I am thinking about buying a code reader. If I don't have the CEL on (and it's been on, so I know it works), is the computer throwing any codes? Does any code trip the CEL?

 

Some codes can be "pending", waiting to happen again in a certain number of drive cycles, then the light pops on. One reader to consider is the $70 Ultra Gauge, which scans and resets codes, displays live data (like coolant temp, voltage), and even lets you program an alert if things get out of the range you select.

The Bosch ECU manual for the D2 is https://www.cubby.com/pl/LR3+worksho...uter%20Manuals and will show all the codes and how many times they happen before MIL is illuminated.

 

Completely unworkable option. I actually use my change holder.

So, all things being equal, I shouldn't have any issues that would fail an ODBII Emissions inspection for my state registration, right?

 

stop at your local auto parts store and have them read.

 

If you don't have a CEL illuminated and you've driven enough miles to satisfy the rediness monitors (about 100 miles or so) then is will pass any OBDII inspection that I'm familiar with. They don't check for pending codes, the purpose of the rediness monitors is so that a person can't reset the CEL and run it through the inspection before it comes back on.

 

Be careful if you have your codes read, I've seen people unknowingly clear codes when there weren't any stored, which will reset your monitors, and then you will fail the test until it's driven enough. If the light was on, and then went off but the codes were never cleared, you may fail for a historical fault, and it would have to be cleared then driven.

 

$15 blue tooth obd ll interface & $5 torq app on your android phone.You can see and clear pending codes/current codes.Plus live data just like a scanguage/ultraguage.

 

http://enginecodemaster.com