Good reading!

Manufacturing Corporation M6 29182 Platinum Class

My 2004 Nissan Sentra failed smog because of an error code related to the thermostat and "service engine light" was on. The technician wanted $85 to diagnose it and who knows how much to fix it. I imagine the entire job would set me back around $150 at least.

I googled the error code on the smog test print out and found out it was most most likely a thermostat issue. I also learned that I'd need an OBDII scanner to read and erase the error code. I bought a thermostat at the auto part shop for $14 and this scanner for $18 shipped (amazon prime). I googled instructions on how to replace the thermostat. Unscrewed the housing, popped in the new one, screwed it back on, drove the car around for 20 minutes (service engine light was still on) and then parked and turned it off. Then I followed the instructions, which was to attach the scanner to the OBDII connector under the steering wheel. It fired right up, then I turned the ignition on (but didn't start it) it read everything and said there were no errors. Then I used it to erase the existing error code. BAM, service engine light went off and stayed off. Because I erased the computer data to wipe out the service engine light, I had to drive the car around a bit and wait for the self-diagnostic tests to run and build up data. This took about 45 minutes of driving time over the course of 2 days. The scanner was able to tell me when the tests were ready so it could be taken to the mechanic to re-do the smog test. Car passes smog, and I saved at least $100 and peace of mind knowing that I didn't get ripped off by a shady mechanic.

I don't know what else the average do-it-yourselfer would need from an OBDII scanner, but this is all I will probably ever need. It worked perfectly and exactly how the instructions said. I'm not sure if they changed the instructions or if other reviewers were reading their manuals wrong, but the instructions I got said to do exactly what they all said, however they stated that the instructions were differet. Shrug. It's pretty easy. Just stick it in the car, wait for it to be ready and then turn the ignition on without starting it.

Overall, it's a fantastic device. Everyone who drives a new car should have one. Between this and google you can probably solve a lot of small but costly problems with your car. I think the mechanic was pretty pissed that I went and bought this and did it myself for less than $40 total

Get your Manufacturing Corporation M6 29182 Platinum Class Now!