Participate in the "enthusiastic" discussion on whether or not FTE should host a top level scan tool forum here:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/13...l#post15226950

 

NO!! ENOUGH ALREADY!!
DROP IT. BECAUSE IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN NO MATTER HOW MANY POSTS YOU MAKE.

 

tjc: Why? I think I am doing something to help. So it helps me to stop helping if I know why. Why, won't it ever happen? Why is this drawing so much ire?

 

Just drive to any of the infinite "we scan for free" spots and have them scan if you can't use a code reader or don't have access to one.

Not patronizing, just my 2€

 

the books that come with the code scanners are more than enough required to learn how to scan for codes.they're pretty simple.i don't think a whole devote section for them would be required.it would likely go unused.
i like how you presented it with "top level forum" in the title.A for effort. and you have a lovely state!

 

89F2urd and FordF250HDXLT: Thank you for your input. And thank you for the compliments of my State's landscape. (Unfortunately, its politics are anything but lovely.)

But we aren't talking about code readers here. We are talking about dealership level bi-directional scan tools which can monitor and sometimes adjust the vehicle's proprietary software.

Code readers look for "trouble codes." Scan tools can monitor all functions of the vehicle even when the vehicle is not experiencing any trouble at all. For instance, you can graph your fuel injector pulse width against rpm and against injector control pressure and/or against timing or, in diesel's, the start of injection.

The good scan tools can do a lot of what the dealership can do.

For instance the NGS, which I just bought was the Rotunda scan tool used at Ford dealerships for the years that the 7.3L PSD was manufactured. The NGS was also used in evaluating the functioning of the EEC-IV PCM and sensor output in my 1995 Bronco 5.8L.

A scan tool can retrieve and clear continuous diagnostic trouble codes just like a code reader, but it also can do a lot more. It can run a Key On Engine Off on-demand self test, or a Key On Engine Off Injector Electrical self test , or a Key On Engine Running on demand self test, or a Key On Engine Running Cylinder Contribution self-test (basically an electrically generated/monitored compression test), and for diesels a Key On Engine Running Glow Plug Monitoring self-test.

And scan tools can be complicated to use. And I wouldn't mind some help from the forum on how to use my new to me NGS. Ford's On Board Diagnostic two volume set for 1995 Cars and Trucks is 10 inches wide and a lot of it is devoted to use of the NGS scan tool, although across multiple vehicles. The Ford 7.3L Powerstroke Diesel Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis 2002 Service Manual is only an inch and a quarter thick. I own both series and I plan to do quite a bit of reading in them for both of my vehicles, and although it is helpful to talk to others in the engine specific forums about my engines' specific issues and characteristics, it would also be helpful to have a central forum where others could get together to talk about how to use just the scan tool itself. Having a top level forum for discussing scan tools apart from specific vehicle issues is what this suggestion and discussion (and apparently ALL CAPS argument) is about.

 

If you see a girl you'd like to date, gotta ask her out. If ya don't ask, you'll never get the chance, and you'll never know what it would have turned into.

Once you learn how to use your piece of equipment, start your own thread, and see where it goes.

 

'89F2urd: Thanks buddy, I will do that. Since I already spent $725 on my tuxedo rental, her corsage, and our dinner, I guess I should take her to the dance...


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Hickok-NGS-XL-Generation-Star-Tester-FREE-SHIPPING-/331509635982?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2047675.l2557&nma=true&si=LfsTCyfi1%252FqNT7uaFIOIeA2WjOk%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

And eventually I will be asking you again for your thread on installing that ZF-6 in your van.

 

I appreciate your enthusiasm...I've never been big into build threads. They take a lot of time to manage and formulate, seeing as how time is my largest adversary when building, I just never gave it much thought. I'm also not one to kiss and tell, I don't go sleeveless at the gym, and I wear a shirt unless water or work is involved.

Be happy to answer any questions though. Van is about to find its way to a childhood friends driveway permanently. He's been "borrowing" it for a few weeks now with intent on making it his family wagon.

 

ahh i see.most likely even less traffic would be involved in that devoted section then.not many folks require nor have any use for such tools.try google to seek and find such forums/write up's/etc on them.you might get lucky finding all ya need.