Scan tool
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 69
Likes: 2
Scan tool
i’ve read the FORscan sticky and it hasn’t convinced me. I have a couple of dongles , ELM 327 that I bought years, maybe decades ago and Bluedriver that I got for the SAAB. I plugged the Bluedriver into the diagnostic port on the 02-250 7.3 and got’ 7.3 does not support OBD2.
Whats the verdict from subscriber here who have scan tools?
Whats the verdict from subscriber here who have scan tools?
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 27,344
Likes: 5,941
From: Lake Hartwell, GA
Verdict is that the FORScan/FORScan Lite Class thread has all of the relevant and up to date information related to FORScan and Lite. The 7.3L PSD you own uses J1850 VPW, which is NOT like your SAAB and will NOT work with most parts stores scan tools.
I like the OBDLink scan tools, but they are pricey and cheaper versions of the tool are readily available.
I like the OBDLink scan tools, but they are pricey and cheaper versions of the tool are readily available.
Got Data?
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,236
Likes: 1,368
From: Lake Stevens, WA
Note that OBDLINK MX+ is on sale on amazon during Prime days. I have one coming, because I'm "blessed" with an iPhone that is finicky about OBDII dongles, and the cheaper BAFX wifi dongle is no longer made (sigh).
Let us know if you have any questions - always looking to make that thread better and current for diagnostics on this platform.
Let us know if you have any questions - always looking to make that thread better and current for diagnostics on this platform.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 5,034
Likes: 1,406
From: Oologah, OK
I quit trying to use the Bluetooth dongles, the ones I bought are 2 years old, and now do not support the new protocols that ForScan has mentioned on their Homepage.
I am using the USB wired dongle for my Windows laptop, it always works.
no Bluetooth involved.
I am using the USB wired dongle for my Windows laptop, it always works.
no Bluetooth involved.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 6,846
Likes: 2,326
From: WV
Originally Posted by BWST
Note that OBDLINK MX+ is on sale on amazon during Prime days. I have one coming, because I'm "blessed" with an iPhone that is finicky about OBDII dongles, and the cheaper BAFX wifi dongle is no longer made (sigh).
Let us know if you have any questions - always looking to make that thread better and current for diagnostics on this platform.
Let us know if you have any questions - always looking to make that thread better and current for diagnostics on this platform.
The price is a touch high but it pays for itself with its included app when using on other vehicles. I’ve used it numerous times on our Toyotas, Honda, and other folk’s Nissan. Only used it with FORScan once on my cousin’s 6.7 truck. Point being, it’s valuable for other things beyond our trucks so it’s an investment.
I bought a BAFX for my daughter while she was away at college. It required finding a standalone app (the one I found was subpar and I think cost a few bucks) and it has drastically limited capability compared to the OBDLink. The BAFX got us by much cheaper, but for someone who’s gonna do more than screenshot an ignition coil code to text their dad, the OBDLink is WAY better.
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Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 69
Likes: 2
Ok, thanks for your inputs. So it seems the 7.3 does support OBD2 and I should be looking at Forscan. I wonder if the hardwire to the diagnostic port on the truck has the Apple Lightning connector.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 5,034
Likes: 1,406
From: Oologah, OK
NO....
ForScan or an Expensive Ford dedicated Scan tool only
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,378
Likes: 190
From: Cambs, England
It's OBD2, but a different protocol which generic ELM327 (usually cloned chips) don't communicate with, which is why you MUST use one of the Forscan recommended devices, I've been using it with my OBD2MX that I bought around 10 years ago & it's still functioning perfectly.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,303
Likes: 576
From: Amarillo, TEXAS!
It's OBD2, but a different protocol which generic ELM327 (usually cloned chips) don't communicate with, which is why you MUST use one of the Forscan recommended devices, I've been using it with my OBD2MX that I bought around 10 years ago & it's still functioning perfectly.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 5,034
Likes: 1,406
From: Oologah, OK
This is the one I bought back in 2020. Wired for plug in to my tablet and has performed flawlessly with FORScan.
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B01N18...b_b_asin_title
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B01N18...b_b_asin_title
I bought 2 Bluetooth adapters, neither of them work.
