OBD Code Reader

[Gaowlpoop]

I got a check engine light on my 4540 today. I guess it is time to get a code reader. I have one that I bought for my truck about 16 years ago but it will not read the codes on the tractor.

NOTE: I DO NOT have a smart phone but I DO have an iPad.

I need advice on what would be a good OBD code reader that I can use on my tractor. I would rather have a stand alone reader but one that I can use with my iPad and Blue Tooth would be acceptable.

Thank you

 

[RNeumann]

Hate to say it but I'd check Amazon and see what is rated well. I went the iPhone route once and that is in the drawer with the old phone collecting dust- obsolete. A code reader that will read and clear codes costs about $30. No need for special features- that starts to get into vehicle/brand specific items and has little cross compatibility is unlikely to work with Mahindra.
If you did want a full on high end unit that can command functions like fuel pressure etc call Mahindra or the dealer to verify what you will need. That unit is probably over $1000.

 

[TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark]

If it's truly OBDII compliant, any reader should read it.

I have one of these, and love it. It comes with good software to take detailed logs, and it can be used with your smartphone, too.

It's far more versatile than a standard reader.

 

[Uncle Hulka]

The MIL light on my 2555 comes on every once in a while (always related to low RPM operation). I wanted to see exactly what code(s) were being generated, so I bought this:

Amazon.com: GXG-1987 WiFi Wireless OBD-II Mini ELM327 OBD2 Auto Car Diagnostic Scanner Tool Adapter Reader Scan Code Tester for iPhone 6S 5 iPad4 iPod mini IOS PC Windows, Android Device …: Automotive

I also bought "Torque Engine Management Diagnostics and Tools" for my Android ($5.00 from Google Play Store). I've only had to use it once, but it worked flawlessly. It was able to retrieve and clear the two codes it found (EGR-related, of course). I was also surprised that it recognized my tractor as a Mahindra 2555 and displayed several of her mechanical properties as well (engine displacement, Weight, etc.). This software can do a whole lot more than retrieve codes, but I didn't have any extra time to spare. But I'm sure I'll find time to explore its capabilities soon enough.

For only a $20 total investment, I'm able to see exactly what's going on with my engine.

Man, I wish it was that easy with my 1969 Cutlass.

 

[TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark]

I had one of those units, and used Torque, but the unit died suddenly one day, and I replaced it with the OBDLink. The phone app is much better than Torque, plus it comes with the Windows software which does far more.

 

[Neversosure]

This is very interesting, I have to look into this....... Mark the OBDlink that you are speaking of..... it works well for you? I am curious of its other capabilities.

 

[dickfoster]

I got a check engine light on my 4540 today. I guess it is time to get a code reader. I have one that I bought for my truck about 16 years ago but it will not read the codes on the tractor.

NOTE: I DO NOT have a smart phone but I DO have an iPad.

I need advice on what would be a good OBD code reader that I can use on my tractor. I would rather have a stand alone reader but one that I can use with my iPad and Blue Tooth would be acceptable.

Thank you

I'd get a standalone OBDII reader then you won't have to worry about whatever other device you use with an attachment going obsolete on you. Just ask me how I know. If the reader you already have is OBDII it should work to read the codes but you might have to look factory specific codes up on the Internet since tractors are the odd man out in the OBDII world.

 

[Neversosure]

Well.... have to find out what the codes mean. I did a quick search and cannot find anything.

 

[TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark]

This is very interesting, I have to look into this....... Mark the OBDlink that you are speaking of..... it works well for you? I am curious of its other capabilities.

Yes, it works quite well. My first one died a few days shy of the 90 day warranty. Contacted the company and they shipped a new one, no questions asked.

 

[Navasot]

Even with the reader you will only be able to see the meaning.... not fix anything. Youll need to take it to the dealer and sooner the better if its under warranty

 

[countrybumpkin]

Why would you not be able to fix anything, if you have the factory service/shop manual it will list what the codes are. I used a cen-tech from harbor freight the other day on my kioti but it wouldn't give the code number, but it did recognize there was a code pending and did clear it. Also it gave the readings of several of the sensors while the tractor was running. I'm looking into the ones linked above and see if they would work for mine.

 

[Navasot]

Maybe if a sensor was unplugged or fluid needed to be topped off you could then fix it. But if something needs to be done with the software, programming, emissions, injectors, etc you will need a brand specific software to work on them... and the only ones who have that are the dealers. This is referring to T4 tractors

 

[countrybumpkin]

For a unplugged sensor or topping off fluids you don't even need a scanner, and much more can be done then just that.

 

[dickfoster]

Why would you not be able to fix anything, if you have the factory service/shop manual it will list what the codes are. I used a cen-tech from harbor freight the other day on my kioti but it wouldn't give the code number, but it did recognize there was a code pending and did clear it. Also it gave the readings of several of the sensors while the tractor was running. I'm looking into the ones linked above and see if they would work for mine.

Here's a piece of news for ya, it doesn't. In fact it has little in the way of useful information and is far from being a complete or even a useful service manual.

 

[Navasot]

For a unplugged sensor or topping off fluids you don't even need a scanner, and much more can be done then just that.

:thumbsup:

 

[Navasot]

Here's a piece of news for ya, it doesn't. In fact it has little in the way of useful information and is far from being a complete or even a useful service manual.

What would you consider complete

 

[Navasot]

Is it engine info or which of it?

 

[countrybumpkin]

Here's a piece of news for ya, it doesn't. In fact it has little in the way of useful information and is far from being a complete or even a useful service manual.

So what would you consider a complete shop manual ?

 

[countrybumpkin]

Is it engine info or which of it?

I'm only looking to read basic engine codes.

 

[dickfoster]

What would you consider complete

Tell ya what, go take a look at a factory service manual for most cars and see what it has in it then compare that to a Mahindra service manual.
When I look at the service manual for my Tacoma I don't for a second regret paying for it. However, the Mahindra manual I have is devoid of useful info and sometimes has erroneous or even confusing info in it. For example it has a wiring diagram but only for the chassis and not a hint of anything for the engine. Nada, nothing, double ought zip for any sort of detailed engine info in fact. Exploded diagrams that are for the most part illegible, therefore useless. It is the worst excuse for a service manual that I have ever seen must less paid good money for. I negotiated mine in the price of the tractor, if I'd actually paid good money for it I would be highly peed off. I suspect what it does have was supplied by Mitsubishi because they built the tractor but Mahindra built the engine so no engine info. Now, how pathetically inept is that? What does it take to stick a complete manual together in these days of computers when all of the info is avaliable in electronic format? This can only mean that Mahindra simply doesn't give a squat when it comes to after sales support.