The engine management light is staying on (Mazda 2 2008 1.3) The car runs fine and I am not aware of any issues. I did disconnect the battery and afterwards the EML stayed off for about 100 miles before coming back on. Is there a specific OBD reader that will read the codes or can any general non specific one be used?

Thanks
Redstar

 

When you disconnect the battery you really only turn off the dash check engine light. The monitors can not be cleared only re-set and then you might cause other issues or convolute trying to diagnostically find the issue if the problem was not first found before doing DIY things inaccurately described on the internet .... LOL

Your response is the perfect supporting evidence why it does not really work. You turned off the dash light by disconnecting the battery and the engine cycled a few times and found the problem is still there. had you or anyone doing this by using a diagnostic scanner and going to the emission monitors you would have seen they were in RED or NOT READY.

I would really like anyone that has a engine check light to disconnect their battery and then quickly while the engine check light is out see if you pass an emission test that the requirements is to scan the ECU.

Get a Diagnostic scanning tool that connects to the diagnostic connector under the das. I recommend NOT to use and Blue Tooth type scanning aide.

 

Any basic OBDII scan tool will read engine codes. Most have limitations with other modules/computers.

Best option is to visit Mazda, their scan tool has a wider range or scope for fault codes.

 

Disconnecting the battery to turn the money light out isn't a good idea, it's on for a reason and ignoring it couldn't ultimately become expensive.

A basic obd2 scanner will see engine related codes, I use an Icarsoft 909i hand scanner I keep on board for reading codes and live data it's great for engine work but it won't go deep enough to read other modules, so for that I use my laptop with FORscan and a wired Elm 327 adaptor that way I can see everything and monitor all the systems, if you do go down that route make sure your Elm adapter has a hi-can and Ms-can switch.