Looking for software
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New User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4
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From: Stanwood, WA
Looking for software
I'm looking for software to load on my laptop so as to be able to read fault codes and to clear them on a 96 powerstroke. Anyone have any info would be appreciated.
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,136
Likes: 1
From: Scenic Wisconsin
Looking for software
Do a net search for "OBD" or Onboard Diagnostics and you'll find several companies that sell software and the cables needed to read codes on '96 and newer vehicles. It's not cheap, though.
You're probably better off going to your local AutoZone and buying a code reader for about $70. It'll allow you to read and delete codes but not a whole bunch more.
It really depends on how much info you want/need.
You're probably better off going to your local AutoZone and buying a code reader for about $70. It'll allow you to read and delete codes but not a whole bunch more.
It really depends on how much info you want/need.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Stanwood, WA
Looking for software
yes I have check into a code reader from the local parts stores. they are 600.00 dollars because being sprcific to the deseil computer, ECM. thanx for the thought. Maybe some one already has the software and I could get a copy or let me Know where they got it from.
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,136
Likes: 1
From: Scenic Wisconsin
Looking for software
I think the parts store was selling you a load of manure. All vehicles, whether American or import, regardless of engine type, from 1996 on were required to adopt the OBD standard interface. OBD codes are not manufacturer specific.
You should be able to use any OBD code reader (I have one, it cost me around a hundred bucks a year ago) to read and clear standard codes. Try www.actron.com for an inexpensive one.
If the reader for your truck really costs $600, which I doubt, then you should consider buying a tuner like a Supertuner or Predator for 400 bucks or less. Both have built-in code reading ability and the Predator offers real-time data display as well.
Here is a link to one of the many companies that sell OBD software for laptops http://www.obd-onboarddiagnostics.com/
You should be able to use any OBD code reader (I have one, it cost me around a hundred bucks a year ago) to read and clear standard codes. Try www.actron.com for an inexpensive one.
If the reader for your truck really costs $600, which I doubt, then you should consider buying a tuner like a Supertuner or Predator for 400 bucks or less. Both have built-in code reading ability and the Predator offers real-time data display as well.
Here is a link to one of the many companies that sell OBD software for laptops http://www.obd-onboarddiagnostics.com/
Last edited by alanscott; May 28, 2003 at 06:37 AM.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 211
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From: Reno USA
Looking for software
I too went to a local auto parts store and was told it would be $400-600 bucks for a reader/scanner, and that the less expensive ones would only read the code and not clear them. Ya, right! They just wanted to make a high dollar sale. You can buy a OBD 11 3100 digital code reader by Innova for about $140-150 from most any of the chain auto stores like Kragen, or Grand auto. I see them all the time on e-bay, new with hard storage case for about $125 plus shipping. They work very well and can clear codes as well as help you to determine if the repair work was done properly. They work on all vehicles from 1996 on. A very good product. 
