as it's a sub-based system by the looks of it unless I'm missing something.
I treated myself to a fairly posh one recently. If you are anywhere near Galashiels you are welcome to pop round and plug it in, pm me.
I'm in South Wales so that would be a bit of a trek!
Have ordered the Ancel as it gets good reviews on the Skoda forums too, thanks everyone.
The reader arrived this afternoon and I've just used it on the car. Came back with 2 faults being read, both for the O2 sensor (just to double check, that is the Lambda sensor right?). One was for high voltage and the other was for slow response. I've cleared them for the time being and will see if they come back, I'll leave the reader in the glovebox and use it as soon as the EML illuminates again. If it is the sensor then they're only £35 for a Bosch one and easy to replace. I've been under the bonnet and cleaned the connector on it just in case it is that, see if it comes back now!