Code Scanner
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Code Scanner
I've got a 96 f150.. I want to read the codes but $200 is a little out of my league right now for a scanner.. I don't suppose there's any way to read these codes w/ a multimeter or anything other then this scanner is there? Does anyone have one of these scanners used that they are interested in selling? Know where to find one used for cheap?
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
Code Scanner
Many parts stores pull OBD-II codes free now, so don't go to 
the zone 
unless you ABSOLUTELY have to. 
the zone unless you ABSOLUTELY have to.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 341
Likes: 0
From: eastern Ma
Code Scanner
Hello,
I have the newer technology in my '96 van.
I just posted this question myself. Hopefully someone has some good news about the newer scan tools. I've seen some of them in action, and it's amazing the data they can retrieve. I guess the cheaper scanners can retrieve a code number, but the more expensve ones can give real time activity and record abnormal behavior. They can be hooked up and left there while the car is driven, and can pick up intermitant problems.
If you have a laptop with windows 95 or 98, they sell an interface for around 70 bucks, that will turn your computer into a sophisticated scan tool. You can also hook it to a desk top with windows, but you need a long cable to hook up, an the car can't be taken for a ride.
batauto.com has reviews on these scanners. I would like to hear from someone with real world experience with them.
Thanks
I have the newer technology in my '96 van.
I just posted this question myself. Hopefully someone has some good news about the newer scan tools. I've seen some of them in action, and it's amazing the data they can retrieve. I guess the cheaper scanners can retrieve a code number, but the more expensve ones can give real time activity and record abnormal behavior. They can be hooked up and left there while the car is driven, and can pick up intermitant problems.
If you have a laptop with windows 95 or 98, they sell an interface for around 70 bucks, that will turn your computer into a sophisticated scan tool. You can also hook it to a desk top with windows, but you need a long cable to hook up, an the car can't be taken for a ride.
batauto.com has reviews on these scanners. I would like to hear from someone with real world experience with them.
Thanks
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Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Code Scanner
But, from what I've read, these scanners only pull codes if the check engine light is on.. ..I don't have that yet, but there's got to be someone going on.. I used to jump on the gas and spin wheels, but now i'm lucky to beat a gremlin off the line. 
I've replaced the plugs and wires, fuel filter (which both helped a little) and now I'm thinking I need to test the fuel pressure.. do these scanners that can read while driving tell you all the pressures and mixes that are going on?
I've replaced the plugs and wires, fuel filter (which both helped a little) and now I'm thinking I need to test the fuel pressure.. do these scanners that can read while driving tell you all the pressures and mixes that are going on?
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
Code Scanner
Not all codes turn on the MIL, so stop by a parts store and have them checked. I don't think you'll see any actual numbers since the computer doesn't use numbers that would make any sense to you. There might be some expen$ive software packages that turn the readings into useable numbers (like flow rate of the injectors, estimated hp, etc.), but they wouldn't be much use to the typical shadetree/weekend mechanic.