Not inherently like many 03s but a CReader is needed if you want to run the positive smart timing advance offsets that make the car feel really good. With such timing gymnastics, a CReader-less car may through the aforementioned code.

Shiv

 

Yep, after about 30-60 seconds my C-Reader even manages to turn off the "diagnostic" check engine light. (read: as in when the key is in the ignition, but the engine is not running, which is when all of the idiot lights are on to make sure they work). Pretty weird.

I don't suppose that there is a version of the C-Reader somewhere that does not constantly cycle through the codes? I'd like to mount mine in spot where I can see it, but the constant cycling of test codes might drive me insane.

l8r)

 

Try it again without the Creader. My car turns off the "diagnostic" check engine light after 30-60 seconds without the reader in place.

 

Heh, I guess I was so used to looking at that P0420 CEL, that I never noticed.

l8r)

 

If the Creaders stay on when the car is turned off, will this not run the battery down? That means we have to unplug it every time we stop? That does not seem like the perfect solution.

Sigfrid

 

what in the hell is a C-reader?

 

FWIW, I have had my c-reader plugged in for over 4 months now. I havent had any problems. Do realize that your ECU stays powered when the car is off, as do many other things. Being that the current draw is so low, I dont foresee it causing any more of an issue than the ecu draw off of the battery. I would only unplug the C-reader if you are leaving the car sit for awhile. (like a whole season, which you should prep your car for anyways.)

 

The EVO will do this without the CReader. Try it

Shiv