confusing abriviations! 
How do I use a code reader?
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Kansas City, MO
How do I use a code reader?
Hi, my check engine light keeps coming on and I'm sick of taking my truck to an expensive mechanic to tell me that I have a bad O2 sensor or something real simple to fix. So I was considering buying one of those code readers so I could basically fix the problem myself for a lot cheaper.
I'm a little strapped for cash (hence why I want to do this myself) so can I find a decent code reader for under $50? And also where could I find one? I figured that the instructions would tell you how to operate and read the codes the code reader puts out.
Thanks a bunch,
~ Andy
I'm a little strapped for cash (hence why I want to do this myself) so can I find a decent code reader for under $50? And also where could I find one? I figured that the instructions would tell you how to operate and read the codes the code reader puts out.
Thanks a bunch,
~ Andy
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2003
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Save your money! Buy a Haynes or Chilton manual, or look in the tech articles section and see how to pull and read the codes yourself by using the check engine light.
There are 2 tests; KOEO (Key On Engine Off) and KOER (Key On Engine Running). Very easy to do.
Follow instructions, count number of times CEL blinks and look up codes on code chart.
Hope this helps!
There are 2 tests; KOEO (Key On Engine Off) and KOER (Key On Engine Running). Very easy to do.
Follow instructions, count number of times CEL blinks and look up codes on code chart.
Hope this helps!
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From: al
hey I am having the same problem, there is a link to go through, I have spent 200.00 at mechanics that 2 days later I have same problem.
I bought a $4.95 , 6-24 volt DC test light, go to www.broncodata.com/tech/codes.htm and download what to do it works, Now I just need help with the code numbers. This site is really helpful
alcooner
I bought a $4.95 , 6-24 volt DC test light, go to www.broncodata.com/tech/codes.htm and download what to do it works, Now I just need help with the code numbers. This site is really helpful
alcooner
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From: western pa,zelienople
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Florida
Wally world sells a code reader for less than $25. It plugs in and youve got the code is a few seconds. Faster and simpler than a test light, and if you plan on keeping the vehicle for a while, it might be better to go with this. The code reader also reads codes from the ABS computer if you have one.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Kansas City, MO
Hm, that might of changed my mind, 25 bucks would defintly be worth the investment. Do they just work for a specific year truck? Or do they work for 87-96 ford f-150's only?
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From: Running Springs CA
If you have a '96 with the OBD-II system (connector under the dash, not under the hood), you cannot use the $25 one. OBD-II readers are more like $200 but they work on all makes, not Ford specifically. The earlier systems are brand-specific.
Jim
Jim
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2003
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I have a OB1 code reader I got off ebay for $10.
It flashes the lights and you count them.
I want a more sophisticated one, which displayes the codes so you don't have to count them. That will move you into the $200 territory. Lots of neat Snap-On scanners on ebay.
It flashes the lights and you count them.
I want a more sophisticated one, which displayes the codes so you don't have to count them. That will move you into the $200 territory. Lots of neat Snap-On scanners on ebay.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Kansas City, MO
I'm thinking I do have the OB-II system, which would probably be why I can't use the fordfuelinjection.com site because it claims it only works with 87-95 ECU's. Which probably explains why I can't find the connectors on the drivers side fender like it said to look for. Can I still do a self-test? or am I going to have to invest some serious $ here?
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Joined: Aug 2004
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I purchased an OBDII reader a couple of years ago from OBD-2.com and have been very pleased with it. You can get one for Ford vehicles for $122 but you have to have a computer (laptop works best) to use it. It works for '96 - '03 trucks but the 2004 F-150 uses a new bus system (CAN) that requires the $240 model.
