diagnosing electronic fault indicator

[vala]

after a short trip last week my electronic fault indicator light came on and the car went into limp mode. got to a safe location, stopped the car, restarted and all was fine.
however today went to the car and nothing. when the ignition is on all the lights go out apart from the stop, electronic fault indicator, battery and parking lights. the car turns over fine but will not start.

will a code reader allow me identify exactly where the problem is instead of trying out numerous suggestions?

 

[bob97531]

Try new battery first if you haven't already then yes, get a good diagnostic reader to show the faults, Henks fastchip is very thorough...

 

[vala]

Try new battery first if you haven't already then yes, get a good diagnostic reader to show the faults, Henks fastchip is very thorough...

why do you suggest a new battery? i would have thought if the battery was at fault then none of the electrics would be working?
wouldn't something like this do the job

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/OBD2-CODE-REA...2ea810ddaa&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14#ht_500wt_1182

 

[bob97531]

Battery is always a good starting point with odd electrics, especially if its been fitted over 3 yrs...

No, them code readers are rubbish, i had one and it would read sh1t.... it told me there was no codes, plugged in a "clip" from renault and there was loads !!! bought the fastchip device of their website and found that one quite in depth...

Cheers
Lee

 

[vala]

ok then. them fastchip devices aren't code readers though (im assuming there a bit more then that)...is there a cheaper alternative to going the full hog with a fastchip?
can't really be bothered to go all out on the car anymore so wanna keep costs down...my r6 is more fun

 

[sideways danny]

pay to have it plugged in to diagnostics

 

[vala]

would recovery van mechanics hold a code reader on them? thinking could get the ol 'home start' to check it out...