I am seeking to purchase a quality diagnostic electronic device that can be utilized to diagnose issues with my 2003 F150 XLT, 4.6L engine and other devices as well as utilized on other vehicles. I currently have a code reader that does a reasonable job, but not a full fledged diagnostic computerized device. I am not looking to break the bank, however, I'd like a top quality device befitting this and other vehicles. Thanks in advance for your feedback.

 

This is pretty highly rated - https://forscan.org/ I am not sure which dongle is preferred, sorry.

You can even program those pesky PATS keys for spares.

 

What are you using now and how much are you looking to spend? Would you use a phone app, or a computer, or do you want a stand-alone device?

Do you want live data and graphing capabilities?

There's a ton out there. Tell what you have now so people know where you're starting from.

 

I currently use a Scan Gauge II which I have had for several years. It did help me to identify a deficiency in one of the sensors, a COP, and often points directly to the faulty part. It simply plugs into the OBDII port under the dash on the drivers side. I typically leave this device installed on my 2003 F150 even though it came with a full gauge package. I would like to have a stand alone device or else would be using an iPad mini or a windows laptop for a program platform. Currently I have no faults showing on this scanner. I'll drive the truck for a distance, then shut it off. After about 5-10 minutes I'll be back in the truck and it will simply not start. It will turn over just fine but will not connect. The first time I had the issue, I had the truck towed to a nearby Ford dealer and left it overnight. They told me there would be a diagnosis fee along with whatever was replaced or repaired. The next morning, they went to push it into the stall to hook up to the wiring to the computer to ascertain the issue. It cranked right up the first time. They repeated the switch off and re-crank several times and it did not fail to start. They did hook up the diagnostic system but could not find any issues. So, as it turns out, they didn't charge me any fee because they couldn't find any faults showing up. This issue has now occurred 4 times and I am at my wits end to determine what it is. The scan gauge will not show any faults just as the computer at Ford did not show any faults. I had the scan gauge hooked up this last time and it did not show any faults even though it was plugged in during the time it was running and the time it would not start. I checked out the FordMakuLoco videos on Youtube and it does not appear to be the PATS system. All looks good there. I have a new fuel pump on order and will keep that on hand in case it turns out to be a faulty pump. I did check and replace the 20 amp mini fuse, twice, effecting the fuel pump, with no appreciable results. The truck has only 82K miles and the fuel pump was been replaced in 2012 during the tank strap recall. And this truck lives in a garage most of the time. Any ideas would be welcomed on this issue and the diagnosis system. Thanks. R.

 

Here's a link to the ScangaugeII. There is definitely better out there for scanning live data.

https://www.scangauge.com/products/scangauge-ii/

A better scanner might not help you though. Seems like a fuel pressure gauge might be a better starting point. And some noid lights. As soon as you get a no-start try a noid light in an injector plug, then the fuel pressure gauge. You can even drive aorund with the gauge connected to get a quick look when it won't start. As for PATS, you can tell if it's workng right just by the THEFT light behavior.

But, if you decide to get a better scanner, there are bluetooth OBDII devices that various apps will use to show your data. They'll work on laptops, pads, phones, etc. Some are free. I've been using Piston with a BAFX device but the BAFX OBDII devices seem to be NLA now. Looks like they got out of the business. Not sure who the good ones are now. Good luck.

https://www.google.com/search?q=obdii+apps

https://www.google.com/search?q=bluetooth+obdii