History of how many: first a course for category B in a driving school from Warsaw, then passing the exam in the capital WORD-zie. After all, buying a used car, and with it previously unknown vicissitudes…

So when the young driver sat behind the wheel of the dream car, a check engine light was on the dashboard. The boy checked on the Internet how to get rid of this problem.

Home-grown mechanics advised on videos to simply disconnect the battery in the car for a few minutes. Rafał listened to this advice and in fact the control stopped shining. However, his happiness did not last very long.

Some time later it caught fire again, so he disconnected the battery again. He repeated this action constantly, because the control kept on fire. Finally, during the holiday trip, something happened that he did not expect…

How did the story of Raphael turn out? About that in a moment. Let’s first explain what it is and how to do in case of lighting up the check engine.

What does the check engine control mean? Driving school from Warsaw explains when to stop the car in a safe place immediately

Let’s start with the fact that the check engine control belongs to the on-board diagnostic system, whose task is to monitor the operation of the engine and the systems responsible for exhaust emissions. And so, if the computer controlling the engine detects some abnormality, it will inform about it by lighting this lamp and by saving in the system the appropriate fault code, which we will be able to read.

How to recognize if a check engine informs you of a serious malfunction?

• If this light emits a constant (non-fading) light in orange or yellow, it means that the system has detected a fault that does not pose an immediate risk to the safety of further driving. It can also be a simple system error, not a malfunction. Of course, we cannot ignore this warning. We should diagnose this problem as soon as possible.
• If this light emits a flashing light in orange or yellow or, depending on the model of the car, it is still in red: it is a worrying sign that the system has detected a very serious fault that can damage the engine or other components of the vehicle, which will make the repair very expensive or even unprofitable. Therefore, you need to stop the vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible and contact your mechanic.

How to check what error the check engine control indicates? Driving school from Warsaw suggests how to take a step-by-step inspection of the car

Although we can’t ignore the check engine, we don’t have to go to the mechanic right away. Well, we can make a preliminary diagnosis of the fault ourselves…

How to proceed step by step when the check engine is lit?

• Step 1. First we have to see how our car behaves. Let’s pay special attention to whether the car does not lose power, the engine works unevenly, excessively burns fuel, smells of exhaust in the cabin, the car jerks either from under the hood or from the exhaust pipe smoke comes out. So if we observe these symptoms, and the engine control continuously glows yellow or orange, then we should still keep the car in a safe place and turn off the engine.
• Step 2. Now we should check the basic elements of the vehicle. Let’s check the temperature and oil pressure indicator, the level of engine oil and washer fluids and the fuel stopper, whether it is tightened.
• Step 3. If we have an OBD2 scanner in stock, we can make a preliminary diagnosis of the problem ourselves. We will buy such a scanner for funny money in an automotive store or via the Internet. With its help, we will read the error codes that occurred in our car.
• Step 4. Regardless of whether the mistake is serious or not, we still have to visit a mechanic. If the car does not show any disturbing symptoms, and the light shines continuously, we can reach the mechanic ourselves. If it is the opposite (disturbing symptoms, flashing control), we should tow the car to it.
• Step 5. Once we get to the mechanic, he’ll make a reliable diagnosis. First, he will connect the car to a professional OBD-II scanner, with the help of which he will read error codes. Then he will analyze the engine operating parameters and test the components. Finally, he will prepare a cost estimate of the planned repairs.

Which OBD2 scanner to choose? The driving school from Warsaw presents a ranking of the 15 best diagnostic devices

Fortunately, the time has passed when every visit to the mechanic to read the check engine error cost a fortune. Today on the market you will find dozens of OBD2 scanners that allow you to independently diagnose your car in your home garage or on the route.

Choosing the right device depends on our needs and budget. That’s why we divided the ranking into three categories: simple wired scanners, mobile Bluetooth interfaces and advanced diagnostic combine harvesters for the most demanding DIYers.

The first category includes independent wired scanners (Plug & Play). They are ideal for people who value simplicity, do not want to install the application on the phone and expect a device ready to work immediately after removing from the clipboard.

1. Launch Creader 3001

• Price. 80-120 zł.
• For whom. For every driver for a dark hour.
• Description. It is the absolute king of budget and a legend of automotive diagnostics, equipped with a small and colorful screen. It quickly copes with the reading and deletion of engine errors, live viewing of parameters and emission test (I/M Readiness).

2. VDIAGTOOL VD10

• Cena. 70–100 zł.
• Dla kogo. Dla szukających prostoty i intuicyjności.
• Opis. Niezwykle popularny czytnik błędów z bardzo czytelnym, kafelkowym menu. Oferuje podgląd tzw. zamrożonych ramek (Freeze Frame), czyli parametrów silnika zapisanych dokładnie w momencie, w którym wystąpiła awaria.

3. Motopower MP69033

• Cena. 100–140 zł.
• Dla kogo. Dla oszczędnych, szukających szybkich wykresów.
• Opis. Choć jego monochromatyczny ekran wygląda nieco archaicznie, skaner nadrabia to szybkością działania. Potrafi generować proste wykresy parametrów, na żywo w czasie rzeczywistym, co ułatwia m.in. diagnozę pracy sondy lambda.

4. Foxwell NT301

• Price. 250-300 zł.
• For whom. For demanding resistance and test functions.
• Description. A solid, reinforced housing with rubberized elements that will withstand a fall on the concrete. It offers a large screen and advanced – for this price shelf – component tests (e.g. EVAP leak test or catalyst operation monitoring).

5. Autel MaxiLink ML329

• Price. 150-200 zł.
• For whom. For fans of proven, reputable brands.
• Description. A device from a giant of the professional diagnostics industry. It guarantees excellent build quality, free and lifetime updates of the error code database and the automatic reading function of the vehicle’s VIN number.

Now let’s move on to the second category, in which we placed mobile wireless interfaces (Bluetooth / Wi-Fi). And so we attach a small cube to the OBD2 socket in the car, pair it with a smartphone and gain great opportunities thanks to external applications (such as Torque, Car Scanner or BimmerCode).

6. Vgate iCar Pro

• Cena. 70–100 zł.
• Dla kogo. Najlepszy, uniwersalny wybór dla większości kierowców.
• Opis. Oto najpopularniejsza bezprzewodowa „kostka” na rynku. Jest niezwykle stabilna i posiada funkcję automatycznego usypiania, dzięki czemu nie rozładuje akumulatora, nawet jeśli zostawimy ją wpiętą w aucie na tygodnie. Współpracuje z niemal każdą aplikacją diagnostyczną na rynku.

7. Koniei / Blow OBD2 Bluetooth

• Cena. 40–60 zł.
• Dla kogo. Dla szukających najtańszego rozwiązania.
• Opis. Najprostsze i najtańsze interfejsy oparte na architekturze ELM327. Idealne do wrzucenia do schowka, aby w awaryjnej sytuacji na trasie sprawdzić — za pomocą darmowej aplikacji na telefonie — dlaczego auto straciło moc.

8. Ancel BD310

• Price. 180-230 zł.
• For whom. For the undecided who fluctuate between the cable and Bluetooth.
• Description. In general, this is an interesting hybrid. It can act as a stand-alone, cable scanner with physical buttons and a display, but when paired via Bluetooth with your phone, it turns into a modern tool with beautiful clocks and statistics of the car’s performance.

9. Topdon TopScan (Lite Version)

• Price. 250-300 zł.
• For whom. For drivers looking for a premium feature at a budget price.
• Description. Here’s the wireless hit of recent years. In the price of the basic scanner, we will get a device that can enter deep car systems (not only the engine, but also ABS, SRS airbags or air conditioning) and offer basic service resets (e.g. oil inspection).

10. BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool

• Price. 400 zł.
• For whom. For those who value ready-made solutions, without the need to subscribe.
• Description. Although it is more expensive, we only pay once and gain access to the official, extremely advanced application of the manufacturer. BlueDriver is famous for its huge database and accurate hinting of verified repairs – after reading the error, the application will indicate what part most likely needs replacement.

It is high time for the third category, which included five scanners with the greatest capabilities, dedicated to ambitious and semi-professionals. So we’re moving to the next level of automotive electronics. These devices offer deep diagnostics of all modules, service resets (battery adaptation, DPF firing, reversing EPB brake calipers), two-way control (Active Tests – e.g. forcing the radiator fan to be turned on from the scanner position) and encoding hidden vehicle functions.

11. Topdon TopScan Pro

• Price. 400–450 zł.
• For whom. For those who want to squeeze the maximum out of their phone.
• Description. This is an extension of the Lite version. The Pro version adds full two-way control (Active Tests) and extensive encoding of keys and drivers. In addition, it offers a wide range of several service reset procedures, becoming one of the most cost-effective “pocket” tools on the market.

12. XTOOL AD20PRO

• Price. 450–550 zł.
• For whom. For enthusiasts of accurate data analysis and battery testing.
• Description. It is a wireless Bluetooth interface that works with an intuitive, refined application. It scans absolutely all modules in the car (engine, gearbox, air conditioning, comfort modules in the door, etc.). It is distinguished by a fantastically realized function of testing the condition of the battery and charging system under load and lifetime free updates.

13. Thinkcar Thinkdiag 2

• Price. 450-600 zł.
• For whom. For home mechanics in need of advanced coding.
• Description. This is a real breakthrough. It offers features known from testers for several thousand zlotys, including advanced eCU driver encoding (e.g. for the VAG or BMW group) and 15 built-in service resets. What is crucial, it has a built-in CAN-FD protocol, which allows you to diagnose the latest car models without the need to buy adapters, and also works with the AutoAuth system (for Fiat/Jeep Group cars).

14. Launch CRP129E V2.0

• Price. 850–1000 zł.
• For whom. For those looking for independent workshop equipment.
• Description. If you do not want to use your own smartphone, the device is the cheapest recommendable, stand-alone diagnostic tablet based on Android. The V2.0 version brings huge improvements – it diagnoses the 4 most important systems (Engine, Box, ABS, SRS) and offers as many as 12 dedicated service functions (including injector encoding, TPMS reset or calibration of the SAS steering wheel angle sensor). The whole is locked in an armored enclosure.

15. Ancel V6 PRO

• Price. 1500–1800 zł.
• For whom. For people entering the sphere of professional mobile services.
• Description. This is the highest shelf in this list. It’s a professional, 8-inch tablet with full, wireless VCI module. It offers complete vehicle-to-level (OE-level) diagnostics, more than 25 special/service features, advanced variant coding, as well as professional report generation features for customers. Excellent equipment for smaller workshops or mobile mechanics.

Which OBD2 scanner to choose?

• If you only need the equipment to see why the engine light in the old car is lit – it is worth choosing a cheap, wired Launch Creader 3001 or wireless Vgate iCar Pro.
• If we replace the brake pads at the back (this requires the electronic caliper to be reversed) or replace the oil and want to delete the inspection – let’s invest in Topdon TopScan or XTOOL AD20PRO.
• If we are interested in deep coding, post-replacement part adaptations and full component execution tests – the unbeatable leader in the budget category is Thinkcar Thinkdiag 2 (phone version) or Launch CRP129E V2.0 (as a stand-alone tablet).

What can a check engine control mean? The driving school from Warsaw lists five key faults that this light can herald

As we mentioned earlier, the sensor can send the wrong signal, because it is damaged or a bit of moisture appeared on it. Here are some other situations in which he can let himself be known…

What are the most common causes of engine control?

• First of all, it may appear after a visit to the service station. The cause of its ignition may be an untightened or damaged fuel infusion stopper. The leakage of the fuel vapor system can ignite the light, which will go out over time when we tighten the stopper. In addition, the control can start refueling with the engine turned on or refueling of the fuel of questionable quality.
• Secondly, the cause of the light may be a reduced voltage in the battery. In this case, the problem will disappear when we recharge it or replace it with a new one. In addition, the control can ignite too low oil or washer fluids.
• Thirdly, the cause of this may be a damaged lambda probe. It is nothing more than an oxygen sensor in the exhaust, which is responsible for the correct composition of the fuel-air mixture. Its failure increases emissions and combustion.
• Fourth, the engine icon can ignite due to worn spark plugs or coils. It is highly recommended to replace them regularly to avoid jerking the engine and dropping its power.
• Fifth, the cause may be problems with the EGR valve. When the exhaust gas recirculation valve is blocked, it will cause a decrease in engine performance and greater fuel combustion.

Summary. Driving school from Warsaw explains whether it is worth driving with a burning engine control

Now back to the story of the first paragraph. Rafał notoriously ignored the yellow engine control. He had one idea for it: disconnect the battery. However, this problem was constantly becoming known, because Rafał’s method did not eliminate its cause.

Finally, at the least expected moment, something happened that ruined his holiday trip. The boy made an appointment with a friend for a man’s trip to the mountains. They took a holiday, prepared routes for hiking on the mountain trails.

In a word, the boy took care of everything, but not the glowing engine control. He thought it was a minor glitch that wouldn’t affect the ride. He was wrong… luck in the misfortune, the fault made itself known when he was out of the capital.

First his car lost its power, then it started jerking, until eventually the smoke began to come out from under the hood. The boy stood in a safe place and called a friend who brought the OBD2 scanner with him and made a preliminary diagnosis at the scene.

As it soon turned out, the error codes pointed to a serious glitch. The boy called for towing from his policy (luckily the glitch was serious enough that he didn’t have to pay it out of his own pocket) and then came home where he spent his dream vacation.

He had plenty of time to think about it. He concluded that he could listen to the head of the driving school from Warsaw, where he was doing the course, and stock up on a scanner for diagnosis, and then go to the mechanic and remove the fault, which turned into a very expensive repair…