Huh? This seems like a BS answer. I just want to read the codes, same as the grease monkey down at the shop. Where's the "tampering"? I'm not asking to "chip" the car here, just read out the diagnostics.

OBDII to PC - Autotap product
 

Well to kinda answer my question - there is an OBDII / PC adapter and software package. Kinda pricey for what should be a $10 cable and software that should be free from the manufacturers - but here you go...

http://www.autotap.com/autotap_windows_products.html

and also this one.... http://www.autoenginuity.com/faqs.html

Hi Bob, no I did not get a replacement cap but I do think I will ask them for something like that when I bring the car back in because, alas, CEL is back.

You can mickey mouse around if you want to, but if you want to play with the big boys, you got to buy the big toys. Here's mine.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/pro_d...re&dir=catalog

And yes, I bought it. Not the company. I also own $70,000 worth of tools and storage. It's why I'm the best there is in my field. I take the time to DIAGNOSE, ie; find the ROOT CAUSE of the failure, not just sling a part at it 'cause the computer said so. Work speaks for itself, and I invest heavily in mine. When you are a dealer tech, a lot is expected of you, especially on flat rate. The warranty times are dropping and the cars are becoming VERY complicated. Cars have internal networks for all their computers, and it would humble any field IT guy I know. You wanna fix the damn thing, Bob, go ahead and try. I dare you, and that's no B.S. :nono:
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/...MetalHaven.JPG

Monsta, please take no great offense. I never said you weren't a great mechanic! And I'm not looking for the best of all possible diagnostics - I just want to know why the G-D- idiot light has come on without having to take it to the dealer. And without having to shell out more than $20 extra.

Some owners might like to run to the dealer everytime an idiot light comes on and trust the guy 100%.

Some want to fix everything themselves.

Myself, I just want to understand what's gone wrong - if it's something real easy I might fix it myself, maybe not.

Heck, if you were in my neighborhood and it was more than a simple DIY job - I'd probably take it to you!

peace,
Bob

Y'know, I DO moonlight...

I bought an OBD-II scan tool from my local Harbor Freight for $40. It works just as well as the scan tool used by atuozone. It won't diagnose problems for you but it will tell you what error code the car is throwing and you can start your investigation there....this is how the "big boys" do it. I should know....

p.s. Monzsta....you're being modest aren't you? I have a Snap-On box similar to your bottom box. It's about half full with random junk. Nowhere near $70K yet I can do almost every job put in front of me. You shoulda saved some of that tool money and bought a little fancier car than a compact mazda. Just my $.02

I'm a tool whore.. I can't help it. BTW, I'm looking to put a full lenth locker on the box. Space it getting tight. Alas, my scanner can't read CAN bus OBD II without an adapter that ain't out yet, even in generic obd II mode. Will your scanner?

Does Mazda 3 OBD use ISO or CAN protocols or both or something else?

CAN.. It won't talk over generic ISO portocall's My scanner tries a list of 7 different protocall. I'll need the adapter... Hmm.. Our dealer StarScan tool speaks CAN... Maybe I'll see if it talks to it.

Fuel Usage?
 

I Just Picked Up My 3 5 Door A Couple Of Weeks Ago And I Am Only Getting 20 - 22 Mpg With It. Yes I Do Sometimes Keep My Foot In It. I Was Wondering If Mazda Has A Different Mapping Update Like They Had On The 8. I Also Noticed That I Have A Line (not Really A Groove) And My Left Rear Rotor. Not Making Any Noise And Same Amount Of Brake Dust As The Other Side. I Called The Dealer And They Said That If It Wasn't Causing Any Problems I Shouldn't Worry About It. Should I?

around 140km/hr theres a loud wind sound that normal or is wind slipping thru the window?

BIG. Is that a manual or automatic tranny? Is that stop and go or just going very fast?

What do you mean by "Mapping Update"?

"line on rotor" - if you run your fingernail over it can you feel a groove forming? I don't think that would be normal for a new, low mileage set of brakes.

Hey Bob It Is A Manual And I Was Told If I Kept My Foot Out Of It I Will Get Great Gas Mileage. As For The Rotor"groove" I Tried Running My Nail ( Or What Is Left Of It) Accross The "line" And I Just Barely Feel Something. It Almost Looks Like They Didn't Machine The Rotor All The Way. I Am Going To Stop By A Dealer This Weekend To Have Them Take A Look At It. Oh The "mapping" Update. My Good Friend Has A Rx8 And He Started Only Getting 8mpg At First Then He Found Out That Mazda Could Flash The Computer With A Update And Now He Is Getting A Lot Better Mph. I Was Just Wondering If They Had The Same For The 3?