As technology advances, more and more electrical and computerized gadgetry is added to cars. Unplugging the battery is no longer the best option, and, in fact, often advised against by the manufacturers. Cars nowadays learn how you drive them and store this data, and cars with alarm systems and theft-deterrent radios can all be affected by unplugging the battery. Since 1996, all the cars made take the same computer equipment to read and clear codes, the best way to retrieve a check engine light is by an OBD scan tool or a launch x431 diagun, and they all belong to car diagnostic tool. Most parts stores sell them, and will often even supply to read and clear the code for you.
On-board diagnostics (OBD) were designed to integrate computers into engines so as to communicate and help diagnosing mechanical and technical repairs. But, the first OBD systems were non-standardized, and every car seemed to need different attachments and computer equipment to ascertain the trouble codes. Some required no equipment and could be decoded by counting light flash, but the trouble codes were general and diagnoses airbag reset tool didn't seem to be any easier with the computerized system. On a car made before the implementation of OBD 2 in 1996, the easiest way--and cheapest--way to reset a check engine light was to disconnect the battery of the car to clear the trouble code. Afterwards OBD 2 standardized computer equipment to diagnose trouble codes. Every car now has the exact same diagnostic link connector to connect a scan tool or code reader up to so as to read the trouble code and/or clear the code. There are many types of auto repairs that may be necessary when your check engine light come on. The light may illuminate for a number of different reasons, some of which are very simple and easy fixes. When you see the light come on, there is no reason to panic about your vehicle's performance or the expensive repairs it may need. While the light can signify a major, costly issue, this is not always the case. The problem is often as simple as a loose gas cap or some other inexpensive fix. You will not know what type of issue exists or how much it will cost you until you get a diagnostic test. So if having a car diagnostic tool like Tacho Pro 2008, the diagnosing will be taken at any time, money and time consumption.
Even a small problem can turn into something much bigger if it is not fixed right away. To find out why your check engine light is on, you will need a car diagnostic tool to connect to your vehicle's on-board diagnostic computer. This ODB computer detects many different types of problems in your vehicle and stores a unique trouble code for each problem. Your check engine light comes on when the computer has detected a problem. The car diagnostic tool mb star c4 is used to retrieve the stored code from the computer. You can then determine what issue corresponds with that code by looking in your vehicle's service manual.