Store bought code checker worth the $$?
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 280
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From: Iowa
Store bought code checker worth the $$?
Since it's not winter just yet, I figured I'll try to pull the codes in my truck and make sure there's nothing major in need of attention.
I know I don't need the code checker, but does it make life a lot easier to have it?
I think they go for 25 bucks at Wal*Mart here.
The couple of times I read about how to pull the codes with a paperclip, I was left scratching my head in confusion.
I know I don't need the code checker, but does it make life a lot easier to have it?
I think they go for 25 bucks at Wal*Mart here.
The couple of times I read about how to pull the codes with a paperclip, I was left scratching my head in confusion.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 320
Likes: 3
From: Northwest BC. Canada
I was lost with the paperclip thing too, but to each their own. I find the Innova code reader easy to use and is inexpensive as well. But like all toys, you still need to read the book.
My input
Dan.
My input
Dan.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
OOHRAH Vanhecht!! Code pullers are invaluable for diagnosing problems, however, you still need to do some further diagnostic work to see what the nature of your problem is ie: O2 signal low, why is the O2 signal low? Broken wire? Loose connection? A common misconception with code readers is that it tells you EXACTLY that the problem is. NOT!! They just give you an idea about what area you need to be looking at.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 280
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From: Iowa
Yeah, that's the way most stealerships fix things these days (throw parts at it until it gets a clean scan)
My 1998 VW has OBDII and I use a product called Vag-Com (software) on my laptop to scan the codes and make changes to various ECU settings...
Is there any rudimentary software like this for the 94 F150?
Is the F150 even OBD1?
My truck is totally stock and I'll most likely keep it that way. Currently it's running fine, but if there's some code thrown for a sensor or whatnot, I'd like to get it replaced asap.
I'll re-read the paperclip instructions. Reading the blinking lights is kinda confusing to me.. (I had a 1995 Jetta that you jumped wires and the check engine light flashed the codes)
It worked, but it is a lot easier reading a computer text file that tells me every code with a text description of the problem
My 1998 VW has OBDII and I use a product called Vag-Com (software) on my laptop to scan the codes and make changes to various ECU settings...
Is there any rudimentary software like this for the 94 F150?
Is the F150 even OBD1?
My truck is totally stock and I'll most likely keep it that way. Currently it's running fine, but if there's some code thrown for a sensor or whatnot, I'd like to get it replaced asap.
I'll re-read the paperclip instructions. Reading the blinking lights is kinda confusing to me.. (I had a 1995 Jetta that you jumped wires and the check engine light flashed the codes)
It worked, but it is a lot easier reading a computer text file that tells me every code with a text description of the problem
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 320
Likes: 3
From: Northwest BC. Canada
Early EFI Dodge/Chrysler products were pretty easy if they still are. With the engine off, Cycle the key 3 times ant the check engine light blurts out codes. No paperclip, but that was the only good thing about them
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,113
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From: Remsen, NY
luke_trash, do I know you from VR6.org? If not, check out http://www.vr6.org/cgi-bin/ikonboard...um=9&topic=20. It's about the OBD stuff, most of it is about VW specific things but you can use that scantool.net software on Ford if you get the right adapter from them.
1988-95 F-150 is OBD-I, 1996-current is OBD-II.
1988-95 F-150 is OBD-I, 1996-current is OBD-II.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,728
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From: Cleveland, TN
The Equus 3145 is a darn good one for OBDI systems.. Here is a link to it on Amazon dot com Amazon.com: Equus 3145 Ford Digital Code Reader: Automotive