Code reader versus STI plug
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Code reader versus STI plug
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I have a 1990 F150, 5.0L 4x2 and have been able to get the engine codes via the free method of jumping the STI plug to the body and watching the Check Engine light when the key is turned on.
My question is, for the purposes of diagnostics, would I get any advantage by buying an OBD 1 code reader? I was looking at an Actron for $25 and from what I can tell it simply flashes a light on the unit, just like the Check Engine light does. My gut level instinct is not to get it, simply for the purposes of just counting a blinking light in a different location.
If I spend $25 dollars to watch a light on the reader flash instead of watching the Check Engine light flash - I still have to do the counting, and figure out the numbers. I can do that for free.
Am I wrong here...do those OBD 1 code readers show you the codes in a digital format? Do they serve some other useful purpose?
Any input or insight is appreciated.
I have a 1990 F150, 5.0L 4x2 and have been able to get the engine codes via the free method of jumping the STI plug to the body and watching the Check Engine light when the key is turned on.
My question is, for the purposes of diagnostics, would I get any advantage by buying an OBD 1 code reader? I was looking at an Actron for $25 and from what I can tell it simply flashes a light on the unit, just like the Check Engine light does. My gut level instinct is not to get it, simply for the purposes of just counting a blinking light in a different location.
If I spend $25 dollars to watch a light on the reader flash instead of watching the Check Engine light flash - I still have to do the counting, and figure out the numbers. I can do that for free.
Am I wrong here...do those OBD 1 code readers show you the codes in a digital format? Do they serve some other useful purpose?
Any input or insight is appreciated.
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
You are correct, you do not get anything much for $25.00.
I have had personal experience with an OBDI reader that was $130.00 on a GM vehicle. The older GM's also let you read the codes with the blinking light. But installing the expensive code reader on the older GM did give out more info such as torque convertor/tranny slip, pulse width of the injector pulse and some other stuff.
But I don't know what the more expensive reader will tell you on a pre 1996 Ford. The one I was using was an Actron, so maybe you could do a little research on the more expensive readers. The $25.00 one is not going to do any more than you are doing now though.
I have had personal experience with an OBDI reader that was $130.00 on a GM vehicle. The older GM's also let you read the codes with the blinking light. But installing the expensive code reader on the older GM did give out more info such as torque convertor/tranny slip, pulse width of the injector pulse and some other stuff.
But I don't know what the more expensive reader will tell you on a pre 1996 Ford. The one I was using was an Actron, so maybe you could do a little research on the more expensive readers. The $25.00 one is not going to do any more than you are doing now though.
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 258
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From: Black Hills South Dakota
I think the PCM stored codes for '86 and later but I don't see OBD 1 mentioned in the Haynes manual. I have an '85 and can't even get the blinkin' lights, though it has the electronics and the test connector.
The manual does state that by using the Data Link Connector, two-way communication between the system and the "special" testing equipment is possible. It would be cool if it could also enter the Output State Diagnostic Mode for turning individual actuators on and off.
-Ed
The manual does state that by using the Data Link Connector, two-way communication between the system and the "special" testing equipment is possible. It would be cool if it could also enter the Output State Diagnostic Mode for turning individual actuators on and off.
-Ed
