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Old Feb 15, 2021 | 02:16 PM
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Hi to all. So, I've been with FTE for a few years, but I just bought my 1st,(and hopefully) last diesel.
It's a 2012 F350 w/ 6.7. Everything is working perfect, so far. I bought it in Texas and drove it home to Wis. No issues. So after reading a BUNCH of threads here, I want to be a little pro active. I am wondering what type/brand of scanner do you guys recommend? It's just a good tool to have around. I'm going to put together an emergency kit like I read about somewhere in here. Seems like a good idea.
I'm going to go from end to end in regards to scheduled maintenance. Not sure what has or has not ACTUALLY been done. So, I'm going to check everything as if it were going onto the used car lot. I used to do this back in the day @ the local Ford dealer. But never really worked on a diesel, other than filters.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Especially on the scanner.
 
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Old Feb 15, 2021 | 04:11 PM
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Forscan and an OBDII reader is probably all you will need, FS will allow lots of mod's
 
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Old Feb 15, 2021 | 06:29 PM
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It looks like there are many to choose from. What is the model # you have ? I have used scanners in the past for cars, but I would have no idea if you can use the same ones for diesel.
Thanks for the reply
 
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Old Feb 15, 2021 | 08:32 PM
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Originally Posted by sbeamer
It looks like there are many to choose from. What is the model # you have ? I have used scanners in the past for cars, but I would have no idea if you can use the same ones for diesel.
Thanks for the reply
I've got a odblink MX, which a lot of guys here have had good luck with.

https://www.obdlink.com/products/obdlink-mxp/
 
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Old Feb 15, 2021 | 08:56 PM
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thanks. I'll check that out.
 
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Old Feb 16, 2021 | 10:40 AM
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I second the recommendation for a bluetooth scanner. These trucks can set a check engine light for silly things. Some can put you into limp mode and others you can continue on and repair it when convenient. Being on the road with a camper in tow it would be a good idea to read any codes that pop up.

I use an app called Torque Pro and keep this in the center console.
Amazon Amazon

Here are the differences between the different models. The MX+ was not out yet when I purchased the MX version.
https://obdplanet.com/obdlink-mx-vs-...ink-lx-review/
 
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Old Feb 18, 2021 | 06:47 PM
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When I downloaded Forscan they recommended a OBDII adapter without the switch. I have used it and it works nice. has the cable for a laptop so not wifi. It was a little pricey but I don't usually skimp on things I use for my truck.
 
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Old Feb 20, 2021 | 12:13 AM
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I typically leave the OBDLink MX+ plugged into the OBDII port but I also use the OBDLink EX when connected to my laptop. The MX+ is nice cause I use ForScan Lite on my phone and can set it to monitor several things as well as reading codes when needed. I also have the OBDLink MX (the one before the MX+ came out) that I hang on to just in case I need it. If you want to use the OBDLink software or ForScan Lite on your phone or a tablet, you'll have to use the MX+ or a wired adapter. Good luck with your decision.
 
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Old Feb 20, 2021 | 09:24 AM
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i use forscan on the laptop with a plug in adapter, and alos have forscan lite on my mobile with a bluetooth adapter.
 
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Old Feb 20, 2021 | 12:04 PM
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For a different option, I use the Banks iDash 1.8. I can only watch a max of 8 PIDS but can read and reset CELs. Just FYI.

You have way more options with FORscan or an app like Torque Pro. And cheaper too...
 
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Old Feb 20, 2021 | 05:43 PM
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So is Forscan a program or is it like a tuner you hold in your hand?
 
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Old Feb 20, 2021 | 05:46 PM
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Originally Posted by sbeamer
So is Forscan a program or is it like a tuner you hold in your hand?
Software

https://forscan.org/home.html


We have a thread for Forscan here in the 6.7l forum as well as one in the 17+ forum depending on the year of your truck.
 
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Old Mar 2, 2021 | 10:07 PM
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So to me, the best option is blue tooth OBD2 module and Forscan on laptop. With a blue tooth OBD2 module, you can use a phone, with Forscan Lite on the phone. Am I correct about this?
 
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Old Mar 2, 2021 | 11:46 PM
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Originally Posted by ken235
So to me, the best option is blue tooth OBD2 module and Forscan on laptop. With a blue tooth OBD2 module, you can use a phone, with Forscan Lite on the phone. Am I correct about this?
Most definitely!
 
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Old Mar 3, 2021 | 08:52 AM
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Originally Posted by ken235
So to me, the best option is blue tooth OBD2 module and Forscan on laptop. With a blue tooth OBD2 module, you can use a phone, with Forscan Lite on the phone. Am I correct about this?
You can use the bluetooth OBD2 adapter on your phone if it is the OBD2 MX+ model. The regular OBD2 MX won't work on the phone or with Forscan Lite. It has to be the MX+ version of the adapter.
 
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