Can I safely generate a CEL to test my reader?

[pauljsgreen]

i bought a U480 (i think) OBDII reader on eBay and want to "test" it to make sure it works and is compatible with my cars.

eBay Link

my boxster shows "no codes" as does my 1999 BMW 528i, which i simply don't believe. The boxster is difficult to start when warm too (got new Bosch plugs to install at the weekend).

i recently cleaned the throttle body and MAF, etc. i removed the connector from the MAF while the engine was running expecting to get some codes - nothing!

does anyone have any advice on how to safely generate a code that i can then read and erase with my reader?

thanks

paul

[Loren]

Unplug the MAF and run the engine for about 5 minutes.

[bmohr]

You're warm start issues can be a failing starter motor...which won't throw any codes.

bmohr

[pauljsgreen]

You're warm start issues can be a failing starter motor...which won't throw any codes.

bmohr

that's very interesting...... i had no idea the starter motor was a possibility.

would that be the case even though the engine spins over very fast?

any way of accurately diagnosing wothout swapping the starter motor?

i ordered and just received a service kit including new spark plugs - i hoped that was maybe my answer, but maybe not!!

plugs will be done at the weekend regardless......

what a "joy" these cars are to work on for a DIYer :)

ta

paul

[Tool Pants]

At the tech sessions. The electrical conntector to one of the fuel injectors is disconnected, then the engine started and turned off. Or, with the engine running, remove the oil cap until the check engine light comes on. I like the injector since you will quickly get a misfire fault code.

[White987S]

Remove the gas cap.

[pauljsgreen]

hi,

changed the oil, filter and plugs at the weekend.

did both suggestions - fired up the car with one plug disconnected and idled it and drove it with no gas cap on....

no CEL!!! the light does come on before starting the engine.

how easy is it to disconnect an injector? :angry:

any ideas where to go now?

many thanks again

paul