Hi Folks,

I am a bit time stretched at the moment. What is the simplest, low fuss way to pull codes from an 04 GD1? Preferably, but not necessarily, to a laptop.

I have an engine light coming on intermittently and a related stutter that seems like an EGR, coil packs, plugs issue. I have blanked off the EGR but now it pinks at low load throttle transition to the point where I have to run it on 98 octane to keep it sane. The stutter is also still there to a degree.

I just want to pull the codes with a laptop that I currently have dedicated to the BMWs ECU management. Essentially with this USB to ODB2 cable.


I have tried the Scan Tool software but it doesn't seem to recognize the car/cable.

 

That doesn't look like a proper OBD reader for other cars, invest in a proper universal USB OBD reader like this one
Or better yet, get a good standalone reader like a ScanGuage or something if your money permits.

It might be coil packs, but it could just as well be a valve adjustment issue, very common with Fits. Also what engine do you have? The 1.2, 1.3, or the 1.5?



EDIT: Just read your username, lol!

 

Thanks ikutoisahobo

I have ordered the cable. Can valve clearance adjustment really cause the kind of stop start jerks under 3/4 to full load as if someone turned the key off for a split second and then back on again? That is the best way I can think to describe it, I think. The engine is a GD1 L13a BTW.

 

Sounds almost like you're describing a misfire. Coil packs could be the case, since they show their ugly side at higher RPM's (firing much faster than at lower RPMs). Wait til you can pull the codes that way we can determine it.

 

Silly question, is there possible for OP to get a basic budget code reader for under $50 to pull the code number?
The best tool to catch beginning of misfire is misfire counter tool (it records slight miss that OBD2 cannot pick)
Also, in theory the bad coil should set a code "defect in the coil circuit" in addition to misfire (at least 2006 Jeep with 2 wire coil on plug and 07 Camry with 4 wire coil on plug did it)!!

 

The scan tool cable was around $35 including shipping to NZ. It should be here by the 14th... In the meantime do we know why blanking off the EGR valve might have improved things? Also why blanking off the EGR valve would have started it knocking at low load transition throttle?

 

So the scan tool arrived and I am seeing no error codes?? Could this be because I had the battery out to charge? Will be going for a drive tonight.

 

Since you had the battery out it cleared all existing codes. If the computer detects it, then you'll see a code pop up. There are cases (especially when it comes to misfiring) that the computer won't detect it at all.

 

Still no error codes. It was a freezing cold night and I couldn't get it to miss fire. The EGR valve blanking plate is still in place which seems to have helped but now it pinks at low revs and light throttle inputs unless I run it on 98 octane.

Has anyone seen these cars start pinking when the EGR valve is blanked off?

 

Use bluetooth adapter like this:

OBDII Bluetooth Car Diagnostic Cable - Black + Blue + Orange (DC 12V) - Free Shipping - DealExtreme

And then use your cell phone with torque (android). Easy and cheap.

 

I have a scantool I am just not getting any errors...

Has anyone seen these cars start pinking when the EGR valve is blanked off?

 

OK so I finally got some error codes:

Essentially it was for the EGR valve/wiring/ECU. I have just replaced the EGR valve and the issue is still there.

Issue:
Between 1500 - 3500 RPM the engine shuts off for about a quarter of a second then keeps pulling, not so prevalent at high RMP. Usually at low to medium revs with high to moderate load.

Also when I had the EGR blanked off we needed to run it on 98 octane to stop it pinking at low load, low revs.

What are my next options in order of likeliness.

ECU?
Wiring?
Crankshaft position sensor?
Spark plugs?
Coil packs?

 

UPDATE:

After the EGR replacement the miss-fire is still there but the EGR error code has gone.

This is a low RPM (below 3000) high load issue only. Could it be O2 sensor?