Need some help with a "check engine" light

[raz]

The light occasionally comes on in my 2003 Matrix. The last N times this has happened, my friendly mechanic plugged in a device, read the code, reset the light, and said to come back if it happens again.

This was about 4-5 months ago, and the previous was 4-5 months before that.

Short answer is that I really don't want to eat into the time and good will of my mechanic. Is this device available to the general public? Can I buy one? Can anybody recommend one?

As always, thanks in advance.

[cbelt3]

A few years ago I purchased one of these devices that is compatible with the application "Torque" on the Android scheme. It works really well for that sort of thing. (and has other cool features like a real time engine performance monitoring, etc..)
https://www.amazon.com/iKKKEGOL%C2%AE-Bl..._4?ie=UTF8&qid=1490102892&sr=8-4&keywords=elm+odb+ii&refinements=p_72%3A2661618011

There are similar devices that work with iOS (iOS does not like to accept insecure Bluetooth data like Androids do..). But the apps are not free.

https://www.amazon.com/Scanner-Foseal-Ad..._1?ie=UTF8&qid=1490102892&sr=8-1&keywords=elm+odb+ii&refinements=p_72%3A2661618011

Alternatively you can buy a device that will work without a cell phone / tablet:
http://www.harborfreight.com/can-obdii-c...98568.html

[PeterW]

Just take your car down to Advance Auto or OReillys. They will read the code(s) and reset the computer for free.

[mstudio]

I use the Scan Gauge II, https://www.scangauge.com/products/scangauge-ii/
I like it because I keep it connected all of the time and it covers things like milage in real time as well as water temp, tachometer, etc. You should probably find out what is causing the light to come on instead just clearing the code. BTW, the Scan Gauge will show the code and an easy google will tell you what it is.

[graylocks]

i got an ODB II scanner for about $15 on amazon.

[Markintosh]

Our 2003 Matrix was very sensitive to fuel cap issues. If you didn't tighten a full 3 clicks when tightening, it would cause a check engine light a few miles down the road. We eventually replaced the cap and it was less finicky.

It was really the only trouble we ever had with that car other than a stuck rear caliper in about 190K of use.

[mrbigstuff]

yeah, if you have an Android phone, the ELM327 bluetooth device will pair with Torque (get the Pro version for a few bucks).

I've used this setup for years. It will not read all dealer-specific codes, nor reset specialty codes (like SRS) but it's good to get a narrower idea of where to look.

[davester]

As noted above, there are plenty of devices available that can read and clear codes. I have one that links to my iPhone. However, you should only clear a code to see if it is spurious. The main reason to have the device is to figure out what the problem is. I'm puzzled as to why an actual mechanic (as opposed to a buddy with a code reader) would clear the codes over and over again. Did he not tell you what was causing the problem? If the code keeps coming up then there is something wrong with the car that needs to be fixed.

[raz]

I think Markintosh hit it on the head. The problem does seem to happen about 20 miles after a fill up. So, maybe I'm not tightening the cap enough now and then.

As to the mechanic - he's real good and real honest. If the problem goes away for a few months, it's likely not worth pulling parts.

[Ombligo]

Like others said, just search for a OBD device on Amazon (make sure to get one that will clear codes). I like the standalone ones myself (no need to have a laptop or phone to connect. You can get them for under $20.

This is the one I have -- https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00X7K187O/ref=dp_cerb_1