Got a Check Engine Light, ABS Light, or Airbag Light on?

It came to my attention last night, that I might have been withholding information for personal use only, lol. While I do have the tools necessary to scan and diagnose Porsches, I also have a little fellow that will diagnose other cars as well. If you have an airbag light, check engine light (CEL), or anti lock brake system (ABS) light that stays on when driving, likely you have a problem with one of those systems. A lot of times a CEL can be due to a bad oxygen, maf, or temp sensor which can all negatively affect gas mileage.  An ABS code is often due to a bad wheel sensor, and airbag codes can be due to bad crash sensors, seat buckles, etc.  When the lights are on, specifically with the airbag and ABS, that can also mean the system is not active, so that is a definite issue that should be addressed asap!

 I hate to see people take their cars up to the dealer to have the codes scanned, as they will charge $100 or more just to plug the tool in to tell you what is wrong. I am hearing that autoparts stores in certain areas are also starting to no longer read down engine light codes for customers for free anymore (they are/were limited to reading CELs only anyway, and could not typically read abs or airbag codes). Thanks to our wonderful legal system, it appears that they can be held negligable if they read down a light and turn off the light, and then something fails on the car that causes an accident.  While the lights should never be turned off without fixing the problem first, I guess the mistake could be made. 

I ended up picking up the scanner due to an airbag light on in my 2500HD (as well as an occasional CEL in Squeaks).  I was pretty sure I had a bad front impact sensor as the light appeared after checking the oil (and closing the hood, which could have been enough vibration to do the sensor in), but I wasn’t going to pay the dealer over $100 just to tell me that was the issue.  So I figured I would just invest that into a scanner.  Finding a scanner that will read down ABS and airbag lights is the kicker, as most will only read down CEL lights.  The Autel AA101 was the answer. 

Anyway, if you are puttering around in your non-porsche daily driver with a light on, give me a shout, and lets figure out what is going on with it, and get the systems functioning properly again.

The scanner should work on the following OBDII vehicles:
Toyota 1994-2008
Honda 1994-2008
Nissan 1994-2008

Mazda 1996-2008
Mitsubishi 1994-2008

GM 1984-2008
Ford 1984-2008

Chrysler 1988-2008
Renault 1996-2008

Citroen 1996-2008
Peugeot 1996-2008

VW/ AUDI 1990-2008
BMW & Mini 1993-2008

Mercedes 1995-2008
Volvo 1996-2008
Opel 1997-2008

With it we can read:

· Diagnose and clear engine, airbag, and ABS failures
· Turn off engine, ABS and airbag warning lights for most USA Domestic,
? Asian and European vehicles
· Global OBD II coverage(US, Asian & European)
· Read/clear codes for Tire Pressure Monitor Systems
· Display DTC definitions on unit screen
· Retrieve ECU information(VIN, CIN and CVN)
· Data graphing
· Read, store & playback live data
· Diagnose and clear engine, airbag, and ABS failures
· Turn off engine, ABS and airbag warning lights for most USA Domestic,
? Asian and European vehicles
· Read/clear codes for Tire Pressure Monitor Systems