Reading codes on 96 e350

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Oct 20, 2006 | 10:54 PM

verne56

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Joined: Aug 2005

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From: bflo

Reading codes on 96 e350

I own a 1996 e350 with the 351 cu in engine. I would like to be able to read the codes on it but have been told by several people -(Auto Zone and 2 repair shops) that they were unable because of the weight class of this vehicle. The only people that seem to be able to retrieve the codes are the local Ford truck dealership that inspects it yearly. Anyone out there have any info about what kind of codereader I would have to buy and how much it would cost? I wouldn't want to spend an arm and a leg for something that only works for 1 class of vehicle . Thanks to anyone who can help. I am getting an intermittant check engine light that comes on during warm-up-runs rough too- and goes away when fully warmed up. I've replaced all the usual stuff -plugs ,wires, cap, rotor,coil, and need something more specific to go on before I throw more parts at it.

Oct 21, 2006 | 07:08 AM

trike1946

Logistics Pro

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 4,292

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From: NJ where fun comes to die

I have an Actron, and use it on about everything 96 and later, even my diesels. I think it was about $100. I bought it about 5 years ago. Works fine.

Oct 21, 2006 | 05:56 PM

mhg

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 1,279

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From: savannah,ga

find a code reader for OBD 1
I just ran into this 2 days ago
looking at a 96 E350 15 pass to buy
my reader that works on my current van (96 e250) obd2
wont work on it
e350 is also still an SD injection motor where the 250 is
mass air
it all depends on the GVWR as to when the computer changed

Oct 21, 2006 | 06:12 PM

rebocardo

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Joined: Jun 2002

Posts: 13,873

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From: Atlanta GA

If the vehicle has an EEC-IV system then look for a code reader that supports it with a Ford cable. I have an EZ-2000 from AutoXray that works on pretty much everything except pre 95 Japanese cars and early Dodge/Chryslers (89 and under) because they did not have real computer systems.

Nov 2, 2006 | 12:05 PM

Ghoti

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Joined: Apr 2006

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I can retrieve codes on my 90 E250 with a jumper wire and using the check engine light??

Nov 2, 2006 | 12:35 PM

sheebeehuh

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Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 29

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Ghoti is right, you can retrieve OBD-I codes with a jumper wire and your check-engine light. There are many links to sites explaining how to do this. Here's one ...

http://www.turbotbird.com/techinfo/R...stic_codes.htm