Preferred code reader for obd2?
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Menifee, CA
Preferred code reader for obd2?
I know some of the cheaper ones won't link up with the early Ford obd2 computers. Does anyone have any recommendations? My cheapie Vgate one from Amazon won't read the system on my 97 F350
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 7,868
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From: Rhode Island
I use this:
and the free ForScan software on my laptop. Works with everything I've tried it on, including a '96 PowerStroke, which are notorious for not working with almost any scan tool. They also have ForScan app if you have a smartphone.
and the free ForScan software on my laptop. Works with everything I've tried it on, including a '96 PowerStroke, which are notorious for not working with almost any scan tool. They also have ForScan app if you have a smartphone.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Menifee, CA
I use this:
Amazon.com: Professional Diagnostic Tool OBD2 OBD-II ELM327 ELM 327 V1.5 Bluetooth Car Diagnostic Interface Scanner Works On Android: Automotive
and the free ForScan software on my laptop. Works with everything I've tried it on, including a '96 PowerStroke, which are notorious for not working with almost any scan tool. They also have ForScan app if you have a smartphone.
Amazon.com: Professional Diagnostic Tool OBD2 OBD-II ELM327 ELM 327 V1.5 Bluetooth Car Diagnostic Interface Scanner Works On Android: Automotive
and the free ForScan software on my laptop. Works with everything I've tried it on, including a '96 PowerStroke, which are notorious for not working with almost any scan tool. They also have ForScan app if you have a smartphone.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,783
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From: Kentucky
Each app has it's virtues. I use both on my 2006 Navigator. The ForScan app can read more codes than just powertrain with the right BlueTooth adapter or mod the cheaper ELM327 with a switch. Handy if you have a newer vehicle in the stable as well.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Menifee, CA
I'll try ForScan as well
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,693
Likes: 3
From: Menifee, CA
I haven't updated my signature yet. Last night I purchased a 1997 F350 California emissions with a 460
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 7,868
Likes: 9
From: Rhode Island
ForScan works well with the OBDLink.
As far as ForScan vs. Torque, ForScan is Ford specific and will not work on other vehicles. It can do a lot of Ford-specific diagnostics. Plus it's free (at least the PC version).
As far as ForScan vs. Torque, ForScan is Ford specific and will not work on other vehicles. It can do a lot of Ford-specific diagnostics. Plus it's free (at least the PC version).
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