I've just run into a wierd problem on my 2000 Mountaineer. I had the check engine light come on yesterday, because I didn't put the gas cap on properly, but that's not the wierd part...

I fixed the gas cap and took my OBDII scanner out to erase the codes. When I plugged it in, I got nothing on the scanner. Tried it several times, nothing. Cursed at it, locked up the truck and went and got a beer. Decided to go to my local Autozone where I know everyone to get them to clear the codes and then replace my bad scanner. Strangely, their scanner isn't working on my Data Link Connector either. We checked the fuses, and all are good. So I took it home and retested every fuse on the truck, everything is good, but the DLC acts like nothing is connected. I ended up pulling the maxifuse to the PCM for a minute to clear my codes, but the DLC has me scratching my head.

Anyone have any experience with this problem? I don't know where to go from here next.

Thanks in advance.

 

Typically it means that the code reader/scanner is try to get power from the OBD-II port. For some reason this power is absent. I don't run into this problem myself because my scanner provides its own power.

 

I know my scanner pulls power from the DLC port, however it used to work. The one that Autozone used had it's own battery though, so I am still lost. Thanks for the thought though especially concerning mine! I will be trying to follow the DLC wiring tonight after work to see if something got detached.

 

Check your cigarette lighter fuse

 

Coincidentally, that had blown. I replaced that fuse, and added one to the one DLC link, which wasn't even there before. Oddly, it had worked with the one missing before.

Still blank scanner. I don't understand it.

I didn't get to trace the wiring last night. I ended up doing driver training with my 15 yr old step-daughter. Wow, what an experience in itself. LOL. She did well though. Had her in the Acura in my Sig below. I figure if she's gonna have an accident, might as well be in the one that is already scratched up and paint bad, etc. Not the Mountaineer that still looks and runs great, minus the check engine light.

 

The code readers at Autozone are not scanners. The battery they use only powers the display, their readers still need power from the DLC. My dad's Ranger has an issue with that DLC too, and his lighter does work. Not sure what is wrong, but I use a Dynoscan for Palm, and it reads it anyway. I have an Equus OBD-I&II code reader and it won't connect. It is very similar to the reader used at the parts stores.