I just bought a Cen-Tech code reader model number 98568. I plugged it in, turned the key on and nothing. Should I be surprised since it was only $30 from Harbor Freight? I read a few reviews before I bought it and they were good. Has anyone had similar experiences? Thanks!

 

New story. I took the Cen-Tech back and they gave me another one. I plugged it in in the parking lot just to be sure. It didn't work. Harbor Freight happens to be right next to O'reilly Auto Parts. I went there and they let me use theirs. I plugged it in. It didn't work. So now my question is, how to I check to make sure my diagnostic port works?

 

Does your 12v power port work? I believe they run off of the same fuse.

 

The diagnostic port is typically fused along with another device or circuit. My '00 E250's DLC is fused with a 25 amp in slot #23 and is shared by the cigar lighter port. Check this as it might be the cause.

There could also be a damaged wire in the DLC's bundle which wouldn't be out of the question but typically its nothing more than the fuse.

HTH

 

Cigar lighter fuse is blown.

 

Thanks guys! I will check my fuses. There is more to this story.
This is mostly my fault as I am not the kind of person to complain.
I've only had this truck about 3 weeks now. When I test drove it at the dealer it ran like crap. It was a screaming deal so I told them I'd buy it if they got it running good.
They claim they didn't notice. I went for a ride in it with the mechanic the dealership uses. He noticed right away that there was a miss and told me that's pretty common. I got on this forum and found out it is pretty common, easy fix. So they claimed they found the number 4 coil was bad and replaced it. I bought the truck without driving it again. My bad for sure. I was about 2 miles away from the dealer and it was running like crap but I figured what the hell I can fix it. That brings us to me buying the code reader saga. Now I'm pretty sure they didn't really get a reading to even find a code. I'm sure I can fix it no problem but what some idiots they are! (Along with myself)

 

I was able to clear the code and the truck has been running a little better and not bringing up any codes. Today it started running rough again so I plugged in the reader and it gave me the multiple cylinder misfiring code and number 4 misfiring code. If it truly got a new coil before, what are some other problems to look for? I'm thinking I'll get a new coil and plug for at least number 4.

 

I lurk quite often here in the V10 forums but am running a 5.4 gasser however I had a similar problem earlier this year that sounds familar to yours. Under my user name there is a thread titled Intermittant Miss.. which has the eventual cure, at least as it related to my situation. Perhaps read it for a bit more info.

It sounds to me like you very well may have a misfire on cylinder 4 if it comes up repeatedly on your reader. I'd first check the actual connection to the COP from the wire harness making sure its not lost contact for any reason. The boots could also be bad along with the plug itself failing for reasons apart from COP or boot. Tough to tell without removing it I guess. The best test of a COP is to remove it from the spark plug leaving it connected to the harness. Hold it carefully with the electrode dangling close to a metal grounding source while cranking the engine and watch if a spark is thrown to ground. If it does then the COP most likely isn't the problem here. BTW back in the day this same method was used in absense of nice test equipment to see if spark was getting to the plugs---fast and easy way to gauge the coil, distributor and plug wires all in one shot. Most having done this can attest to the jolt one would get if this wasn't done carefully!

If the budget permits I'd suggest a better code reader---I have an Actron CP9580 purchased at Tool Topic for far less than the local outlets like Advanced Auto Parts etc etc. These can be considered to be valuable and must have tools if you're an avid DIY'er and/or don't trust most mechanics to give you the straight poop.

I hope any of this is helpful!

 

I swapped #4 and #1 coils to see if I could get a different code. Truck still ran like crap so I'm thinking now #1 needs a new coil. I bought one and put it on #1. Still ran like crap. Code reader is still throwing the #4 misfire. Any suggestions?