ASC

Just like the subject line says, I can't read the code causing my CEL to light up.

It came on yesterday during the middle of the day when I started my car. The engine was cold and it came on within a mile of driving off. The light is not blinking, so I wasn't worried about a catastrophic engine problem. In fact the car drives exactly the same as it did before the CEL came on.

I took it down to my local AutoZone and the hooked up the handy-dandy Actron OBDII scanner. Everytime we tried to read the codes, it came back with "Link Failed". I know the standard-operating-procedure: the Actron was connected, the key was turned to the ignition "on" position without starting the car. Then, the "read" button was pressed to initiate the link.

Do the 2006's have a different OBD pinout? or are they now OBD"III"? Am I missing something obvious? I took a guess that it might be a loose gas cap, although I'm very particular about tightening it everytime I fill up. I pulled the ECU fuse to reset the computer, and the light went out and hasn't come up since. I am still curious as to why the Actron scanner couldn't read the codes though.

Any thoughts?

- Al

ASC

OK, went to Advance Auto Parts and connected their Actron scanner. Advance uses a bigger (better?) model scanner than AutoZone it seems. However, the result was the same: Link Failed. I've never seen this before on any other OBDII car. I know Audi's use a VAG-COM to get really detailed code information, but at least they link up properly. Has anyone with an '06 xA or xB been able to read their codes with one of those scanners?

transformerXA

i don't know about the codes...but have you driven 5000 miles yet? cuz if its what i think it is its just a remider to change your oil. just set the odometer to the milege and turn off the car. then push in the odometer stick and turn the car to the on postion. you should see 5 lines. just let them count down and then relese the stick. the light should go off when you start it. if its not that then i would suggest taking it to the dealer. i hope that helps

ASC

Transformer,

It's not the "Maint Reqd" light. It's the "Check Engine".

dexter_5000

bring it to the dealer it should still be under emissions warranty.

ASC

I may have to bring it in. I was also hoping to tap the expertise of the members to learn a bit more about our cars' ECU's. I've been scouring the Internet, and it seems that the newer ECU's may be utilizing the CAN-Bus (Controller Area Network aka ISO 15765-4), which is the latest and greatest OBDII interface. Some of the typical scanners don't have this ISO15765-4 protocol, which may prevent the scanner from reading the codes.

dexter_5000

sounds like an egineers dream. obd II was only designed so manufactures would have to share certain information and make it all the same there are a few things they can put that are different than others making people either buy really expensive tools or going to the dealer. its a way to keep things more in house.

ASC

Well, by 2008 ALL new vehicles must use the CAN-Bus protocol. I'm thinkin' about getting the ScanGauge unit for $129 (www.scangauge.com). Their latest version can interface with any vehicle, and has some really useful information.