Any point in buying an OBD2 scanner?

Technical Area Engine, Transmission, Exhaust etc
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  1. My model of MX-5 is: 2005 NB Arctic

Hi folks. I’m looking at buying a Motopower OBD2 scanner. Has anyone used this or similar with the MK2.5? And is there somewhere I can see a reliable list of fault codes?

Thanks!

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I have not used a Motorpower reader but you can see a list of fault codes here: https://www.mellens.net/mazda/index.html

I guess any reader that’s going to give you a code as a place to start is worth it.
I use a ELM 327 with EOBD-Facile software.

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No reason why not. The dongle are as cheap as chips and there are plenty of apps from free to £20. It gives you some idea where to start looking for a fault.
The fault codes fall into two groups. Some have become generic over the years and will apply to all vehicles with the OBD port. Some are specific to a particular make or group of cars. The former as an example is Volvo; the latter could be the VAG group( Audi/VW/etc) . These specific codes can only be read with dedicated software that is quite expensive.

In short, for a few quid they will point you in the right direction. The downside is they give figures that need interpretation, and that can be quite tricky. It’s easier that learning a foreign language :+1:

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Get an ELM327 dongle ( Appx £6 ) and download the TORQUE app on to your phone ( free )
As well as fault codes - you can then read live data from the car.
For the sake of appx £6 it is a no brainer.

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Thanks folks, valuable info and much appreciated