What type of code reader needed for 1990 5.8?
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Postmaster
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From: Loveland, CO.
What type of code reader needed for 1990 5.8?
1990 5.8 E4OD. I want to get an inexpensive code reader for my truck. I want one that I can just connect to the plug under the hood on the driver's side fenderwell. I don't want to have to mess around with jumping pins and counting light flashes. I can get an ODB II Code Reader for $29.99 and an ODB II/CAN Code Scanner w/ Text Display for $79.99.
First of all I don't know if either of these two are even the right ones for my truck. If not, then what is the one that I need? And if they are the right type, is there any benefit to getting the one with CAN, whatever that is? The text display sounds nice, though. No need to count and interpret blinks and beeps, I suppose.
Thanks
First of all I don't know if either of these two are even the right ones for my truck. If not, then what is the one that I need? And if they are the right type, is there any benefit to getting the one with CAN, whatever that is? The text display sounds nice, though. No need to count and interpret blinks and beeps, I suppose.
Thanks
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Gateway to the West
Don't need the OBD-II reader. As long as the reader will do Ford EEC-IV (about 1984-85 through 1995) it will work just fine. OBD-II wasn't even in place on the Bronco until 1996. Not sure what all those bells and whistles are that are listed there. If the reader displays numeric values, its easy enough to read the numbers and cross-reference them to their particular reason for appearing.
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From: Loveland, CO.
OK so what is the one that I need called? Just OBD? I'm clueless. I'm analog all the way when it comes to working on vehicles but I'm tired of having to take it somewhere every time I want to check for a code, even if they do do it for free.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Gateway to the West
Codes on yours are a paperclip away. I know, tedious to count flashes. I know there are code readers for the earlier diagnostics. EEC-IV was the first version of on-board diagnostics software/systems-control Ford used. If you can find a reader that will interpret 80's-90's vintage Fords, you will be fine. Prior to OBD-II, there was no standardized diagnostic software/system. Each manufacturer had their own proprietary setup. OBD-II was not mandated on cars and light trucks until 1996. The readers may be listed simply as OBD since OBD-II wasn't the initial system but there were onboard diag. systems in use.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Loveland, CO.
Maybe the OBD II scanner work? I don't mind paying $29 for it. I guess that I'll just have to look at it and see if it connects to my truck. I wouldn't mind having the extra capability anyway, for working on other people's cars. I know that they make scanners that plug in to the connector under the hood because they use them at the shop that sometimes works on my Bronc. Those are expensive pro units but the point is that they make scanners for these trucks.
Elder User
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From: Hoboken, NJ...
Check this one out........I use it on my 93, and I like it.
http://www.etoolcart.com/index.asp?P...OD&ProdID=3758
http://www.etoolcart.com/index.asp?P...OD&ProdID=3758
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From: Loveland, CO.
Thanks streetgang. Looks good to me. I don't need a fancy one although I do like the idea of text instead of flashes. But it looks like the one you posted shows the actual code number, instead of flashes. That's great. I like to do everything from one spot under the hood, instead of going back and forth from under the hood to inside the truck as I troubleshoot like I have to do when jumping leads and counting the check engine light flashes. I may need to check something, or unplug something, or work the throttle while the code reader is connected and I can't do that while looking at the check engine light and trying to count long and short flashes.
Last edited by JBronco; Sep 7, 2006 at 05:23 PM.
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Elder User
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From: Hoboken, NJ...
Originally Posted by JBronco
Thanks streetgang. Looks good to me. I don't need a fancy one although I do like the idea of text instead of flashes. But it looks like the one you posted shows the actual code number, instead of flashes. That's great. I like to do everything from one spot under the hood, instead of going back and forth from under the hood to inside the truck as I troubleshoot like I have to do when jumping leads and counting the check engine light flashes. I may need to check something, or unplug something, or work the throttle while the code reader is connected and I can't do that while looking at the check engine light and trying to count long and short flashes.
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