OBD Scanner
TreadLightly
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,608
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From: SE Missouri
Bluegrass will probably chime in on this one due to his experience. One thing that he will point out is to make sure it will do live data logging capable of Mode $6. Not sure if one brand is much better then the other especially when money is an issue.
He goes into detail about why it is important here: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...de-or-cel.html
He goes into detail about why it is important here: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...de-or-cel.html
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,907
Likes: 143
The Scanner # is 20890.
They have two.
The other one is overkill unless you have shop or do a lot of work on engines as far back as 1985.
.
Some background on using the 20890:
.
The processor is somewhat slow and the PCM down load slow.
You can see this by watching the data refresh rate stepping from top to bottom on the data lines.
That means you need to allow time for data to down load into the scanner or in other words don't try switching functions super fast or it misses and you have to repeat the request.
Mode 6 is the 'non contunious' line to enter. It does not tell you this on the scanner or in the book.
.
Once you get there, step to test 53 and allow 15 to 30 seconds time for all 8 cylinder/s data to be loaded into the scanner.
If it says not supported, do an exit and try it again because that is a miss.
Sometimes all the cylinders data dosn't show so repeat the request.
After you see all you want, the missfire monitors won't clear unless you do a whole PCM clear.
When you do that, all the system diagnostics are started from scratch.
This is the only way the missfire monitors can be cleared, so be sure before you do it and or wright down the info.
.
The missfire numbers is in Hexidecimal code.
It shows you the max allowed before a CEL and code is set.
Or will tell you if it is to high.
Some small counts are ok because everything is not aways perfect all the time..
To convert the Hex number into decimal, call up your calculator function on your computer, put in the number as Hex then request the DEC conversion.
.
You can't cause anything to happen to the PCM otherwise.
All you can do is request data that the scanner designer incorporated in it's software.
Live data can be seen for both fuel table pairs, engine temp, rpm, ignition timing, IAT, mass air pound per hour, Ox sensor switching both front and rear etc. and some that don't apply.
There is a custom setting you can fill in to request just the items you want to see and leave the rest out.
.
There is a fault trap function to enter that will allow 3 choices.
Trap imediately on a fault, trap in the middle so data before and after is diaplayed or trap at the end after all data is recorded.
You can set this trap up after starting the motor and before driving off so it can trap as you drive.
Don't keep looking a the scanner while driving so you don't get into an accident.
When you feel something has happpend, pull over and take a look.
.
This scanner level is all that 99% of owners will ever need unless you run shop where you have to make a living and put good work out the door so little returns for missing the original problem on a lot of different vehichles and risk having a customer biting your *ss over it..
Good luck.
They have two.
The other one is overkill unless you have shop or do a lot of work on engines as far back as 1985.
.
Some background on using the 20890:
.
The processor is somewhat slow and the PCM down load slow.
You can see this by watching the data refresh rate stepping from top to bottom on the data lines.
That means you need to allow time for data to down load into the scanner or in other words don't try switching functions super fast or it misses and you have to repeat the request.
Mode 6 is the 'non contunious' line to enter. It does not tell you this on the scanner or in the book.
.
Once you get there, step to test 53 and allow 15 to 30 seconds time for all 8 cylinder/s data to be loaded into the scanner.
If it says not supported, do an exit and try it again because that is a miss.
Sometimes all the cylinders data dosn't show so repeat the request.
After you see all you want, the missfire monitors won't clear unless you do a whole PCM clear.
When you do that, all the system diagnostics are started from scratch.
This is the only way the missfire monitors can be cleared, so be sure before you do it and or wright down the info.
.
The missfire numbers is in Hexidecimal code.
It shows you the max allowed before a CEL and code is set.
Or will tell you if it is to high.
Some small counts are ok because everything is not aways perfect all the time..
To convert the Hex number into decimal, call up your calculator function on your computer, put in the number as Hex then request the DEC conversion.
.
You can't cause anything to happen to the PCM otherwise.
All you can do is request data that the scanner designer incorporated in it's software.
Live data can be seen for both fuel table pairs, engine temp, rpm, ignition timing, IAT, mass air pound per hour, Ox sensor switching both front and rear etc. and some that don't apply.
There is a custom setting you can fill in to request just the items you want to see and leave the rest out.
.
There is a fault trap function to enter that will allow 3 choices.
Trap imediately on a fault, trap in the middle so data before and after is diaplayed or trap at the end after all data is recorded.
You can set this trap up after starting the motor and before driving off so it can trap as you drive.
Don't keep looking a the scanner while driving so you don't get into an accident.
When you feel something has happpend, pull over and take a look.
.
This scanner level is all that 99% of owners will ever need unless you run shop where you have to make a living and put good work out the door so little returns for missing the original problem on a lot of different vehichles and risk having a customer biting your *ss over it..
Good luck.
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