Code reader

[Morris]

My Sorento is being a bit naughty and I really need to check for fault codes. A mate has one but I really don't want to keep bothering him every time I need to check something.
So what do the panel recommend? It needs to be reasonably priced, easy for a numpty to use and reliable.
It's a 2005 Sorento ex diesel.
Thanks

 

[Wozzaaah]

What are you considering is “reasonably priced”? A £10 cheapy will read and reset basic codes but that’s all. If you want anything that will do more than that then you’ll have to dig fairly deep. Even a Foxwell NT530 with the Kia module will set you back £164.

 

[RWD3M]

I have an iCarsoft V3.0 for my Jag. They come in at around £170 and although running some specific software for JLR they will deal with most OBDII equipped vehicles.

 

[dobbslc]

Topdon artidiag 500 is what I have and it's pretty good.

 

[Wozzaaah]

Topdon artidiag 500 is what I have and it's pretty good.

Is that a generic one or do you have to pay for specific manufacturers modules? What sort of stuff can it do?

 

[hollow]

Autel ap200. Really good for one brand of car. You have to pay extra for other brands. Does fancy things like rewind electric handbrakes and program keys and such. I have the proper manufacturers software but use this little dongle most of the time. Bout 70 of your pounds and uses your smartphone as its screen.

 

[Melvyn Best]

It's a 2005 Sorento ex diesel.

Ex diesel? That sounds serious.
I am fortunate in that I have access to several diagnostic devices, all of them serious money but none of them will do everything on all vehicles . Cheaper options are likely to do even less . My suggestion would be to ask on one of the Sorento owners forums which device gets the most recommendations or if you find your friends works well then get the same?

 

[dobbslc]

Is that a generic one or do you have to pay for specific manufacturers modules? What sort of stuff can it do?

No payment required on this one. It will work with almost every manufacturer.
It will pull up fault codes and clear them on the engine, ABS, SRS systems and reads live data like wheel speeds, O2 sensor readings etc.
I've diagnosed faults on a Mitsubishi Outlander (fuel pressure regulator) Toyota Aygo (seatbelt airbag, steering ECU & catalytic converter failure) Honda CRV, (automatic transmission shift lever position sensor) saved me fortune!
It won't code keys or ECU's etc.

 

[Morris]

Thanks for the replies. I'll reply properly later.

 

[Morris]

I've had a look at the suggestions and they all look very capable (to my eyes anyway). I'm don't have a clue really as to what is reasonably priced as I've never bought one. I do know that my mates cost a sizeable amount but he's a mechanic and it's all singing with licences for almost everything.
I've asked on the Kia Sorento series 1 Facebook page and the choice seems to be an el cheapo plug in bluetooth thingy with a free app on your phone. Bear in mind that on the series 1 (especially the manual box ones) there is nothing to look at except for engine functions. There's no brakes to wind back or any other of the functions that modern stuff needs so a basic unit makes sense.
My mate will be here tomorrow with his box of tricks so we'll see what lurks within.

 

[RWD3M]

Ex diesel? That sounds serious.
I am fortunate in that I have access to several diagnostic devices, all of them serious money but none of them will do everything on all vehicles . Cheaper options are likely to do even less . My suggestion would be to ask on one of the Sorento owners forums which device gets the most recommendations or if you find your friends works well then get the same?

My S2a is an ex-diesel! Seriously, it was a diesel but now has a 2 1/4 petrol in it. Not done by me I hasten to add