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Hi I am new to FTE and have learned a whole lot from you guys. I own a 2006 f350 6.0 I like the truck and have done a lot to it but I need to buy a quality Scan Tool to be able to trouble shoot the endless problems. Suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks. Joec17mech
Alot of us run the Scangauge II, can get it online from around $130ish to about $160. Other less expensive options are the Torque Pro app that runs on android devices via a Bluetooth obd adapter and some use Dashboss for iPhone. One plus for the scangauge is it stays in the vehicle and doesn't need to connect everytime like the others. Search the forums and compare. I'm sure others will chime in. Good luck.
Not sure how much you are wanting to spend, but the Matco MaxMe device is a good option, that has most dealer-level tools available. It's around 800 bucks.
You can add other brands to it at a later date, also, and it is a fully functioning Android tablet on top of that. So if you are at the truck and need to look up any information, it's plenty easy to hop on a browser for searching as long as you have Wi-Fi.
It's usually what I grab in the shop if I need capability beyond a regular code scanner, and dont' feel like dragging out a full laptop for Ford IDS.
Welcome to FTE. Have a look in the Tech Folder for lots of good info.
You can get the clone IDS if you have a laptop
for around ± $350.
We have not heard much about any tools that report true numbers
when it comes to power balance testing. The AE does not at this time.
The only one that I know that does is the Ford Rotunda IDS VCM system.
If you want to know more about the clones let me know.
That is valuable information on Scan Tools. I appreciate that. Since I am into this truck a few thousand bucks I would like a scan tool that shows all the PIDs. I've been out of the auto repair business a while now but this 6.0 has got me interested in it again. Thanks guys
The torque pro gets my vote. under $30 and everything you need. just takes a while to set up and find ALL the PIDs. If anything there are too many configuration options.
The scangaugeII and the phone apps are good monitors but are not actual scan tools.
They can not run self tests or operator directed tests.
There are a few cost effective tools available. A&E; Scan XL; Forescan [ford specific] that run off of laptops/notebooks etc. Torque pro for android; Dashcommand; Dashboss;
cell phone type apps can be put on a notebook for easier viewing. Bigger screen but not as bulky as a laptop. Of course there is IDS and VCM and their clones.
I've been using the autel maxi sys. It's a wonderful piece of equipment, but not very cost effective for home knuckle busters.
I bought the Maxi DAS and am still learning how to use it. I read a lot of reviews and watched several YT videos and it seems to be pretty capable. I've used it on the X to control the fan, pretty interesting.
snuff.
