I just bought a universal code reader for my 04 6.0L Ex....followed the directions to a T and it is still failing to communicate w/ the computer.

Tested it on another car that is known to through codes all the time and it worked fine....

Is there something different I need to do w/ the Ex??

 

Don't see why it doesn't work. Check for any blown fuses and make sure the PATS doesn't trip whenever you plug it in . When it does, it'll sometimes lock the PCM because it thinks you're trying to start it from the PCM.

 

My autotap says my F250 is OBD1, and I don't have rear o2 sensors. You may have an OBD 1 computer and it is not giving OBD2 codes.

 

I just had the same issue with my 04 Diesel. Wifes car reads fine.
Something to do with the diesel engine? vs gas?
Any ideas?
Thanks!

 

Yes, most all readers will need a different library. Sence they are only in 3/4 ton trucks and bigger, they skirt around the OBD compliance.

 

Thanks for the info. Do you think one of the scanners you can borrow from Kragen or Autozone would have the right stuff to read our trucks?

 

If they have the library for diesels, yes. If it is just an OBD2 scanner, no. The superduties are exempted from compliance by thier weight, just like there mileage is not required on dealer stickers.

 

I have the actron $229.00 scanner from autozone , works great , even though my truck says obd 1 under the hood , and no o2s after the cat. it still has the obd2 connector under the dash.

 

Here's why. 2004 6.0L PSD uses CAN communication protocol. Your "universial" code reader must not work with this. The actron 350z has, must be a newer model which as the correct board to read CAN.

 

OK, so I go to Kragen here in N. CA and find the AutoXray EZ read 2000. Specs on it say it is CAN protocol compliant. $199.00 but in their ad on the counter there it is for $149.00. Not bad $50 bucks off. Take it home, do the setup, told me the code (P0405 Exhaust Gas Recirculation Sensor A Circuit Low) and was able to shut the light off. I don't know exactly what the EGR sensor issue may be but for $150 I got a reader that works on my diesel and know I can figure out what I need to do next.
Hopefully this will work for someone else too!
Hey maybe the light won't come back on and it was just a one time sensor error. Will keep my fingers crossed.

 

My '04 explorer will not work with my Actron scanner. Conspiracy to force upgrades!!!!

 

Go to Actron's web site, you can get the CAN upgrade for ~$50 from them there.

 

For all of you, here's a full explanation.

Ford implemented the CAN protocol on all 2004 and on vehicles. F250 and F350 models from model year 2003 also got the CAN protocol systems.

Controller Area Network (CAN) is an advanced communications protocol that is mandated on all US vehicles by 2008 model year. It was necessary to standardize all US-market vehicles to a single communications protocol in order to eliminate the three or four different hardware/software variations that have been in use since the mid 90s. While the front-end of the PCM has been changed to provide for the new communications protocol, the rest of the OBDII PCM remains relatively unchanged.

As for the "Heavyweights" that have been exempt from certain OBDII requirements, their computer is still an OBDII system. However, certain non-mandated features have been either deleted or a running with OBD-I software. For an in-depth explanation, go to http://www.motorcraftservice.com/vdirs/retail/default.asp?pageid=diag_theory_retail&gutsid=diags heet&menuIndex1=17 and download the 2004 OBD-II for review.

The "universal" code readers often will not read any of the manufacturer's specific codes (those in the range of P1000-P1999 or higher). As such is the case, they can't be seriously recommended, especially for the 03 and up vehicles and vehicles with "drive-by-wire" control systems.

Steve

 

I know this doesn't help, but I have a Diablo Predator hand held tuner I use for custom tuning on my Lightning. The Predator also doubles as a scan tool, and has helped me diagnose problems with my Lightning a few times.

My Predator works with my wife's 2000 PSD Excursion with no problems at all. I've cleared the DTC's tripping the SES light a couple times now, since I've installed my F5 chip with custom tunes.

Stewart