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1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

91 F150, best code scanner?

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Old Oct 25, 2006 | 08:27 PM
  #1  
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derherr65
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91 F150, best code scanner?

What's the best code scanner for a '91 F150? What options do I need, and which ones are nice but you can live without?
 
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Old Oct 25, 2006 | 10:01 PM
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shooter05
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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.
 
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Old Oct 26, 2006 | 12:56 PM
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I'm not opposed to a $0.02 code checker. How does the paperclip route work?
 
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Old Oct 26, 2006 | 01:02 PM
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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
 
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Old Oct 26, 2006 | 01:19 PM
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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.
 
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Old Oct 26, 2006 | 01:50 PM
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I think I like the paperclip code reader. Thanks guys.
 
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Old Oct 26, 2006 | 01:51 PM
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Love the avatar by the way.
 
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Old Oct 26, 2006 | 03:28 PM
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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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Old Oct 27, 2006 | 08:08 PM
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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.
 
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Old Oct 27, 2006 | 11:40 PM
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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
 
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Old Oct 28, 2006 | 07:09 AM
  #11  
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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
I can do all that with the paperclip method too . 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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