Which scan tool?
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 225
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From: Advocate Hbr. Nova Scotia
Which scan tool?
My wife wants to buy me a scanner. I know nothing about them except that I need one. Can anyone recommend a decent one? I want to be able to read codes and pending codes as well as look at live data. I need to have one that will work well with fords. My buddy has a genisis scanner works great with chev, gm, dodge but doesn't like fords. I'd like to have one that will work with my '01 F150 as well as my '05 F350.
Thanks
Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 132
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I like the Scangauge. Used it in my 97 F150, and 2011 f250 currently.
https://www.scangauge.com/
https://www.scangauge.com/
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 225
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From: Advocate Hbr. Nova Scotia
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,740
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From: Central NYS
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2007
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Take a good look at AutoEnginuity with the Enhanced Ford package.
AutoEnginuity
AutoEnginuity
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2013
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From: Advocate Hbr. Nova Scotia
I ordered an AL619. Don't know if its good or bad. Supposed to read OBDII OBDI CAN. Supposed to have live data, and mode 6? Capabilities.
Will post back as to how it works after I use it.
Will post back as to how it works after I use it.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 225
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From: Advocate Hbr. Nova Scotia
I bought the Auto light AL619 it wasn't as good as I expected. It reads codes and pending code but didn't meet my expectations.
I used it on my wifes beater a '07 cobalt, after scanning it the traction control light came on. I scanned my sons Ram and the ABS light and brake light came on. The lights were not on before and came on as soon as the vehicles were started after using the scan tool. They eventually went away.
I used it on my wifes beater a '07 cobalt, after scanning it the traction control light came on. I scanned my sons Ram and the ABS light and brake light came on. The lights were not on before and came on as soon as the vehicles were started after using the scan tool. They eventually went away.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 3
From: NE Texas
Nova,
It sounds like you got a code reader as opposed to a scanner. I'm sorry I did not respond to your thread early enough.
I don't have mine at hand, so I can't verify the model number, but with a little surfing, I believe it is model number CP9185 of the Actron line. It gives live data, but mostly in text form, but that's okay for the money. If you want graph data, you might be better off with a PC based system for extensive graphic data.
Most people think of a code reader as a live data scanner which it is not.
BTW, if you want anything beyond engine codes, a standard scanner, even one with live data won't provide them. Up until very recently, the manufacturers have kept this equipment proprietary. It seems like I read somewhere only a few weeks ago, that legislation has been passed that will require the manufacturers to make the information available.
Hope this helps.
It sounds like you got a code reader as opposed to a scanner. I'm sorry I did not respond to your thread early enough.
I don't have mine at hand, so I can't verify the model number, but with a little surfing, I believe it is model number CP9185 of the Actron line. It gives live data, but mostly in text form, but that's okay for the money. If you want graph data, you might be better off with a PC based system for extensive graphic data.
Most people think of a code reader as a live data scanner which it is not.
BTW, if you want anything beyond engine codes, a standard scanner, even one with live data won't provide them. Up until very recently, the manufacturers have kept this equipment proprietary. It seems like I read somewhere only a few weeks ago, that legislation has been passed that will require the manufacturers to make the information available.
Hope this helps.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2013
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From: Advocate Hbr. Nova Scotia
It will provide some live data such as 02 sensor data. I'm not sure what I thought it should do. Fords may be a different animal. It won't bring up misfires by cylinder etc.
I got my truck fixed anyways. Turned out to not be electrical, sensor related. Had bad intake gaskets, lower intake had quite a bit of oil in it so changed PCV, three plug wells had water/coolant in them.
I got my truck fixed anyways. Turned out to not be electrical, sensor related. Had bad intake gaskets, lower intake had quite a bit of oil in it so changed PCV, three plug wells had water/coolant in them.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 3
From: NE Texas
There are individual cylinder misfire codes available in OBDII and most any scantool will read them as long as they were set in the ECU. They are quite helpful when they do set. Knowing which cylinder to investigate saves a good bit of time in the troubleshooting process.
Once you know the misfiring cylinder, listening to the injector on that cylinder with a stethoscope will pinpoint the problem pretty quick.
Once you know the misfiring cylinder, listening to the injector on that cylinder with a stethoscope will pinpoint the problem pretty quick.
New User
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 12
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I'm just shocked at the lack of scanner hardware/software is available for Ford. Maybe I just haven't found it and it is available??? For my Audi I have a PC program (vag-com) that can work with everything. Each module, engine, abs, airbag, etc is available to me via this software. I can read live data, logs, graphs, individual cylinder misfires, etc. It is even capable of changing programs like turn-signal light flashes, windows up/down with remote, ride-height settings, transmission dynamic settings, and a million other customizable things. Would be so nice to be able to have these capabilities for my Ford.
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Nova,
It sounds like you got a code reader as opposed to a scanner. I'm sorry I did not respond to your thread early enough.
I don't have mine at hand, so I can't verify the model number, but with a little surfing, I believe it is model number CP9185 of the Actron line. It gives live data, but mostly in text form, but that's okay for the money. If you want graph data, you might be better off with a PC based system for extensive graphic data.
Most people think of a code reader as a live data scanner which it is not.
BTW, if you want anything beyond engine codes, a standard scanner, even one with live data won't provide them. Up until very recently, the manufacturers have kept this equipment proprietary. It seems like I read somewhere only a few weeks ago, that legislation has been passed that will require the manufacturers to make the information available.
Hope this helps.
It sounds like you got a code reader as opposed to a scanner. I'm sorry I did not respond to your thread early enough.
I don't have mine at hand, so I can't verify the model number, but with a little surfing, I believe it is model number CP9185 of the Actron line. It gives live data, but mostly in text form, but that's okay for the money. If you want graph data, you might be better off with a PC based system for extensive graphic data.
Most people think of a code reader as a live data scanner which it is not.
BTW, if you want anything beyond engine codes, a standard scanner, even one with live data won't provide them. Up until very recently, the manufacturers have kept this equipment proprietary. It seems like I read somewhere only a few weeks ago, that legislation has been passed that will require the manufacturers to make the information available.
Hope this helps.
It maddens me how cheap they are to produce (a cord and a CD), and how much they charge for them (generally more than a whole scanner!).