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My car threw a CEL a week ago. I took it to an Autozone and had them use their OBDII scanner on it to see what was wrong. It was the evap system (prevents evaporating gasoline from escaping fuel tank) which I sort of guessed as I was getting the "Check Fuel Cap" message on the IP display. Tonight I went to the dealer and we discussed what may be the problem (best guess - faulty gas cap). I mentioned going to Autozone. He told me that Honda has just sent a letter out recently to their dealers saying not to use third party OBDII readers on hybrids as they can affect the software in the hybrid controller.

Did anyone else know this? Does Toyota or Ford say the same thing? I don't like this. A CEL is annoying enough since it doesn't tell you the severity of the problem but not being able to read what your car is telling you is not good. :(

First I've heard of it. I don't use a scangauge, but if it is just reading data on the bus I don't see how it could be a problem. And clearing a CEL should be pretty standard I would guess.

Maybe others that actually have Scanguages can give a more qualified answer.

Did anyone else know this? Does Toyota or Ford say the same thing? I don't like this. A CEL is annoying enough since it doesn't tell you the severity of the problem but not being able to read what your car is telling you is not good. :(


I would surmise that it depends heavily on the capabilities of the OBD reader. However, since most modern readers (including SG) can perform "write" functions then it would be safe for manufacturers to abject to the use of ALL OBD "readers/scanners".

The implications could be serious if they openly condone their use as some drivers can potentially alter the configuration of one or more downtream sub-systems (whether on purpose or not) and then cause issues with the warranty fulfillments or normal servicing.

just my 2 cents.

Cheers;

MSantos

All I want is to read the CEL code and clear the code to see if I get it again immediately. I should be able to do that without trouble.

Absolutely true !! Any reader I know of can perform that function without any concerns whatsoever.

MSantos