91 F150, best code scanner?
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: Newark, Ohio
I would save your money for something more worthwhile. I have a 91 f150 also and spent the better part of last winter troubleshooting it. I used the free method by using the paperclip and the check engine light on the dash to flash the codes. Worked fine and saved me money for more of those stinkin relays I had to buy.
Seriously, once you have run the codes a few times the free method is very easy. Just my suggestion.
Seriously, once you have run the codes a few times the free method is very easy. Just my suggestion.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 834
Likes: 0
http://fordfuelinjection.com/?p=13
This shows the paper clip method. Works real well. Need to read about the entire testing proceedure. That is not covered well in the article.
Good luck
Frank
This shows the paper clip method. Works real well. Need to read about the entire testing proceedure. That is not covered well in the article.
Good luck
Frank
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
If you're looking for cheap the paper clip is the best answer, for for ease of use, get one with a numerical display. Saves time on counting flashes. And no chance of miss counting and fixing something that isn't broke. I picked one up at Canadian Tire for $50 CDN.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 71
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Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 9,653
Likes: 3
From: in the adirondack mts
i bought an Actron Mod# CP9015 and paid under $30 at autozone. i've used it alot and loaned it out. it has a l.e.d. or beeps but it's easy to use and the book is good as well. btw my truck is a 91 f-150 also
Last edited by lenny1carl; Oct 26, 2006 at 03:39 PM.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
I spent $250 on one of those actron code readers that that does obd II codes (and real time operating perameters for obd II) and obd I codes (you have to buy a separate $30 cable for your specific obd 1 application), and gives you the code definition, not just the number. I really like it, because it checks KOER, KOEO and KAM codes for my '88, tests sensors and actuators and has a function that allows you to check for bad/weak connections by wiggling various sensors. Got it mainly because we have 5 vehicles now, with both obd I and II, and if I can diagnose most problems now, I don't really need to go to the shop unless I need a transmission rebuild or whatever. It is a very high quality scanner.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,816
Likes: 1
From: Davis & Newcastle, CA
I bought an OBD1 code reader for any fords from the mid 80's - 1995 for just under $30 at Kragen. It has a numerical display and everything. Just run it, get the numbers, and look up the codes in the book that it comes with. Only takes about 3 minutes. For only $30 you cant beat it. Let me know if you're interested and I'll go out to my truck and get the brand/model.
-Chris
-Chris
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,555
Likes: 40
From: Concord, NC
I really like it, because it checks KOER, KOEO and KAM codes for my '88, tests sensors and actuators and has a function that allows you to check for bad/weak connections by wiggling various sensors
. But I guess it could be nice to have the definitions right on hand too, but for me, the internet is usually pretty close by.
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kjjr20
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Jan 31, 2014 09:13 PM
