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1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Recommended Code Scanner

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Old Aug 1, 2012 | 07:40 PM
  #1  
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Recommended Code Scanner

I'd like to purchase a code scanner for my '92 5.0L which is still the stock SD EFI system. What scanner do you guys recommend?

I plan to (sometime in the future) upgrade to a MAF system using Ford components. Would the MAF upgrade require a different scanner?

Thanks.
 
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Old Aug 1, 2012 | 08:31 PM
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Just save some money and do it the inexpensive way, use a piece of wire and gound the singal wire you would plug into a scanner and count the blinks of the check engine light.

Matt
 
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Old Aug 1, 2012 | 08:32 PM
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Just save some money and do it the inexpensive way, use a piece of wire and gound the singal wire you would plug into a scanner and count the blinks of the check engine light.

Matt
You could do that, but for $25 this makes it easier.


I've used this one on my '89 F150 and my '90 F250 and I like it.

Amazon.com: Equus 3145 Ford Digital Code Reader: Automotive
 
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Old Aug 1, 2012 | 09:39 PM
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Old Aug 2, 2012 | 12:08 AM
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^--- what he said. It might take an extra 30 seconds to count and double count (if needed), but it's easy and cheap.
 
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Old Aug 2, 2012 | 12:54 AM
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Originally Posted by burnout400m
You could do that, but for $25 this makes it easier.


I've used this one on my '89 F150 and my '90 F250 and I like it.

Amazon.com: Equus 3145 Ford Digital Code Reader: Automotive
GET THIS ONE. Seriously, it's not worth it counting flashes
 
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Old Aug 2, 2012 | 09:53 AM
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Originally Posted by SoCar72
I'd like to purchase a code scanner for my '92 5.0L which is still the stock SD EFI system. What scanner do you guys recommend?
Note the Equus 3145 Ford Digital Code Reader is not a scanner and will only display codes. It will not output data to read or transfer to your home computer.
Data would be temp readings of the transmission, engine, distributor adv while running and so on.

You asked about a Scanner and the Scanner I have is the Actron Scanner CP9190-9185.
I also have two of the Equus 3145 Ford Digital Code Readers that I use when I just want to read the codes.

Originally Posted by SoCar72
I plan to (sometime in the future) upgrade to a MAF system using Ford components. Would the MAF upgrade require a different scanner?
Yes either the Equus 3145 Ford Digital Code Reader or the Actron Scanner CP9190-9185 would work for both systems.
 
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Old Aug 8, 2012 | 07:07 PM
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Excellent info. Just what I was looking for. I'll look into either the Equus or Actron. I'm a data nut, I may go for the Actron.

Thanks!!
 
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