This column is a timely one for me since I just had the “Check Engine” light appear on my car. A call to my local dealer told me that I should bring it in immediately as the vehicle might suffer damage if I waited too long. I heeded the warning by making a beeline to the mechanic.
When the technician returned my car, he said he had replaced the gas cap and that all should be well. The Check Engine light remained on but I was assured that it would reset after 24 hours and that all would be fine in the morning.
It wasn’t.
It was the weekend and so the light remained on until Monday morning when I called in to report that the light was still glowing. Upon going back to the dealer, I was told that the pressure in the gas line was still not properly adjusted and an additional sensor had to be replaced. When the car was returned to me the next day, the light was still on but I was once again assured that it would be out by the following morning.
It wasn’t.
The third time was the charm. An additional inspection revealed yet another faulty part that was replaced. The light was, of course, still on when I left. But the following morning, it finally went out.
Now here’s a thought. What if I had some kind of handy-dandy device that I could have just plugged into my car to detect what the problem was before I went back to the dealer three times? Well now there is and it uses your computer and the Internet to make it all happen.
CarMD is a handheld tester that links to your car’s on-board computer. All cars made from 1996-on by law must have a computer data port that monitors your car’s emissions and other mechanical functions. Similar to the devices used by professional mechanics to diagnose vehicles, the CarMD device doesn’t require the training or knowledge of an automotive specialist to use it. There are three colored status lights on the CarMD. If the green one glows, all is OK. If the yellow one glows, more than likely there’s something wrong and it should be checked out. If the red light is lit, there’s something that requires immediate attention. It does have a digital display readout that displays more detailed error codes if you want to further analyze.
The CarMD connects to the standardized data port in 1996 and newer vehicles. The instructions show you the most likely locations where the port is located which is usually inside below the steering wheel.
The CarMD works with both Windows and Macintosh computers and sells for $98.99. A 22-inch extension cable for easier access to the data port is also available for $19.99. Check out the CarMD website for more details at www.carmd.com.
CarMD plugs into your car’s on-board computer to offer home diagnostics.
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