Earlier today my check engine light came on. I have a Actron OBD II code reader. so i pulled that out and plugged it in. tried reading the code but it keeps saying error.
after i press the link button. it says "read" for about 5 seconds then says error.
anyone know whats going on?

 

I pretty sure I used one of their models on my car before, but you need to make sure it'll read the CAN protocol or else it won't work.

 

Jon is correct, an OBDII reader won't read the CAN protocol. Mazda and Ford went to the CAN protocol in 2004, all cars after 2007 now use it. I have an Acton that reads our 96 Mazda Miata, does not read the 8 so I bought a Harrison CAN scan.

 

If you've got a laptop handy, I HIGHLY recommend getting Scanalyser. Hymee's newest version is USB based and much cheaper then the original. (I remember paying almost $300 for the original version. )

New USB Scanalyser V2 = $99
http://www.performancedesign.com.au/...yser_live.html

 

You need to turn the key on......if that aint it, buy sumthin else or go to autozone and get it read and cleared for free.