Purchasing a Code Reader
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Purchasing a Code Reader
I've been thinking about buying a code reader for my truck so that I can actually know a bit about what's wrong with it and so that I can try to budget for future repairs etc. Does anyone know what a good one would be? I've put a link at the end of this with one I can get for $40 CDN, but I don't want to waste $40 if it's going to be complete crap. Any ideas? Thanks. 93CC
Code Reader
Code Reader
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From: Calhoun GA
I have used the Actron unit and it worked fine for me. You don't really need a code scanner to pull the codes though. The link below shows how it's done without a scanner:
http://fordfuelinjection.com/selftest.html
And these are the definitions:
http://fordfuelinjection.com/codes.html
http://fordfuelinjection.com/selftest.html
And these are the definitions:
http://fordfuelinjection.com/codes.html
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Proper Code Reader Link
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Alabama
I would agree with Blurry94. If the $40 unit is a blinker, you would probably get just as much out of using the method that Blurry94 posted the link to and for definitely less money. I purchased an Autoxray EZScan 6000 about (6) months ago, runs $500-$600 depending on where you buy and they also have less expensive models. I also own an Actron blinker, but it was always rather difficult to keep up with the blinks. Don't buy if you don't have to or you just want another TOY.
guzzler96
guzzler96
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As far as I know, this one's not a blinker. It will display the codes and store past ones if I want it to. If you follow the second link I posted you'll be able to see what I am looking at. It won't so much be a TOY as much as a research tool. It would hopefully tell me what different little things are wrong with my truck so that I don't get scammed if I have to take it into the shop.
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From: Illinois
The link went to Canadian Tire's homepage. I did a search for code readers at their site. If you are talking about the Equus Digital Ford Code Reader,
Product# 25-1006-4, I've been very happy with the one I have.
It displays the 3 digit code so you don't have to count blinks or beeps
and it doesn't cost that much more than the "blinkers".
It comes with a good instruction manual.
Mine paid for itself the first time I used it.
I also bought the optional 6' extension cord for it so you can have the reader
inside the cab as you run the tests, especially if you are running the KOER tests and doing it alone.
Product# 25-1006-4, I've been very happy with the one I have.
It displays the 3 digit code so you don't have to count blinks or beeps
and it doesn't cost that much more than the "blinkers".
It comes with a good instruction manual.
Mine paid for itself the first time I used it.
I also bought the optional 6' extension cord for it so you can have the reader
inside the cab as you run the tests, especially if you are running the KOER tests and doing it alone.
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That's the one, thanks for the input suthrn. I was pretty sure I'd find someone who had used it on this board. I think i'll go pick one up tomorrow. For $40 it's tough to go wrong. Also, thanks for the suggestion on the 6' extension. That's not something I would have thought of but it will definitely come in handy.
Post Fiend
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From: Bonita Springs FL
Guys, you don't need to spend $40 or $50 on a code reader when you can pull the codes for free with a paper clip. http://fordfuelinjection.com/selftest.html
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For the headaches and time that the counting would be with the self test, wouldn't it be much easier to spring for the $40? By my understanding of these little units, it just displays the code rather than having to count blinks or beeps. To me, the $40 would take out a good amount of human error. Having never done either though, I could very well be wrong. Any thoughts?
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From: Alabama
Didn't mean the term "TOY" literally. A displayed code number certainly would be easier than missing a blink and not getting the correct code. After getting the codes the next step is the interpretation of the codes. They can point you in the direction of the problem and that can be just the start.
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I figured as much. There have been several good sites posted as well as just a general knowledge here of what the codes mean so I figured I would come back here to see what I can determine when I've got the codes. I'm not a mechanic by any means but I want to learn some more about my truck so I can keep my candycane on the road for many years to come.
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From: southern Indiana
Originally Posted by andym
Guys, you don't need to spend $40 or $50 on a code reader when you can pull the codes for free with a paper clip. http://fordfuelinjection.com/selftest.html
How exactly do you do it with a paper clip? The instructions call for a long wire to reach the battery.
