U480 diagnostic Scanner, can engine be running when reading codes

[wickedwillie]

All,

I have used this scanner when only the ignition has been switched on but never actually had it connected as the car engine is started. Has anyone ever had this scanner or similar connected whilst starting the engine? The reason I am asking is that I always get an engine misfire message and thought this could simply be as the damm engine is not running when I have it connected.

thanks

[rob123]

I was wondering myself can I connect the u480 to the car when the engine is running,when it has just gone in to limp mode. It does say in the instructions not to connect are disconnect when engine is running.I was thinking we would have a better chance of getting a fault before we turn the engine of.

[67688c]

I still have one of these myself from when I had the vec-c, and always used to connect it when engine was stopped, I assume there's a reason why they say use it with engine switched off. Assuming a error code has been issued it should be stored anyway, I doubt it would show a error code when running if it does'nt show one when switched off. ie. (stored code) What you need is a proper analyse machine that they use at the dealers for that sort of problem, otherwise it's a case of replace bits and hope.

AAMOI... this U480 unit also works on BMW cars, though I suppose they will work on most cars these days.