How can I read codes

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Jul 6, 2024 | 03:33 PM

kevin.ford-trucks

Thread Starter

More Turbo

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 610

Likes: 20

From: NE Kansas

How can I read codes

Hi all,

I have an old OBDII, Bluetooth, BAFX scanner and Torque for Android. It's not reading, so looking to replace/upgrade.

I read about FORSCAN and using a laptop. That could work also. I've comfortable using that technology.

What are my options?

The bluetooth/android is easy - handy for quick code reading, but I think I'd prefer something a little more advanced. But not sure I'm up for a $300+ tool. FORSCAN and a PC seems like a good solution if the software does a good job.

I have an 00 excursion, 06 F250 (both v10), 04 Toyota Highlander, 10 Rav4, 96 Odyssey, and one of my kids has a 16 Ram 1500 w/ 5.7. In otherwords, if makes and models matter, maybe I am slanted a bit towards Fords and Toyota.

Jul 6, 2024 | 04:36 PM

Mark Kovalsky

Frmr Ford Trans Engr

Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 24,730

Likes: 2,658

From: SE Florida

Forscan works great to read codes and more on all Ford products. It won't read any other make, so you'll need something else to read the other vehicles.

Jul 6, 2024 | 07:22 PM

01__Excursion

Cargo Master

Joined: Nov 2017

Posts: 3,103

Likes: 535

From: Rock Hill, SC

FORScan will read Mazda as well....

Jul 6, 2024 | 10:14 PM

kevin.ford-trucks

Thread Starter

More Turbo

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 610

Likes: 20

From: NE Kansas

I think it says Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Mazda.

Anyone know of sw that would support toyota, honda, maybe ram (dodge). Scotty kilmer is thumbs down to dodge saying they block diyers. If so that would be a big negative for me to consider a ram 1500.

Jul 7, 2024 | 05:29 AM

unleashd

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Nov 2015

Posts: 1,840

Likes: 188

From: NoVA

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevin.ford-trucks

If you are looking for a software that simply "reads" the codes, there are quite a few free apps on the apple/android app/play stores that you can try out. If you are looking at being able to do more, Toyotas use Techstream (high $$).

Jul 7, 2024 | 09:13 AM

Don Ridley

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jan 2023

Posts: 1,328

Likes: 448

The Autel products will read codes on almost every vehicle. They cost around $200-400. Make sure you buy a code reader that will do more than read CEL codes. You want something that reads all codes and ideally has some service functions.

I use Forscan and it is very powerful. I have Autel for the wife's Volvo.

Jul 7, 2024 | 06:36 PM

manglass

More Turbo

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 704

Likes: 40

I have Forscan and it was a huge improvement over my Snap-On MT2500 which has been updated as far as it can go, pre Can-Bus. Recently I purchased an Innova 5160(?), I haven't done much on the Excursion with it but its capabilities have surprised me everywhere else. FWIW, I've used it on Ford, Chevy, Hyundai, Subaru, and VW. I have Vag-Com for the VW's, it is more powerful but the Innova is easier and faster. If you're looking for a multi-make service tool, I'd recommend this or the Autel mentioned above but I think they are both beyond the budget you mentioned. For almost free, Forscan is hard to beat.

Lou Manglass

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Jul 8, 2024 | 07:23 AM

Tylus

MMNC (SS)(Ret)

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 11,606

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From: SE Georgia

what exactly do you want to accomplish. There is a "Best" tool for each aspect. I recently went through this topic because a dog ripped up ABS wiring on the wifes Durango and I couldn't find my code reader for 3 days. I tried multiple laptop based readers, a cheap $30 Amazon special (crap btw), and even Alfa OBD (think Dodges version of Forscan). It took my good code reader to actually read the ABS faults (under engine and transmission modules). The laptop versions were crap. They couldn't see/communicate with the Dodge's modules. It's the same dongle I use for Forscan, so i figure it's a software issue.

Code Reader: about $100 for a decent one that reads all 5 protocols. This is your best bet for a varied brand household. It'll read your Ford/Toyota/Dodge/Honda. Easy to use and quick. Don't have to dig out equipment and lug around.
Dodge: Tell your son to look at a Tazer and AlfaOBD. The Ram forums can get him up to speed. It was $50 when I bought the license. It prefers Android. I use one of my kids old Kindle Fire's. It's basically the equivalent of Forscan. And can brick the ECM. So be very careful. I've been using it for years on my Dodges to turn on modules and add equipment/program stuff to the rig. His 2016 won't have an issue with it. 2018+ models get funky and need bypasses and rolling Dealer provided PIN codes that expire within 24hrs. They're free to get though.
Ford: FORSCAN is very nice. Read the FTE "Wiki" in the Superduty forum. Every Ford owner should have this. I bought a $20 USB dongle to use because the ELM types were too slow for me. USB also shines because it's plug 'n play and I prefer to have 100% communications when messing with the ECM. Just a preference.