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I am looking for a code scanner for my 1994 Ford f150 OBD. I'm also looking to save some $. However, I would still like to be able to read ford specific codes. Any ideas or suggestions?
Thanks,
Matt
Since it is not OBD II, the scanner is not expensive. I got one from Pep Boys for $30. It is a simple device, but the instruction manual is very complete. It has codes for the engine, transmission and abs brakes. Any big chain-type auto parts store should carry them.
If your 94 is EEC IV, go to this website and learn how to get the codes yourself using a jumper wire...about the cheapest way possible. http://www.dalidesign.com/hbook/eectest.htm
If your truck isn't EEC IV, then check ebay for code scanners. Tip, the cheap ones you get are just that....CHEAP, and not worth wasting your money on. Been there, done that...got the T-shirt.
I think you are EEC IV, but am unsure when Ford went to OBD II. Buy a chiltons or haynes manual, it'll be a big help. Don't know what engine you have so I don't know where to tell you to look for the diagnostic connector that will tell you what computer system you have. On my 90 F150 with 300 I6 (4.9L) the EEC IV connector is in a tray right behind the air filter box, under the hood on the driver's side. If you have EEC IV the connector will look like the one on the dalidesign codes page...where it has the diagram on how to use the jumper wire on the connector. Maybe someone else knows for sure if 94 trucks are EEC IV.
According to the Ford factory shop manual (CD purchased on ebay), 1994 F-series are EEC-IV OBD I. Chilton/Haynes are inexpensive, but cover so many model years that inaccuracies creep in.
You can use jumper wires and a voltmeter instead of a code scanner, but I found the code scanner with the detailed manual worth it, especially if you are not familiar with such systems.
Federal law required all vehicles built and sold after 1/1/96 to be OBD-II compliant. However a number of vehicles were OBD-2 before then. Many California emissions vehicles were OBD-2 a model year or two before the rest of the country, so that's the only question I have. OBD-2 vehicles have a 16 pin D-shaped diagnostic connector which is in the passenger compartment of the truck within 3 feet of the driver. The one on my '96 F-250 is under the dash, directly under the heater controls and radio.
Maybe that info will help determine if your truck is OBD-2, but I don't think it is.
Auto Zone sells a hand-held OBD-2 scanner for $149.00, which is the best price I've seen for one.