Too true Terry. I have found that a code is stored but the part is not bad just other problems causing it to throw a code, i use it more for a guideline than anything.

Malcom:

I agree it is great for a "service reset" so that the adaptive ECU can "relearn" settings after any major repair or adjustment.

It is also great for resetting the configuration after the system has been "fixed" by someone adjusting things that should not be adjusted without the tool.

It is just that some of the diagnostic information has to be taken into consideration with other information collected in the old fashioned methods. If the elbows are bad and leaking air into the system, it may tell you the MAP value is off, but you still have to find the leak.

I actually have more experience with MPi systems than SPi.

Terry

It is good for clearing codes after the repairs as disconnecting the battery does not seem to work and the codes stay stored on the SPI set up.

I was in Maine and only had a phone to respond with and could not quite seem to get it to work.

The difference between the ACR2 and AR4 is number of lines of information displayed. With the ACR2 you will need to scroll to see all the information.

The ACR4 also will take more recent pods that will work on newer vehicles and the pod for alarms.

Both are discontinued now.

I have some info here, but it may be dated:

//www.tmsmini.com/cooper/sp_acr.htm

And the ACR components here:

//www.tmsmini.com/cooper/sp_acr2.htm

For SPi only the Rover Pod 1 will work.

//www.tmsmini.com/cooper/pdf/rover_spi_eric_30056500.pdf

As a diagnostic tool and it will need to be used with some interpretation. The A series is still an A series underneath.

It is probably best used as a monitoring tool. You record the values of your engine and see how they change over time.

The Miniforum also has a very imformative thread on sorting out spi issues. I use the ACR2 when working on SPI cars. Wood & Pickett were re programing alarms and key fobs i was told you could loose the key fob and alarm by using a Jap spec computer as Jap spec cars do not have them, why Rover decided they needed an alarm system for the UK market that re set itself everytime you closed the door is another mystery.

The ACR2/ACR4 works. I have the ACR4, which is a later version of the ACR2 and with the correct harness and module works with an SPI. (I don't have an SPI Mini but have used the device on someone else's SPI.

I can't say if there's anything better (other than a genuine Rover Testbook, which the dealers use) because I haven't tried anything else.

The UK forums probably will have better insight. At the time (5 years ago) the ACR units were by far the most common and easily obtained scanners for the Rover injected Minis. I've heard some other testers now can do things that the Rover Testbook can (like program the alarms and keyfobs) but I don't know the specifics. 

That seems to be a common name on this thread: 

//www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/topic/271194-members-who-have-a-fault-code-reader-and-are-willing-to-share/

I am currently shoulder deep in working on an SPI, but I'm not messing with the diagnostics or computers, just the basics that I know right now, pull the engine, replace clutch/diff/etc...

I have but do not have the tool in front of me, it sounds right but i will make sure and find out tomorrow for you.

no one works on SPIs?

To  those in the know, Is the sykes pickavant acr2 a good diagnostic tool or is there a better preference?