A few months ago, I installed two software upgrades in my 2007 Maserati Quattroporte GT Sport: an enhancement module for the drive-by-wire system, and an ECM peformance chip, both developed and manufactured by Formula Dynamics. They both made huge differences to the car’s performance.

Until recently, neither unit had produced any engine fault codes. However, now that the cold months are upon us, and the wise overlords in our state capitol have deemed it necessary to put Ethanol in our gas tanks, I’ve seen the check engine light flash briefly under hard acceleration, but then go out. Last week, while driving across the I-90 floating bridge, the light came on, and stayed on. The info console flashed all sorts of ominous warnings, all being translated as “TAKE ME TO YOUR DEALER!”

Instead, I purchased this.

It’s an OBDII Code Scanner from CEN-TECH. Within 5 minutes of opening the box, I’d plugged it into the car, scanned for fault codes, found 1 code in the system, read the code in plain English, learned it was a misfire in cylinder 7 (common for tuned engines running Ethanol), and then cleared the code. I turned on the car, and no more check engine light!

At at $99, it’s a bargain – especially if you live 45 minutes (or farther) from your Ferrari/Maserati dealer like I do.