ET801 ODBII scanner report

I bought one of those Chinese cheapo scanners from eBay. The ET801 had no reviews from real users (so many fake ones), so I decided to post a report.

I had a problem with my parking brake actuator breaking a plastic gear. I got the fixit kit from Odometer Gears and rebuilt the actuator, but I still had a yellow error code.

I got the $72 ET801 scanner code reader from eBay. The instructions booklet that came with it were a little weak. Very high level. I still have no idea what the scanner can do. You have to play with it to figure out what features are available. I still have no idea if it can clear an airbag code or reset the battery charging rate after a new battery is installed. I do know that it cleared my parking brake error code. For that alone, it was worth it.

With the engine and the ignition off (thats important), I plugged in the unit into the ODBii connection. I then inserted the key to turn on the ignition and then started the engine. The scanner came to life. There weren't many options so it was easy to navigate. I think that I selected Diagnostic, 7-series, E65-E66, Chassis, Parking Brake, Clear Error code, OK. It said that the code was cleared, but nothing happened to the yellow error code on my dash. Wtf! Then I remembered that instructions stated that the code may appear just one more time. Ok. I turned off the car, unplugged the ET801 from the ODBii port, shut the car off, pulled the keys out and opened the door. Everything was off. I then inserted the key and started the car. Success! No more yellow error light. The yellow car figure was also gone from the other screen. Good. I tried using the parking brake and it was working. Great! It was money well spent.

As i didn't want to monkey around with any of the other options (for fear of messing something up), I would be interested in finding out if anyone else has used this tool and what they did with it.

I just ordered one from eBay myself. I didnt want to buy domestically sold BMW specific scan tools cause in essence they all come from China and renamed with a huge mark up.

I bought it for 85.00 + shiping, so what the hell since its BMW specific I might as well give it a shot

Half engine light comes on when WOT starting at 3rd gear.