I want to buy a scan tool for my truck; 2006 F-250 6.0. I'm asking for your recommendation. I use Apple computers & phones, but have access to an IBM clone laptop.
It doesn't have to be cheap, I want a good one that will help me get this truck running again. I'm having high pressure oil issues, crank/no start.

Thank you folks.

 

Do you want the ability to command actuators and maybe do some PCM "re-programming"?

ForScan is the best bang for your buck. You can get it as a full version (free) for a Windows laptop or the Lite version for a smartphone.

The laptop can use an "OBDII to USB" adapter OR an "OBDII to BlueTooth" adapter if you have Bluetooth capability on the laptop.

The best adapter for a smart device IMO is the OBD MX+, but cheaper ones will work adequately if all you are going to do is read codes and read PCM PID data.

https://forscan.org/home.html

Download ForScan:
https://forscan.org/download.html

Adapters:
https://www.obdlink.com/aff/forscan-mxp
https://www.obdlink.com/aff/forscan-ex

 

Thank you, I have a few bluetooth OBD II adapters I used in conjunction with TorquePro. The tablet I used is no longer functioning, so I thought I would upgrade. I will look at ForScan!

 

I recently had a need to to address an issue on my wife’s Cadillac with the StabiliTrack system. While many devices can show the codes, I needed to do a Service Procedure, specifically a steering angle calibration. I have also migrated away from Windows based computing and do all my stuff on iPad for the last several years. After a bunch of research I found a couple of devices that will do bi-directional OBDII (modes 8 thru 10 (or 0A)) and communicate with Apple products on Bluetooth. I Settled on one Called TopScan Pro by a company called TOPDON. It works well and is stable on iPad and iPhone. The company has many different devices for automotive work and this is a “home gamer” device in their line up, under a hundred bucks and comes with a software license for a year. Annual renewal is about the same price. It requires a vehicle specific download basically by manufacturer and a few by model. The company is very responsive and you can even contact them directly thru the app. I interacted with them in the comments section of a YouTube video and they got back with me giving solid answers on technical questions in just a few hours (before I bought the product). I haven’t had a need to connect it to my truck yet but I’ve used it on a few different vehicles now and have been impressed. I’m confident it will do whatever might be needed on a 6.0 powered vehicle.

I just read my post and realized I sound like a cheerleader but I’m not affiliated with the company, just happy to have found something that works well. I have some downtime this week and have considered making a video of this thing and I guess I could use my truck (2006) if anyone is interested in seeing how that goes.

 

My preference is a windows laptop running Forscan with extended license and connected to the vehicle via USB with a OBDLINK EX. Good Luck, Russ

 

ForScan full version - FREE download.
OBDLink EX adapter (OBDII to USB) - $60

https://www.obdlink.com/products/obd...x/?ref=forscan

Please note that an average person does not need the license. This is essentially for doing some changes in the engine computers.

 

FORScan is excellent for Ford and Mazda running on a Windows device. If you want to diag other makes of vehicles or don’t have Windows in a portable device there are other options that work well.

 

That's one of the only reasons why I keep my AE around - for different vehicles other than my Superduty.

Thanks for the info @Rusty Axlerod I'll have to check into this!

-jokester

 

Lets see. FORScan for $60 to $180 (depending ONLY on the adapter you choose). Fancy scan tool (that really doesn't do more than the full version of FORScan) for $2500. Not a hard decision.

 

I use FORScan whenever possible for its ease of use (and I love the injector buzz test), but for more in depth diagnosis I use a Ford IDS/VCMII setup (which I got on the cheap). Both of these I have running on an old $50 laptop.

 

I got mine from dieselscanners and I've had it for years with no issues. I bought it 3 years ago and never had any problems with using it. Comes with every software I need and does everything that I would need it to do and more. My buddy got one too and loves it.

 

Does it read all the diesel codes thoroughly (what diesels have you used it on)?
5R110 Transmission codes?