How do I check codes?
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Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 5,006
Likes: 72
From: Roseville, MN
How do I check codes?
Now I really sound like a newbie, but all of my project vehicles up to now have been too old to worry about computers and codes. Now that I'm working on a '97 F-250 460 I probably ought to figure this stuff out.
I'm thinking that a '97 is an OBD2, is that right?
I know I can pick up a code reader at an auto parts store. Are those reasonably priced, and can I assume they'll come with enough direction for me to find the right place to plug it in and to figure out how to use it?
Also, when I worked (briefly) at GM in the '80s the techs in our lab had a trick where they could pull engine codes with a paper clip used as a jumper between the correct two terminals in the correct plug (why the lab didn't have a code reader I never understood). Is there a similar trick for a '97 Ford, and if so, is it worth doing or should I just pony up for a code reader?
I'm thinking that a '97 is an OBD2, is that right?
I know I can pick up a code reader at an auto parts store. Are those reasonably priced, and can I assume they'll come with enough direction for me to find the right place to plug it in and to figure out how to use it?
Also, when I worked (briefly) at GM in the '80s the techs in our lab had a trick where they could pull engine codes with a paper clip used as a jumper between the correct two terminals in the correct plug (why the lab didn't have a code reader I never understood). Is there a similar trick for a '97 Ford, and if so, is it worth doing or should I just pony up for a code reader?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,789
Likes: 1,753
From: Kentucky
Your '97 F-250 could be OBD-I or OBD-II depending if it has California emissions or not. Cali heavy duty trucks starting going OBD-II in 1996. Check the VECI lable under the hood, it will tell you if you are OBD-I or OBD-II.
Example of an OBD-I VECI:
If your truck is OBD-I then you can use the paper clip trick: Fuel Injection Technical Library » How To Run a Self-Test or purchase a code reader such as the Equus 3145.
If it is OBD-II you will need a Code Reader, the Equus 3145 mentioned above is OBD-I only.
Example of an OBD-I VECI:
If your truck is OBD-I then you can use the paper clip trick: Fuel Injection Technical Library » How To Run a Self-Test or purchase a code reader such as the Equus 3145.
If it is OBD-II you will need a Code Reader, the Equus 3145 mentioned above is OBD-I only.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,226
Likes: 42
From: The OC
You should be OBDII, check under the dash above your right knee for the plug. Go to Google images for "OBDII plug" to see what it looks like. Then call AutoZone or your local parts store and ask if they will check your codes for free.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,789
Likes: 1,753
From: Kentucky
There are plenty of examples of both OBD-I and OBD-II versions of these OBS trucks out there in 1996/1997.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2013
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From: Roseville, MN
So I Googled OBDII plug and found the OBDii.com web site (who'd-a thunk it?) OBDII - On-Board Diagnostic's System - Does My Car Have OBD-II? The Connector and Communications.. It says that all cars and light trucks built and sold after Jan 1 1996 were OBDii, so I should have OBDii. But I can't find the connector and there's no "OBDii compliant" sticker under my hood (the 2 give-aways the website gave). Then again there's no sticker under my hood like rla2005 showed either (just jacking, belts, AC and one other that I can't remember now sitting inside). But it does have an "EEC Test" plug above the driver's front fender, near the hood hinge, as shown in the link rla2005 sent. So I guess I have OBDi.
Some day when it's not 34 degrees and raining I'll have to dig into that a little more.
Thanks everyone for the pointers.
Some day when it's not 34 degrees and raining I'll have to dig into that a little more.
Thanks everyone for the pointers.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,789
Likes: 1,753
From: Kentucky
Not all vehicles sold after Jan 1 1996 were required to be OBD-II. The exception is whether or not the GVW was above or below 8500 lbs. for Federal emission vehicles. For California emissions ( and as I have recently found out a few other states) the cut-off could be in the 14K range.
This is an perfect example why I caution everyone to not make a blanket statement of all vehicles after <insert date="" here=""> are OBD-II.</insert>
This is an perfect example why I caution everyone to not make a blanket statement of all vehicles after <insert date="" here=""> are OBD-II.</insert>
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,565
Likes: 5,601
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
look under the dash, in the area under the ash tray. there should be a black cap covering the ODB-II port if it is there.
i just went through this with a 150 last week. it took me close to 1/2 hour to find it cause i was looking under the steering wheel.
i just went through this with a 150 last week. it took me close to 1/2 hour to find it cause i was looking under the steering wheel.
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