Code Readers
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,123
Likes: 2
From: Fort Smith
Code Readers
Those that have bought them - any advice on which code reader to buy? I have been lucky since 97, and have only had 1 check engine light that I had to deal with. But since it is on again, guess I will break down and get one.
Any ideas or input is welcome and appreciated!! TIA -
Any ideas or input is welcome and appreciated!! TIA -
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 942
Likes: 0
From: South Texas
Code Readers
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 03-Jun-02 AT 11:41 AM (EST)]Cobra:
I have been doing some research lately and found something you may want to consider.
It is a serial port interface for a PC to OBD-II. Most of what I have found are single mode (Ford, GM, ISO) only and cost much more. This link will take you to where they are offering a ready built, Tri-mode interface for $76.00 including shipping (just in case you have to work on one of those other nameless automakers products for a neighbor). Free software is also available at the site to access and display results on PC.
It looks good to me and I am seriously considering this item. If you have an older laptop PC available (or can pick one up cheap), this is a very good option and gives user the ability to record a log file while hooked up to capture those really elusive problems.
http://www.abcwc.net/accounts/quanta/index.html
Hope this helps
Dialtone
I have been doing some research lately and found something you may want to consider.
It is a serial port interface for a PC to OBD-II. Most of what I have found are single mode (Ford, GM, ISO) only and cost much more. This link will take you to where they are offering a ready built, Tri-mode interface for $76.00 including shipping (just in case you have to work on one of those other nameless automakers products for a neighbor). Free software is also available at the site to access and display results on PC.
It looks good to me and I am seriously considering this item. If you have an older laptop PC available (or can pick one up cheap), this is a very good option and gives user the ability to record a log file while hooked up to capture those really elusive problems.
http://www.abcwc.net/accounts/quanta/index.html
Hope this helps
Dialtone
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,123
Likes: 2
From: Fort Smith
Code Readers
DialTone - Thanks!!! That is pretty much what I am looking for exactly!! I really hadn't thought of going that route, but the more I read on that site, and the more I think about it, I believe I am going to get one of those.
One thing I didn't see is where to get a listing of the error codes. If I read everything correctly, it will give you the error codes, but then you have to have something that lists what the codes are - correct?!?!?!
I've got an older Compaq laptop that would be perfect for this. It barely gets pulled out and turned on maybe 10 times a year - basically when we go on vacations...
Thanks again Dialtone - I'm going to really dig in and see what else I can find, and post...
One thing I didn't see is where to get a listing of the error codes. If I read everything correctly, it will give you the error codes, but then you have to have something that lists what the codes are - correct?!?!?!
I've got an older Compaq laptop that would be perfect for this. It barely gets pulled out and turned on maybe 10 times a year - basically when we go on vacations...
Thanks again Dialtone - I'm going to really dig in and see what else I can find, and post...
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 942
Likes: 0
From: South Texas
Code Readers
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 03-Jun-02 AT 04:05 PM (EST)]Here is a link to a site that lists generic trouble codes and their menaings (prefixes P, B, C, and U). It also rates some other simular interfaces and programs in case you want to spend a few extra bucks for something more robust.
http://www.batauto.com/obd2.html
Here is a link to a PDF file with almost any Ford code you could want.
http://www.sts.sae.org/membersonly/techinfo/codes.pdf
Dialtone
http://www.batauto.com/obd2.html
Here is a link to a PDF file with almost any Ford code you could want.
http://www.sts.sae.org/membersonly/techinfo/codes.pdf
Dialtone
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 580
Likes: 0
From: Kelseyville, CA
Code Readers
Uhmm, no it doesn't. The EEC-V system (otherwise known as OBD-II) uses the SAE J1850 PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) protocol. Ford did not build in the provisions to get the PCM codes out through anything but the OBD-II port via an OBD-II scanner. The only thing that comes out of it is a data stream very similar to what you would get out of your serial connector on the back of your computer only in a different language.
