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I just got an F-250 (2001) , California with 120K miles.
So, planning to get my smog cert so I can register at the DMV.
I can plug in my scanner into the OBD2 port, but when the truck is running and I run the scan, the truck stutters and dies.
What can I do?
I have an older model scanner - received this from my dad who was a smog technician, so I figure it is a pretty good one - it is a wired unit.
I am willing to try nearly anything ...
If you look at page 45 it says to to to page 2 and that the water may be wet if it is a day but dry with night in the next 23 hours, but not day within 22 hours.
Yep... that tells me about as much as what I typed.
Have fun.
Up in the stickies is a section all about Forscan. It's an inexpensive to free app that is specifically for scanning and diagnostics of Ford vehicles. I'd suggest starting with some reading and possibly giving it a try. Another thing just occurred to me also. These trucks can be a little finicky about their power and grounds. It never hurts to go around to every ground location and cleaning and inspecting the connections. As well as the battery terminals and checking the PCM case is grounded.
a long time back, I bought an Innova Scanner because it claimed to work with Fords.
when I plugged it in, at first while sitting still, it was okay.
then i decided to get some Live Data while driving, when I switched it to LIVE, the engine quit for about 3 to 5 seconds, and then started running again.
I was on Cruise Control at the time at around 55 mph....
don't recall how much "live data" it gave me, but I was very disappointed with only 3 or 4 codes available to look at.
after that, I bought some ELM compatible modules and tried them, then a USB corded adapter to a Windows Laptop gave me the best control with ForScan.
Early 99 7.3 will shut off when run on California smog check equipment. Makes it hard to hand over $80 for smog check when all machine does is try to match VIN to registration. California needs that current address to send your NON OP for private diesel operation when it's banned. I'm old, but can still remember when registration fees went down as your vehicle aged. Truck will be turning 26 years old soon and registration is more than when it was new. Is there a break for classic vintage or antique?
First thing I found out in Georgia when I bought my Excursion (5.4L Gas) was because it was consider a BIG Vehicle.... you didn't have to do an Emissions Test.
Guessing the rich folks that bought these big beast made a loop hole for themselves back in the day.
So I’ve been to 2 smog places, both of which say the truck needs to be running while establishing the connection from the machine to the trucks computer. I get that, is there any solutions? I don’t need to scan the truck for codes at this point, I’ve gotten the codes, changed a part, done the drive cycle, but the truck still shuts off when connected to any scanner.
I don’t want to get the test done officially as I know the truck will die when they start the test, failing the test. I’ve been told it could be a loose ground somewhere, maybe a fuse, or something pcm related? Thoughts?
So I’ve been to 2 smog places, both of which say the truck needs to be running while establishing the connection from the machine to the trucks computer. I get that, is there any solutions? I don’t need to scan the truck for codes at this point, I’ve gotten the codes, changed a part, done the drive cycle, but the truck still shuts off when connected to any scanner.
I don’t want to get the test done officially as I know the truck will die when they start the test, failing the test. I’ve been told it could be a loose ground somewhere, maybe a fuse, or something pcm related? Thoughts?
thank you everyone who has replied!
Where exactly are you? Maybe I can help, I'm near Sacramento.
If the CEL is not lit and the drive cycle is complete the smog check should be no problemo.
Where exactly are you? Maybe I can help, I'm near Sacramento.
If the CEL is not lit and the drive cycle is complete the smog check should be no problemo.
hey! I’m actually in the South Bay, beach cities.
I’m not getting any CEL. The drive cycle is complete, according to a few scanners. I’m just not sure if when they go to do the actual test, it will shut off and fail.
still struggling to come up with a solution, as far as I’m concerned, the truck is stock as far as engine/trans go, there is an aftermarket trailer brake controller, and I know there was a 5th wheel attached at one point, so maybe a towing tune?? Not sure, thank you!
No smog shop ever had a problem testing my truck*.
A buddy had same truck as mine except long bed and white. Same year etc. OK to read codes on his truck but when trying to scan live data it would turn off like a switch. But mine always ran fine. He did not see the humor in the situation. Pretty sure I was using Torque Pro on my Android and a $12 chinese BT adapter.
Later on in thinking about it, the only mechanical difference is I had RF chokes on the cable to the PCM because I was running HID headlights at the time. HIDs can interfere with the PCM. Just a guess but a clip on RF coke is cheap and might be worth a try.
It's uncommon to have a tune flashed onto the PCM. Very common to have a tune switcher like a Hydra attached to the PCM. So if no switch in the cab it's a good bet there is no tune. You could verify by removing the PCM and looking at the soldered connections there. To install a switch you need to remove the insulating coating. Not worth the effort imo, just sayin'.
Engine dies when scanning with OBD2
