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Preferred code reader for obd2?

Old Apr 17, 2016 | 11:18 PM
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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
 
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Old Apr 18, 2016 | 07:22 AM
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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 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.
 
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Old Apr 18, 2016 | 07:58 AM
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Originally Posted by Lead Head
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.
How does ForScan compare to Torque?
 
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Old Apr 18, 2016 | 08:36 AM
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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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Old Apr 18, 2016 | 11:03 AM
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Originally Posted by rla2005
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.
I just ordered the ObdLink MX on Amazon. Will be here tomorrow, and is a bit more futureproof compared to some of the other cheap readers.

I'll try ForScan as well
 
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Old Apr 18, 2016 | 11:05 AM
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What engine? Your profile only mentions a 1994 truck.
 
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Old Apr 18, 2016 | 11:07 AM
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Originally Posted by madpogue
What engine? Your profile only mentions a 1994 truck.
I haven't updated my signature yet. Last night I purchased a 1997 F350 California emissions with a 460
 
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Old Apr 18, 2016 | 12:04 PM
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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).
 
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