DTC and ABS Reader Recommendation?
Thread Starter
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4wd Low
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 12
Likes: 1
DTC and ABS Reader Recommendation?
What Scan tool would you recommend to use to read the OBD2 codes and ABS? I have FORscan on my laptop, it does not appear to scan ABS codes though. I have a 97 with a ABS light on, changed the rear VSS sensor and the lights still. Trying to see if I can read the actual codes on the ABS module. AutoZone was worthless and didn't understand that 1 ton trucks were exempt from OBD2.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 100
Likes: 16
It always helps to list your vehicle. I am in a similar situation, just getting started with OBD. I should get the OBDlink MX+ in today. I had the ABS light on my 96 F250, but it went out recently. Getting the truck back on the road after 5 years, so maybe a gremlin somewhere. I've read that the MX+ is the best scanner. I will also use it to do some programming to add remote start to my 2017 F250, so I am ok with buying the best.
On my 96, I just ordered an Android head unit. I'm not sure it's gonna fit, but if it does, I will have a sweet display of all the OBD data right there on my screen.
On my 96, I just ordered an Android head unit. I'm not sure it's gonna fit, but if it does, I will have a sweet display of all the OBD data right there on my screen.
Thread Starter
|
4wd Low
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 12
Likes: 1
It always helps to list your vehicle. I am in a similar situation, just getting started with OBD. I should get the OBDlink MX+ in today. I had the ABS light on my 96 F250, but it went out recently. Getting the truck back on the road after 5 years, so maybe a gremlin somewhere. I've read that the MX+ is the best scanner. I will also use it to do some programming to add remote start to my 2017 F250, so I am ok with buying the best.
On my 96, I just ordered an Android head unit. I'm not sure it's gonna fit, but if it does, I will have a sweet display of all the OBD data right there on my screen.
On my 96, I just ordered an Android head unit. I'm not sure it's gonna fit, but if it does, I will have a sweet display of all the OBD data right there on my screen.
I have a 1997 F-350 XLT 2WD with the 7.3L Powerstroke.
I have that ABS light on continuously but my speedometer works, I changed the speed sensor on the rear. Light continues to stay on. Before throwing more parts at it I think I’ll try and get the codes off of it. Just having trouble finding a scan tool for checking DTCs and I’m not sure one exists for the ABS on this truck.
Mind following up if your OBDlink MX+ works with your truck?
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 100
Likes: 16
I'll let you know about the MX+ but my research says it's the best out there. Not sure what caused my ABS light or why it went away. It started after I did a rear brake job and e-brake cables. maybe a sensor at the brake reservoir. have you done the recall on the brake reservoir sensor? i have not. once i get the truck tidied up and the AC working, I'll take it to the dealer in el paso three hours away. i don't really understand the ABS system on these things, but if the speedo works, the VSS is doing what it is supposed to do...
Thread Starter
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4wd Low
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 12
Likes: 1
I'll let you know about the MX+ but my research says it's the best out there. Not sure what caused my ABS light or why it went away. It started after I did a rear brake job and e-brake cables. maybe a sensor at the brake reservoir. have you done the recall on the brake reservoir sensor? i have not. once i get the truck tidied up and the AC working, I'll take it to the dealer in el paso three hours away. i don't really understand the ABS system on these things, but if the speedo works, the VSS is doing what it is supposed to do...
Honestly not 100% sure, the sensor appears to have had the recall service completed. I just bought the truck a week ago and the light has always been on. I know it needs front brakes, you can hear the squeal. The sponginess in the brake pedal could be part of the ABS fault or just worn brakes. Truck has 187k on it. The reservoir is topped off.
Thread Starter
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4wd Low
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 12
Likes: 1
Thanks, will proceed forward and report back.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: western SD
For the ABS light, you might want to check the in-cabin fuse panel for a blown fuse. A few years ago I hooked up to a trailer with faulting wiring, and had the ABS light on. Turns out it had blown a fuse. After replacing the fuse, no more light. I don't remember which fuse, maybe #13 or #15.
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Thread Starter
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4wd Low
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 12
Likes: 1
For the ABS light, you might want to check the in-cabin fuse panel for a blown fuse. A few years ago I hooked up to a trailer with faulting wiring, and had the ABS light on. Turns out it had blown a fuse. After replacing the fuse, no more light. I don't remember which fuse, maybe #13 or #15.
I did talk to OBDLink, they said my truck may be a 24V system since OBD2 compliance was not required and suggested I order the OBDLink EX which supports both. The recommendation was get a FORScan extended license to see if I can pull an ABS code. Ordered the parts and will test this evening and report back.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 100
Likes: 16
I tried the OBDlink MX+ today in my 1996 F250 and it works great. Was able to connect by bluetooth using both my windows PC and iPhone and the apps. Did not get a chance to play with it much, but it seems to display codes and read sensors. It's the only OBD that i have used but it looks like a good bit of kit.
I did use it today on my 2017 F250 to program a remote start kit that i installed. All great.
I did use it today on my 2017 F250 to program a remote start kit that i installed. All great.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
What exactly does the ABS system on the 97 F-350 consist of? The rear brakes are shoes and the front are discs. I need to redo the front here shortly but do not remember seeing an abs sensor attached to that area. It looks like there is a control module, hydraulic module and a speed sensor. Nothing at the wheels?? What happens if the control or hydraulic units go bad? Do the brakes lock up? Can they be ignored? If the ESS goes bad the vehicle may not shift out of low gear (automatics). Can unplugging the fuse defeat the system?
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,247
Likes: 7,667
From: Chino Valley, Arizona
What exactly does the ABS system on the 97 F-350 consist of? The rear brakes are shoes and the front are discs. I need to redo the front here shortly but do not remember seeing an abs sensor attached to that area. It looks like there is a control module, hydraulic module and a speed sensor. Nothing at the wheels?? What happens if the control or hydraulic units go bad? Do the brakes lock up? Can they be ignored? If the ESS goes bad the vehicle may not shift out of low gear (automatics). Can unplugging the fuse defeat the system?
Thread Starter
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4wd Low
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 12
Likes: 1
Update -
Firstly there is no scan tool that reads the ABS on these trucks. You have to short the black and orange wire under the dashboard on the passenger side in the cabin and count the codes.
Second, my ECM is messed up. I tried both OBSLink and FORScan. They both have the wrong VIN and year for my truck on the MDC. Additionally when scanning I get error P0605 and the CEL does not function right. The bulb is not burnt out and does not function properly when doing KOEO tests.
As for the ABS issue, I get 12 flashes. Still currently determining the solution. However I am going to change the master cylinder and bleed the system tomorrow. For good measure change the front brakes as I know they are worn. I did change the rear speed sensor, no changes observed.
Firstly there is no scan tool that reads the ABS on these trucks. You have to short the black and orange wire under the dashboard on the passenger side in the cabin and count the codes.
Second, my ECM is messed up. I tried both OBSLink and FORScan. They both have the wrong VIN and year for my truck on the MDC. Additionally when scanning I get error P0605 and the CEL does not function right. The bulb is not burnt out and does not function properly when doing KOEO tests.
As for the ABS issue, I get 12 flashes. Still currently determining the solution. However I am going to change the master cylinder and bleed the system tomorrow. For good measure change the front brakes as I know they are worn. I did change the rear speed sensor, no changes observed.