Opinions on this van

[ArtW]

I understand FI just fine, and I like it in a daily driver where I can get to a code reader or scan tool easily, but, knowing the code doesn't mean the part the code references is actually bad, and you have to know how to interpret a data stream
Heck, I did it for a living at one time, and yes, I encountered plenty of 'ghost problems' that neither me nor my lead mechanic, a guy with formal schooling, and 20 year experience as a pro wrench, could sort right away, even with a proper scan tool
for smooth running, low pollution, power and fuel economy, a good FI system is nice
for fixing on the side of the road with screw drivers, wrenches, and pliers, I prefer a carb.

 

[sephiro499]

I understand FI just fine, and I like it in a daily driver where I can get to a code reader or scan tool easily, but, knowing the code doesn't mean the part the code references is actually bad, and you have to know how to interpret a data stream
Heck, I did it for a living at one time, and yes, I encountered plenty of 'ghost problems' that neither me nor my lead mechanic, a guy with formal schooling, and 20 year experience as a pro wrench, could sort right away, even with a proper scan tool
for smooth running, low pollution, power and fuel economy, a good FI system is nice
for fixing on the side of the road with screw drivers, wrenches, and pliers, I prefer a carb.

They sell OBD bluetooth dongles on amazon.  I know you can use it with a pc, maybe an android too.

 

[AbuelaLoca]

They sell OBD bluetooth dongles on amazon.  I know you can use it with a pc, maybe an android too.

Not gonna lie, I googled that!! Very cool device (for someone with knowledge)!

 

[ArtW]

The key is, for someone with knowledge
Knowing the code doesn't tell you the actual problem, having datastream doesn't tell you the problem, you have to know how to interpret the stream of data
it's not complicated really, but most folks aren't going to figure it out for themselves without training, or some expensive mistakes
The number of people I saw, when I worked at an Auto Parts place, come in, get a code read, proceed to replace a sensor, and then have the same problem, because the sensor wasn't the problem, was a large percentage
Maybe all that's on Youtube now, I had to serve an apprenticeship to learn it, twisting lots o wrenches, lifting lots o transmissions, busting lots o knuckles
OTOH, I did fine rebuilding carbs right off the bat, just getting the kit and diving in
I think I had 2 out of all the carbs I've rebuilt not work right, both a result of my getting the setting wrong when tuning them (by ear) and I've rebuilt a lot of carbs

 

[sephiro499]

The key is, for someone with knowledge
Knowing the code doesn't tell you the actual problem, having datastream doesn't tell you the problem, you have to know how to interpret the stream of data

Don't know much about cars myself, just the code reader device.  I agree, the code is just a clue, you still have to understand how the various systems work and troubleshoot appropriately.  In many ways the technology is making us dumber, since we rely on the gadget to do the thinking for us.  I've seen more than a few people say they prefer older vehicles, before all of the electronics.