code reader???
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 391
Likes: 1
From: Fouke, Arkansas
code reader???
I am not sure if this is the right place for this question and if it's not please move it. I need to purchase a code reader but I have no idea which one I should purchase. I have a 2000 F350 4X4 6.8 V10 I need to read the codes on and this is the primary vehicle I need the code reader for. My wife drives a 1999 dodge caravan I might use it on and I also have a 1988 F250 with an EFI inline 6 it may be used on. My question is can I buy one code reader that will work on all 3 of these vehicles and if I can which one is it? Thank you in advance for your input.
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,481
Likes: 5,542
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
the 88 is EEC-IV, the others are OBD-2. and they are not compatible.
if you have a smart phone there are programs that plug into the phone.
for the 88, there is a test plug under the hood you can use a paper clip or jumper wire on that will flash the CEL light on the dash to give you the codes.
if you have a smart phone there are programs that plug into the phone.
for the 88, there is a test plug under the hood you can use a paper clip or jumper wire on that will flash the CEL light on the dash to give you the codes.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,463
Likes: 724
From: Calgary Canada
An OBD-II Code reader is very handy to have around. There are some very expensive ones out there, but in my opinion, unless you are a professional mechanic, that's overkill. I bought a cheapo one, and I just did a little googling, and looks like Harbor Freight sells them, very similar to the one I have.
One thing with the cheaper ones, sometimes you'll get the code, but not what the code means, so you have to come back to google to figure it out. It's not rocket science.
I have no advice for you 1988 truck. As mentioned, the OBD2 readers aren't compatible.
I have never used the smartphone apps.
One thing with the cheaper ones, sometimes you'll get the code, but not what the code means, so you have to come back to google to figure it out. It's not rocket science.
I have no advice for you 1988 truck. As mentioned, the OBD2 readers aren't compatible.
I have never used the smartphone apps.
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,481
Likes: 5,542
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
from what i have read on the forums the torque app for android and an OBD2/bluetooth adapter is what you need.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post14462521
other than that i have no idea, i have a plain old cellphone that does not do anything but make and take calls.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post14462521
other than that i have no idea, i have a plain old cellphone that does not do anything but make and take calls.
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traxx808
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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May 2, 2011 07:30 AM
