Code readers
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Code readers
Hello,
Has anyone bought, tried or have any opinions about the "code reader" tools available? I have a 02 F-250 V-10 with a check engine soon light. I have looked at Kragens and they have a "OBD II Code Reader" for around 100 bucks. Are these things worth the cost?
Thanks.
Has anyone bought, tried or have any opinions about the "code reader" tools available? I have a 02 F-250 V-10 with a check engine soon light. I have looked at Kragens and they have a "OBD II Code Reader" for around 100 bucks. Are these things worth the cost?
Thanks.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,968
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From: So Cal
If you have an ODB II engine, a code reader is a very useful tool. There are many brands so we can't say about yours since you didn't say what it was. Some are just flashers and some are amazing, I like the SUN tester, but don't have the several thousand $$ it would cost.
I think the Fords since maybe 96 and up had OBD II( I think 95/96 was the switch over, at least on my chebby). I am not sure if the really new models might have something else. I use an OBD II reader(Nova OMNI II I think) on my 2004 Lincoln. Some codes it does not read, it links up but didn't have anything to say about misfires. Probably just Ford specific codes.
But I have also read that the newer Fords use CANBUS for all the internal communications. So I wonder if that prevents codes from reading or it works but there are other CANBUS specific codes that my reader doesn't read. The plug is the same and my reader does link up, but it has not be so useful on my car. BUT my reader was purchased back in 2004 for a different car. Maybe they have updated since.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
I think the Fords since maybe 96 and up had OBD II( I think 95/96 was the switch over, at least on my chebby). I am not sure if the really new models might have something else. I use an OBD II reader(Nova OMNI II I think) on my 2004 Lincoln. Some codes it does not read, it links up but didn't have anything to say about misfires. Probably just Ford specific codes.
But I have also read that the newer Fords use CANBUS for all the internal communications. So I wonder if that prevents codes from reading or it works but there are other CANBUS specific codes that my reader doesn't read. The plug is the same and my reader does link up, but it has not be so useful on my car. BUT my reader was purchased back in 2004 for a different car. Maybe they have updated since.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
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