Buying a Code Reader
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Joined: Oct 2003
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Buying a Code Reader
I own a '97 F-150, a '02 F-250 and a 03 Explorer. In the past I have always taken the vehicles to Ford (warranty work) or our shop in town. I never saw the need for a code reader until a problem cropped up on the '97 F-150 4X4 w/4.6L engine. Engine started missing and got progressivily worse with check engine light comming on and then as it was driven, the check engine light blinking. Took it to Ford and they said it was cylinder 4 and replaced the wires. 3 weeks later problem happened again and took it to the boys in town. cylinder 4 came up again and they replaced the spark plugs. Well two months later and it is missing again and the check engine light is on again. First off, what is the recommendation for buying a good but not overly expensive code reader that will dump the codes and explain what it all means? I am an old points and condenser man and can do anything mechanically on a car short of anything to do with the computers. I want to learn how to do this so I am no longer at the mercy of Ford. Any help will be appreciated.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
If the book that it comes with doesnt give a very good explanation, and lots of them dont, you can post the codes here and someone will be able to tell you more.
What lots of people dont realize is that some codes can be caused by many things, i.e. a code for an O2 sensor can be caused by the sensor itself, by a misfire (caused by a plug, wire, vacuum leak, injector, dead hole etc), low fuel pressure, high fuel pressure, bad MAF etc.
What lots of people dont realize is that some codes can be caused by many things, i.e. a code for an O2 sensor can be caused by the sensor itself, by a misfire (caused by a plug, wire, vacuum leak, injector, dead hole etc), low fuel pressure, high fuel pressure, bad MAF etc.
