OBD2 scanners

[Paul Mitchel]

Hi, my first time on.
I have recently bought a 2001 Winnibago which is on a Workhorse chassis W22, Voetex 8100 engine (L18). My question is:- am I using the right scanner to confirm engine and powertrain performance. I am using an Innova CanOBD2 Mod. 3160B. It is trying to tell me that there is no history for engine or ABS performance. Does that mean we have the wrong scanner or we have no problems with anything??? In the meantime it runs and pulls like a supercharged mink. Any thoughts????

[Arch Hoagland]

Have you had any check engine lights or warning lights on the dash?

If not you won't set any trouble codes.

[Paul Mitchel]

Hi Arch Hoagland, Thanks for the quick reply. No, no lights. Just trying to confirm that I have the right scanner.

[Arch Hoagland]

I don't think think there is any right or wrong scanner. They all read OBDii codes which is a standard. The information on yours indicates it is just fine for what you are doing.

You won't see any trouble codes if none were set.

I've got an Ultragauge OBDii connected all the time as I'm having some O2 sensor problems.

[Wanabee FTer]

Originally Posted by Paul Mitchel

My question is:- am I using the right scanner to confirm engine and powertrain performance. I am using an Innova CanOBD2 Mod. 3160B. It is trying to tell me that there is no history for engine or ABS performance.

What you are stating is a good thing.

Think of your scanner as doing the same job of a pc computer's monitor. It allows you to see what is going on inside your vehicles on-board OBD II computer system.

The on board OBD II system will store codes if there is any problem. It is constantly monitoring most engine functions (and a few others) and will set a hard or a soft code in history if it see's a problem during it's real time testing routines.

A soft code means the OBD system detected a fault during normal operation, but the fault went away or is intermittent. It will log a fault code in history for a set amount of time that can be read with your OBD II scan tool.

A hard code means a problem occurred more then a pre-determined number of times and may still be occurring during the scan. It will store info into history as to how often the problem is occurring.

Hope this helps

[Paul Mitchel]

Hey Guys, Thanks for all your input. Obviously, I am on the right track with the right scanner, and no news is good news. So, I won't have to fix something that isn't broken. Thanks again.