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I'm looking for an affordable, decent code reader

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Old Jun 27, 2016 | 11:58 AM
  #1  
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I'm looking for an affordable, decent code reader

Is there such a device? I've read some of the torque pro thread,but I'm not real computer savvy. SES light is on and want to be able to find the reason . Truck is running fine. Thanks
 
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Old Jun 27, 2016 | 12:08 PM
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Not a prepackaged version that will run our trucks codes. You are going to need a laptop or tablet and forscan. Torque sucks at reading codes anyway. AE is in the $400 range and is getting worse with every new version, so don't waste your money.

Forscan is cheap and straight forward from what I have read. I have AE and Torque, so i haven't tried forscan yet.
 
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Old Jun 27, 2016 | 12:09 PM
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Thanks I'll look into that.
 
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Old Jun 27, 2016 | 12:10 PM
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you can usually find a Superchips 1705 that is VIN locked very cheap.

paid $10 for one, and it works perfectly for just reading codes and clearing them.
 
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Old Jun 27, 2016 | 12:11 PM
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David, I didn't even think of that option. I imagine they are getting harder and harder to find these days.
 
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Old Jun 27, 2016 | 12:51 PM
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Originally Posted by HKusp
David, I didn't even think of that option. I imagine they are getting harder and harder to find these days.

they still pop up on fleabay.

just need to be careful, because most are VIN locked but the sellers are selling them as "slightly used", lol, and want big money.
 
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Old Jun 27, 2016 | 12:59 PM
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I found the Forscan Lite app,5 bucks,haven't downloaded yet but looks like it works on our trucks.I assume I will need an adapter for the obd port.Any suggestions?My tablet is wifi and Bluetooth capable.Thanks Guys
Steve
 
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Old Jun 27, 2016 | 01:37 PM
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I use the Scangauge II, if you buy one from a diesel site it will come setup for your truck. I have had one on my VW for over 10 years.
 
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Old Jun 27, 2016 | 02:00 PM
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I have an old Actron code reader that I got at Pep Boys. They usually have at least one model on sale. I don't remember my model number but it reads codes and clears them (don't need it to do anything else). I think I paid about $40 for it on sale. I've had it for about 10 years and still works great.
 
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Old Jun 27, 2016 | 02:05 PM
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Originally Posted by brian42
I have an old Actron code reader that I got at Pep Boys. They usually have at least one model on sale. I don't remember my model number but it reads codes and clears them (don't need it to do anything else). I think I paid about $40 for it on sale. I've had it for about 10 years and still works great.
Thanks for the info. That's all I want to do at this time.
 
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Old Jun 27, 2016 | 03:03 PM
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Be careful with the ones that Pep Boys sells, most of them do not read the codes our trucks have. Our trucks are not OBDII compliant. They have Ford proprietary codes, so you will need one specific to the 7.3 liter codes.
 
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Old Jun 27, 2016 | 03:17 PM
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I have both Torque pro & Forscan, the later is great for codes but will only work with a proper bluetooth module not a cheap knock off one.
 
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Old Jun 27, 2016 | 03:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Shovelheadrob
I have both Torque pro & Forscan, the later is great for codes but will only work with a proper bluetooth module not a cheap knock off one.
Ok,what's a good module?
 
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Old Jun 27, 2016 | 04:43 PM
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Originally Posted by Shovelheadrob
I have both Torque pro & Forscan, the later is great for codes but will only work with a proper bluetooth module not a cheap knock off one.
The WinD'ohs version of ForScan (which is free) works just fine for me with a $12 USB OBD-II adapter.
 
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Old Jun 27, 2016 | 06:20 PM
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Originally Posted by SGnAZ
Ok,what's a good module?
I have been using this one with Forscan lite ($5) on my IPhone with no issues so far:

Veepeak Mini WiFi OBD2 OBD II Scanner Scan Tool Adapter Check Engine Light Diagnostic Trouble Code Reader for iOS iPhone iPad and Android https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WPW6BAE..._nsBCxbERT0TT4
 
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