Has anyone used their services to see what the code is on a "lit" service engine light ???
the thought of using them scares me - possibly an untrained part time employee doing it - can they damage your cars computer ( I think that would be expensive)

How does their machine hook up to the car?

 

Why go to them when you can do it yourself?

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=104931

 

I agree partially with you, but if you have AUTOZONE around the corner like I do for instance (1/4 mile from my house) then why bend down and do all that messing with the ECU, turning the little "****" thingy, ignition, reading the pulse etc. etc.

I have done it myself before because I wanted to know how to do it. After that however, I always went to AUTOZONE.

There's really nothing to it - you don't need a trained employee to pull your codes. I don't see how an noob employee could mess up. All they do is hook their computer under the dash and read the code, which then shows what the problem is. When I did it, it read "rear O2 sensor" and took about 10 seconds.

 

what where does it hook up under the dash?

 

It's right under there...atop where the ECU is... you'll see it. It sort of looks like the old printer port hook-up. Anyway, trust me, they'll find it!

 

They connect the code scanner to a cable that's in the fuse box under the dash. I just go to my mechanic since he has one and because he tells me exactly whats wrong so I can decide if I want to do it myself or not

 

I was wondering if the check engine light has to come. Or can there still be problem codes without it coming on.
Also is it free at autozone.

 

Yes, it's FREE.

And No, the check engine light does not have to be on. One reason is obvious, the CEL bulb could simply be dead, although I doubt it. Second, not all problems will always trigger a CEL. Two prime examples are knock sensor and ignition coils, but I'm sure there are more.