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Automotive error code readers

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    Automotive error code readers

    I have a mate who runs a small garage business and he has a good working relationship with a local larger garage business. They occasionally share tools and expertise. My mate borrowed a code reader off the garage to try to decode an error message on a car he was working on, but couldn't get it to work properly. He handed it back to the garage who then claimed that he'd wiped off all the software. I find this difficult to understand. I would have thought that the software was read only and there wouldn't be any facility on the device to delete the software. Does anyone have any ideas?

    #2
    Ask your mate for the make and model of the reader. Then ask him what he was doing.
    …Maybe we ain’t that young anymore

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      #3
      Originally posted by WTFH View Post
      Ask your mate for the make and model of the reader. Then ask him what he was doing.
      well, he reckons that he was only trying to use it in the normal way. He's given it back now, so not sure he knows what make it was.

      Comment


        #4
        Originally posted by JohntheBike View Post
        well, he reckons that he was only trying to use it in the normal way. He's given it back now, so not sure he knows what make it was.
        Make and model would help.

        The brand we use for logistics is effectively a client-side terminal that calls back to a server, and retrieves movelets depending on the participant ID. Its entirely possible to reset the device back to factory settings (ie without custom config and menus), and if your mate has resynchronised without being connected to the server then he could wipe it.

        It’s usually a simple matter to reconnect with the correct participant ID and download the correct movelets again, though.

        Comment


          #5
          Originally posted by meridian View Post
          Make and model would help.

          The brand we use for logistics is effectively a client-side terminal that calls back to a server, and retrieves movelets depending on the participant ID. Its entirely possible to reset the device back to factory settings (ie without custom config and menus), and if your mate has resynchronised without being connected to the server then he could wipe it.

          It’s usually a simple matter to reconnect with the correct participant ID and download the correct movelets again, though.
          Thanks for this. I gather that the reader is so old that there isn't a download now available. However, you have confirmed that in effect the software can be wiped off. I guess my mate must have done this inadvertently.

          Comment


            #6
            Originally posted by JohntheBike View Post
            Thanks for this. I gather that the reader is so old that there isn't a download now available. However, you have confirmed that in effect the software can be wiped off. I guess my mate must have done this inadvertently.
            As mentioned, it depends on the terminal.

            At a previous client they used Windows CE terminals that were so old that the original developers had gone bust and there were no source files. Delete something like that and you’re stuffed,

            Comment


              #7
              I use one of these

              https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07B7L6P...395841_TE_dp_1

              and the application "Torque Pro"

              ➤Torque Pro App OBD2 Review ✅ 2019 Edition | ScannerAnswers

              It scans, reads and clears codes on two my cars - Squashed Beetle and the Scalded Cat...
              I was an IPSE Consultative Council Member, until the BoD abolished it. I am not an IPSE Member, since they have no longer have any relevance to me, as an IT Contractor. Read my lips...I recommend QDOS for ALL your Insurance requirements (Contact me for a referral code).

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