I need some help on Creader IV.

I bought the "Creader IV FOR OBDII&EOBD" recently to help me find out why the Check Engin Light is on for my 1997 Nissan Sentra GXE.

However, when I connect the Creader to the 16-pin connector under the dash board of the car, while the engine is running, 
I selected read codes, but get "no diagnostic trouble codes".
I select read VIN, but get "nonsupport VIN".
I select MIL status, and get "MIL:ON" (This function is working)

I repeated above multiple times and results are always the same.

Finally, I select Clear codes, and get "erase OK", and the Check Engin Light does go off.(This function is working too.)

Also, I have tried this unit on my friend's 2002 Toyota Sienna to read VIN, again I got "nonsupport VIN".

I'd like to know if the Creader IV I got is a bad one? or there is something I did wrong to operate this device? Why I cannot read any trouble codes when the Check Engin Light is on?

I greatly appreciate your feedback.

Hi,

It sounds like the CreaderIV is not retrieving the code, which can happen with code readers. I run into this sometimes when there are transmission codes set ( P073x ratio error codes, etc) or manufacturer specific (non generic) codes. 

As far as the non support VIN, you will run into this on most older OBDII vehicles up to about 2002? as they do not support the mode $09 VIN PID request.

If you want to read a (mode $09) VIN with your CreaderIV (or any scan tool), plug it into an '04 or newer vehicle.


Mike Van Dyke
ASE Master, L1, Medium/Heavy Truck

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