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What is EngineCheck Pro?

EngineCheck Pro is an engine diagnostics package that will help you read fault information and live sensor values from car engines. It can be run on a laptop on the road or on a PC in the workshop.

The package is designed for use with EOBD and OBDII compliant cars:

• EOBD cars are cars sold in the UK/Europe from 2001 (petrol) or 2004 (diesel)
• OBDII cars are cars sold in the US from 1996

What can I do with EngineCheck Pro?

EngineCheck Pro will read and display the fault codes from the on-board computer (ECU) that controls the car engine. It will also allow you to view live data with the engine running, e.g. RPM, speed, sensor readings (including mass air flow sensors and oxygen sensor voltages, for example).

If the car's Check Engine light is on, you can use EngineCheck Pro, to read the fault code that has caused the light.

You can also clear the codes (reset the ECU). This will switch the Check Engine light off.

Why should I buy EngineCheck Pro over other diagnostic systems out there?

As you know, you can spend thousands of pounds buying and updating diagnostic tools for the workshop. There is such a wide range of tools available - all claiming to cover certain cars and certain systems.

EngineCheck Pro is a quick, low-cost and straightforward system to help get a good footing in the world of diagnostics. Given its cost, we hope that it will pay for itself many times over.

In addition, we write and support the software here in the UK - no outsourcing or third-party developers. We can therefore respond to queries quickly.

Why would I need EngineCheck Pro?

To tell you what is wrong with a car when the Check Engine light is on.

If there is a fault within an engine or exhaust/emissions system, e.g. misfires, poor idling, stalling, the engine control unit (ECU) will normally record the problem in the form of a fault code.

Depending on the severity of the code, and the number of times the engine has seen the fault, it will often then switch the Check Engine light on on the dashboard.

This light is designed to alert the driver to a whole range of faults, e.g. an engine sensor reading out of range, high exhaust emissions, wiring fault etc., that may be affecting engine running, and hence affecting emissions.

If the light is flashing, this indicates a more-serious fault that might be damaging the catalytic converter. In this instance, the car should not be driven until the fault has been investigated and repaired.

If the light is on, you'll need a tool such as EngineCheck Pro to read the fault code from the car. This will point you in the direction of the fault.

What do I need to use EngineCheck Pro?

You'll need a PC or laptop (running Windows 98SE or newer) and an ELM327 car diagnostics interface (included in the Pro package). The interface provides the connection from the PC to the car.

Can I remap my ECU, adjust mileage, or reset other lights (ABS, service, airbag etc.)?

No. The package is designed purely for engine diagnostics.

Can using the software harm a car?

No. The software uses queries defined in European Directives (or Federal Law) for engine diagnostics. The package is primarily only asking the on-board computer for information, so it cannot affect running of the car.

What if it doesn't work on a particular car?

We try to be realistic on this - clearly, there are so many interpretations of the various languages/protocols by the car manufacturers that there will always be a small number of cars it won't connect to straight away. We hope you appreciate our honesty on this and will work with us.

If you have a car that falls into the categories shown above (OBDII/EOBD), we can gather 'logging' information from the software. Using this, we can work out where the problem is and fix it.

What about updates?

This is a developing package - we're hoping to add many more features. Updates will be free for one year - thereafter a small charge is likely to apply for the latest version.

I bought a lead from [ebay], will EngineCheck Pro work with it?

Good question. Provided the lead is a correct implementation of an ELM chipset (ELM320, 322, 323 or 327), then it should be fine. Please email us before ordering the software to confirm compatibility.