Can I generate a CEL to test my reader?

[pauljsgreen]

i bought a U480 (i think) OBDII reader on eBay and want to "test" it to make sure it works and is compatible with my cars.

eBay link to sale

my boxster shows "no codes" as does my 1999 BMW 528i, which i simply don't believe. The boxster is difficult to start when warm too (got new Bosch plugs to install at the weekend).

i recently cleaned the throttle body and MAF, etc. i removed the connector from the MAF while the engine was running expecting to get some codes - nothing!

does anyone have any advice on how to safely generate a code that i can then read and erase with my reader?


thanks
paul