I'm not sure if this is in the best forum so forgive me. Two separate issues but diagnostic related.

1- I have a 2000 Excursion, 4x4, 38" tires, 7.3L with 160k miles. When I first had to get it smogged here in Ca I found out the check engine light (CEL) bulb had been removed. Got a code from the shop and found out here it was the 25 cent modification on the right bank. Four months ago the CEL came on again so without a code reader I did the 25 cent mod again on the left bank. The CEL went off. After being tired of the speedometer reading wrong, I put on a speedometer re-calibration unit from Dakota Digital. It works fine but between 60-70 mph the needle bounces around. Now the CEL came on again. The family is going on a 4,300 mile vacation and possibly towing another Excursion for 3,000 of it.

2- My wife has a 2004 Explorer, AWD, 4.6L with 100k miles. Recently sometimes when you are coming to a stop it feels like a bubble in the brake line bursts and the pedal drops just a little further. Now the ABS light just came on. Sometimes now it feels like the ABS is trying to kick in when coming to a stop. Less often than not but never happened before. Also a new groaning noise developed like a bearing but I don't feel any play in the wheels when I jack it up and try and wiggle them. I removed all the ABS sensors and only the left front had a tiny bit of dark goo on the sensor.

I tried going to an auto parts store but because I live in Cali they have made it illegal for them to run codes. You have to go pay $100 just for a CEL. The stores sell a few options with the $250 version saying it can read ABS codes.

Now I tried to search the forum for CEL scanners or readers but couldn't find much. I did learn reading ABS codes is different than having a unit that can properly cycle the ABS unit for testing and brake bleeding. And I learned diesel codes are not as common to be found in off the shelf readers. So my question is who in Riverside area has a code reader? A followup question is what reader/scanner should I get? I plan on keeping both rigs for another 20 years and would like to maintain them. If I spend $100 each to diagnose both cars I am out $200. I would like to put that money towards something I can use again and again. I am willing to spend some money on a unit but $2500 might get more than I would need or ever use.?

So what do you suggest? Thanks in advance.

 

I know a lot of guys run the ScanguageII. I use the Edge Insght more pricey but it can do a little more. As for the ABS I'm not sure if either one will do those. I will look into it.

 

You're wanting to read some pretty specific codes so a basic scanner isn't going to do you much good. The 7.3 isn't OBD II compliant so the best you could hope for there (w/ a cheap scanner) is just some really generic codes, certainly nothing specific to the engine. The Explorer you would have better luck code wise, but as you know the ABS codes are different, though some handheld scanners might be able to read them, not positive on that.

Do you have a laptop computer? There's a computer program called Auto Enginuity that will do all of that and quite a bit more. Even reading Ford specific codes if you get that bundle. The way I understand it, it will do almost everything the dealership scanner can do. I'll warn you though, it's not cheap - I think it's about $400.

 

Keep the options coming. It is exciting to learn this new computer stuff. I was even looking at Snap-On and other dealer type tools but $4000 was a little more than I wanted to spend. I am willing to spend the money IF it allows me to stay out of a shop for $100 plug in fees. And $400 was way less than I budgeted for.

 

I use AE as mentioned above. Works great on the 7.3 and will even allow you to recalibrate your speedo for the different tire size. Here is where I got mine (site sponsor) $360.00

Also works for any '96 and up Ford vehicle, meaning you get all the enhanced features as well. So, if you have different types of Ford vehicles this would be a great purchase. Special systems include back up sensors, GEM, ABS etc. Mine even connects up to our 2011 Ecoboost. You want to make sure you get the upgraded software (v9.x)

Riffraff Diesel: AutoEnginuity Total Ford Enhanced Bundle

 

Clay at Riff Raff Diesel is selling the AutoEnginuity scanner software with the Ford Enhancement for $359.89. It is the ultimate as far as reading every Ford code from every available module, as well as the engine tests, ABS tests and bleeding, etc.

The only downside is it's pretty expensive, you have to pay $50 a year if you want to keep getting the latest software version, and you really need a laptop to run it on.

Riffraff Diesel: AutoEnginuity Total Ford Enhanced Bundle

You might look around. There might be a better price but I doubt it.

 

It sounds by the voice of majority the AE is the most common and covers even the ABS like I need. Side note, I could have used the parking sensor function test but found on FTE a stethoscope works also as the sensor should put out a clicking noise if working.

What is the $50 update each year for then? If I buy it now, 2011, and have a 2004 Explorer and 2002 Excursion would I ever need an update? Is it just for new models as they come out or do they fix programming errors found in older software? I won't be able to afford a 2011 vehicle until 2025.

Is there anyone in SoCal that has one and would be interested in a pizza night to show me how it works? It looks like I'm leaning to get the AE if there are no other full service options mentioned.

 

You only need to update if you want the latest revisions. Sometimes they create new options for the older models but with early to mid 2000 vehicles you don't have to update. You can also go a couple years and then update to get current as well, it isn't like a contract or anything.

 

RiffRaff- I was just on your site looking around. How long would the AE take to ship to 92508?

 

It can still ship today, we are just finishing up UPS. If you want USPS Priority it would be tomorrow. UPS Ground today will be delivered on Monday to you and that is what we use for free shipping.

 

No you don't ever need the update, but as mentioned, sometimes they do come out with new features for the older trucks. When I first got my AE, you couldn't recalibrate the speedo. I did the upgrade and now I can. I'd just watch to see what updates, if any, they provide. If a new feature you want shows up 5 years from now, pay the $50 one time then. Till then, just keep the version you buy now.

 

Also look at TorqueApp for smart phones.

 

Just ordered the AutoEnginuity Total Ford Enhanced Bundle from Riffraff. Looking forward to its arrival. Christmas is starting early for me.