I'm uploading using the mobile app so sorry if the picture is not rotated.

 

Kind of depends, if you know something is wrong but you need a code to figure it out, it might be. If you just want to plug in the truck just to see if anything is there, maybe not. There are a few of us this far south in SoCal that have AE that can help you out if you need. I drove to a guys house last year ( about 45 miles or so) that needed codes pulled. Identified what was wrong and he fixed it the next day. Put a note in the SoCal chapter section and someone close may offer to help.

 

Ditto. Six pack of quality beer...$10. Meeting another member of the FTE Brotherhood willing to help with AE and getting to know each other...priceless.

 

Not to me.
David, if you want to pull codes you need to get your hands on an AE or something (they are likely using a snap on which works too), but if the CEL isnt on there probably isnt a whole lot worth looking for code wise, and last I checked your truck was running well.

If you just want to monitor some advanced PIDs let me know. I have torque configured and can plug it in for you.

 

Either buy a scanner or as others said,get a buddy to use his. The dealer will find somthing you need to spend money on wherther it's needed or not.

 

If continuous DTC's were retrieved, all KOEO and KOER tests were done, as well as a buzz and CCT for good measure, it still wouldn't take more than 10 minutes. So at $69.99, that works out to be $419.40 an hour.

 

Everybody makes a good point.

You're posting from a mobile device. If this device (phone, tablet, pad, whatever) has WiFi or Bluetooth (3G/4G won't work), you can make your own "computer diagnostic" for $100 and you can use it as often as you like... even daily drive with it. If you have an Apple device, you need to find a wireless OBDII adaptor that works with your OS... but I've heard a lot of good about PLX Kiwi. Watch out for devices that do not go into low-power mode when the vehicle is parked.

If you have an Android, I have been using the OBDIILink MX on my 7.3L and my 2009 Prius. If the device works on 2008 or newer, it works on the latest protocol and can be used on future vehicles.

Once you have the OBDII interface that works with your system, there are countless OBDII product that will allow you to read sensors and trouble codes on your vehicle. I know Dash Command is available on iOS, but I've tried a few OBDII Apps, and I'm partial to Torque Pro on my Android. Torque Pro and a few other Apps are a work in progress, not unlike Wikipedia, but the support is growing and the enhancements get better all the time.

The App approach won't conduct service tests like an Injector Buzz Test or a Cylinder Contribution Test, I bought Auto Enginuity for that. Monitoring the sensors and pulling codes gives you enough information to know when your 7.3L is running strong or ailing... plus you can solve your own problems with the information from the last few links in my signature and your membership with the FTE brotherhood.

 

That set up looks so cool, you don't even need air conditioning in the cab anymore.

I saw a $4,000.00 scan tool on a professional automotive technician's website yesterday... and it was based the Android operating system, with a large touch screen, not unlike yours.

The difference was in the DLC connector (that met SAE J2534 standards). But the fact that the system was running on Android means that more capability (ie, copied code) is sure to get hacked into the hands of everyday consumers at bargain prices.

 

Time for a steering wheel cover Rich!


The stealer in Victoria charges 80 to plug in if i remember correctly. 120 if i remembered conservatively.

Not all of our trucks like the flavor of torque bacon...
Could not use on Motorbug at all. With it plugged in the obd port she flat out refused to start.


Surely as others suggested there is a Brotherhood member close enough to meet up and plug in.

 

I spend $400 on hardware to use a $5 app, install a mounting bracket, clean the truck, set up the device, take a picture... and I get this every time:

Shoulda got the wheel.

 

You know its only because we love you Rich!

 

Question, if I want to buy a dignastoic tool how do I know it will work with my truck ?
Is there somewhere special you plug it in cause I've seen some that plug into the cigar. lighter..
Is there a special place to plug them in and do they show several codes or just one ?
There are a lot of these on e bay so how do I know which one will work with my truck and where
do I find out what the codes refer to ?
I don't know anything about these but hope to be educated.
Thanks for any help.

 

[LINK] [LINK] [LINK]

 

Well, Rich. Some say that "you get what you pay for", but sometimes you get what you don't pay for. Perhaps, if you tossed some cash towards a few key FTE members, you might not get that kind of static any more? Just a thought.

 

My mechanic does all the tests for free if I think there is problem. Of course, he gets the work when something is wrong. But, if you suspected a problem, that price wouldn't be bad IMO.