OBD2 scanner usage on Buick Lacrosse 2017

[and3275]

Recently I got my first engine light on a dashboard. After scanning the system with the "BlueDriver OBDII Scan Tool," I found that the ambient air temperature sensor was malfunctioning. It was an easy fix, and I went to my nearest Buick dealership to get this repaired under warranty.

After completing the repair, the serviceman told me that "my car was in an accident." He also said that it was the reason why the sensor stopped working. Additionally, he told me that I should never use OBD2 scanners on Buicks because it might "damage the bus" and "next time it won't be covered by the warranty."

While I understand that the story with an accident is ridiculous, I'd like to get your opinion regarding OBD2 scanners. Have you seen OBD2 scanners to damage your vehicle?

 

[Rich B.]

No problem with scanner here, mine has been plugged in steady for 2 years now; uses app on my iPad. Too, I would of asked mechanic to show me accident damage...could be quite possible, something in sales lot or done in transit.

Also have plug-ins as such to modify engine functions- doubt those damage anything either. If somebody used defective, shorted scanner than yeah, OK. At one time could ground those out and codes could be extracted with coded dashboard alert, before OBDII’s of coarse.

 

[2007LucerneCXL]

Next time you are at that dealership ask the "tech" who seems to be so knowledgeable if he's notified all the box stores using them, OBD2 reader manufacturer's and current insurance company that are using the OBD2 port that they are all liable for voiding the warranty. Tech has head in azz syndrome, accident or not, those sensor can take a dump any time just like any other poorly made part.

 

[Frisbee]

I see 2 possibilities:

• he's wrong and doesn't know it, meaning he's (woefully) under-informed
• he's wrong and knows it, meaning he's deliberately misleading you

Either way, any "tech" who says that is one to avoid.

Although there are certain things that can be unwise to do with a scantool, the typical software that controls one is not going to let you do anything "dangerous".

If he really said "damage the bus", he's clueless. I suspect that it's a simple case of "FUD" (him trying to introduce Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt in your mind). Knowledgeable customers (like the ones who use scantools) are ones that a dealer can't "take for a ride".

 

[and3275]

Thank you all for the feedback. I will use a different certified service from now 🙂

 

[Bws]

No problem with scanner here, mine has been plugged in steady for 2 years now; uses app on my iPad. Too, I would of asked mechanic to show me accident damage...could be quite possible, something in sales lot or done in transit.

Also have plug-ins as such to modify engine functions- doubt those damage anything either. If somebody used defective, shorted scanner than yeah, OK. At one time could ground those out and codes could be extracted with coded dashboard alert, before OBDII’s of coarse.

Hi. I just came across your reply. I'm interested in your advice on what scanner to buy that allow plug ins. Thanks. Brian.