Anyone have a check engine light scanner and would be willing to help diagnose my 2000 Excursion 7.3 and Wifey's 2004 Explorer 4.6 ABS light? [Riverside area] Auto parts stores says it is illegal in CA now to check engine lights except at repair places.

Or what scanner/reader would you suggest?

 

Pretty happy with my AE. It's not the most affordable set up by the time you get the reader and ford advanced bundle... but it is one of the most useful... and versatile... not to mention being able to get software to pull other makes as well.

I just moved east... but I know a couple of the Socal members have 'em. If you ask extra nice... or make it out to a git-together... you're likely to find help. :-)

http://www.autoenginuity.com/


You can get el-cheapo scanners for much less... but they won't pull Ford or vehicle specific codes (just the generic codes)... and don't give you access to some of the handy diagnostics and PCM self tests.

 

Do you have on older PC computer by chance with a serial port still? If so, I have an old Carchip reader you could use if needed.

 

T8R- I checked the site for AE. The scanner thing will be new to me but very interested in being able to diagnose and repair these new computer controlled cars myself. I couldn't seem to understand everything they were talking about. Is the kit $1400, or is that a mechanic shop deal for every make? Is the controller $250 and does the expanded Ford programming for $200 give me access to EVERYTHING Ford that I need including cycling ABS for bleeding and other diagnostics? If so, $500 is well under what I was thinking I was going to need to spend. And what are the updates you have to pay extra for? Is that only for new model vehicles that come out after I purchase or would I need them for the vehicles I already have? I know there is a lot of questions but this is a new area for me to learn.

Fishing_Uncle- Yes I have an old 1998 Compaq. What is a carchip reader. If any one wants to come over for pizza I would appreciate the help and willing to learn the discipline of computer diagnosing.

 

The model I have has been discontinued, but my buddy has used it semi-recently to diagnose a CEL on his car which I think is 2005. It was a pretty neat tool, it even did data logging that you could later view. Here is a link and Ill PM you as well.

CarChipE/X® (serial port) by Davis

 

with the AE - the big expensive bundle is the auto mechanics bundle including software for multiple manufacturers (the list is avail on their web site).

You can purchase the reader itself separately, or as a package with the Ford Advanced Bundle. (don't remember the pricing - but it's all on their web site.)

The updates are not required to continue using the software and reader you already have. They are only for software updates to include info for newer models that may not have existed at the time of your original purchase, and possible updates to the software itself.

Being on a budget, I'll buy the software for other manufacturers as the need arises. Happy with the purchase so far, and haven't had to spend anything extra to scan Fords built at or before my initial purchase.