> You gotta be kidding

Nope, special pump that comes with the Dodge electronics on top, plus, you need to have a special tool to space the arm/lever/cam. Not a quick and easy job, that is for sure. You should try bleeding those things, especially the back injectors or right from the cyl head. Lots of fun, except for the person paying the bill.

 

I've got the OTC scan tool that piggybacks on a handspring (like a palm) that I like. As for shop manuals, for around $20 for the first and $15 for subsequent vehicles, you can get full shop info at alldatadiy.com.

 

I have the AutoXray 6000; I do not recommend it for the 6.0 Powerstroke. There are too many parameters missing: EBP, High Pressure Oil for injectors; oil temperature; turbo VGT position command; EGR command always displays zero; two different baro readings (and no, one isn't really the EBP). I have other issues with it for the 6.0 PSD that I won't go into. I communicated my concerns to AutoXray several months ago; I'm not holding my breath for them to correct anything based on the replies I received from them.

I bought this scan tool before I knew I was even going to buy a 6.0 PSD. I helped a guy who works for me figure out what was wrong with his Firebird the other day. It worked great, there was even freeze frame data available. The scan tool is probably great for most other applications; there is even an optional battery tester available that uses conductance technology to check the condition of batteries (for less than $150 I can add this and have the function of a +$500 high tech battery tester).

I have found another laptop and/or Palm based software package that I am considering. It is called CANScan. Check this link:

http://www.ghg.net/dharrison/canscan.htm

I have no experience with this product, but when I sent E-MAIL several months ago I received a reply indicating that their package would address my concerns with the missing engine data points the AutoXray 6000 doesn't display. The price of $140 IIRC is reasonable.

Bob

 

You've got to be kidding. I thought when they went to OBD2 it was to make everything the same!? Now they are changing it again!?Now I'm going to have to buy another tool. The wife isn't going to want to hear that.

 

Here is one to work with a pc/laptop

http://www.ghg.net/dharrison/canscan.htm

 

Here is another possibility of a scan tool by Auto Eginuity; this is a PC, Palm, or Pocket PC based tool. Looks like the minimum for CAN and extended FORD data is $369 or $500 for same plus extended data for GM & Toyota; PC version.

This link helps describe the extended data. The second link is all of the FORD extended data (not that our trucks will have everything). At the bottom of the second link note the CAN references for CAN specific data.

http://www.autoenginuity.com/products-software.html

http://www.autoenginuity.com/Ford-Sensor-List.html

 

Can't you read the codes without a reader? See www.fordfuelinjection.com they also list each codes. Haynes manual I have goes to 1996 so i dont know if you can on yours.

 

OBD-II is mandated by the EPA (and CARB in California). It only encompasses the functions required to ensure that the emissions functions can be monitored and repaired. That is why expected stuff like oil pressure isn't included. Manufacturers add parameters in addition to those required by the EPA to help their mechanics. They even add functions like flashing the PCM that make their lives easier than burning PROMs. Bottom line, what the EPA requires is standard across ALL manufacturers. What they add after that is proprietary and ranges from nothing to scads of stuff.

Only the factory tools (NGK Hickok for Ford, Vertronix TechII for GM, Vertronix MasterTech for Chrysler, etc) support all of them. These are all $2500-$3500 tools. The best of the aftermarket like the SnapOn Modis and OTC Genisys support the majority of the proprietary features. Tools like AutoXray 6000 and dozens of others only support several proprietary parameters, not the advanced functions.

 

I am fully aware of the difference between what is required to meet OBDII requirements and what is available from the manufacturer; that is the issue. There were scan tools out long before OBDII which is how many of the DIY priced scan tool companies got there start. The original purpose of the SCAN tool was to diagnose the engine problems not to meet the minimum OBDII parameter requirements; the fact that many can be used for inspection by state governing authorities to check "readiness checks, etc" is great, but that is not the only selling point of any code reader or scan tool.

The AutoXray EX-Scan 6000 claims that it includes OBD II generic and OBD II manufacturer specific codes; they do not include all of the manufacture specific points, and I don't expect all of them. However! The scan tool is worthless if it doesn't indicate data from sensors that control the engine; which is the original purpose of a scan tool.

Anybody wanting to observe engine performance of the 6.0 is probably going to want to know EBP, ICP, and where the VGT is being commanded on the turbo.

I had the original Diacom laptop based software for GM vehicles when it first came out. I've had various scan tools since. I never could justify the $2500 I would have needed for my 95 6.5 TD to buy the Tech II which was the only one that would have worked with the non OBDII 95 GM diesel.

Bob

 

I didn't mean to offend. For those that may not know the differences... A scan tool performs many operations. The most basic is reading diagnostic codes, some of these are called code readers. There are two levels, those that only read the EPA mandated codes and those that read the manufacturer specific codes. Some read out only the digital code, like P0304, others read out text like 'Misfire on cylinder 4". A feature on more full function scan tools will read the freeze frame or the value of many parameters from the time the code was set. On GM cars, there are additional records like freeze frames for most codes set (in case of multiple codes). Not all scan tools that can read codes can erase the code and turn off the Check Engine light.

The next level up also can read sensor data, called parameters. Examples include coolant temperature, throttle position, and block learn numbers. Again, the more basic types can read only the EPA mandated or generic parameters, others can read manufacturer specific parameters. Some come with addons for manufacturer specific codes for one car company, say Ford. Others read specific parameters for all American brands, others for all Asian brands, and others for all European brands. You pay significantly more for more coverage.

The next level up can command functions like command the IAC to a certain value, or command things like the A/C clutch to activate. The next level will command tests like a cylinder balance test where it sequentially turns off injectors and measures RPM drop for each cylinder. Another feature is to read the results of monitors or self tests the PCM performs during drive cycles. Some scan tools will also communicate with the ABS module, the Body Control Module, the Throttle Control Module, etc.

Another level of service is whether the scan tool is graphical, plotting one or more parameters over time on the screen. Or in color. Or handles a printer. Or will record over long drive periods to find intermittent problems. Or will reflash the computer. Of finally will reprogram the computer for speedometer settings, better performance, or better fuel milage.

In general, the costs go up with the tool's features. Manufacturer specific tools usually run $3000 or more. High end scan tools like the snap on Modis run up to $8K, the OTC Genisys up to $5K (with scope, ABS, all models). Some code readers are under $30.

 

My experience with auto xray scanners is that they are useless cause they dont read tranny codes.This was with the ez link...dont know about the higher end models like the 6000!

 

Elko, it seems like no matter what you buy, from a code reader to the top of the line in aftermarket tools, you will always want or need a feature from the next tool up. You can't win.

 

xlt4me...Thanks for the link!!!!

 

Should I reply to a post this old?

Planning on buying a diag tool for 89 FSBronco & 90 F150 both EFI 302 (EEC IV). The chilton's seem to think daig can be done with a jumper wire & reading long/short flashes on the dash. Feel like gotta buy something fancier than a jumper wire.
Looks like "OBD1 OBDI Ford Pro Scan Tool Diagnostic EEC-IV" or "the INNOVA 3145 Digital Ford Code Reader" are the logical choices?. Both on eBay (Pro Scan is used however) & are in my price range.

Any tips for something better. Kinda like to buy stuff new especially when item says "No Returns Accepted". Do REAL mechanics use volt meters & jumper wires?

thanks

 

Wow, this is probably the busiest website I have ever been on. It's great to see so many user's showing interest in something they enjoy.

Want to add to my question: Is the Pro Scan tool everything the seller wants me to believe it is? Should I spend 3 times as much for this used tool as the hand held INNOVA product?
Or should I go ahead & buy the INNOVA 3140 (new) for a whole lot more $$ ($184 on Amazon) so I can help someone with newer cars if ever I figure my own out?