Code Checker for 97 F150s
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Code Checker for 97 F150s
I own a 97 extCab F150 that had its engine light come on a few months ago. I took it to my mechanic and he said there was a plug not firing. He replaced all 8 plugs and wires. The truck ran fine and has continued to do so until a couple days ago. The engine ran funny for a brief moment, the Check Engine light blinked a few times, then stayed on. Before I take it back to my mech., is there a Computer code checker on the market for the 97s yet? I would kinda like to know what the problem is before I take it back. A few local auto stores tried to tell me to unhook the battery and reset the Check Engine light (didn't sound like a really good idea to me).
Thanks,
greg
Thanks,
greg
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Code Checker for 97 F150s
Disconnecting the battery (for 1/2 hour or so) will clear the codes and should turn off your check engine light. If the problem is intermittent, the light will stay off for a while. If the problem is still present, the light will come back on in a short while.
You need and OBD II code reader for your truck. Actron makes one that reads codes from all manufacturers. It sells for about $150 at the local discount parts stores around me (SE Michigan). It can clear the codes for you, and you won't have to reprogram your radio.;-)
You need and OBD II code reader for your truck. Actron makes one that reads codes from all manufacturers. It sells for about $150 at the local discount parts stores around me (SE Michigan). It can clear the codes for you, and you won't have to reprogram your radio.;-)
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Code Checker for 97 F150s
I went to www.actron.com and ended up purchasing the OBD II checker from Harbor Freight. The prices are good, but the shipping is sloooooow. Unfortunately it turned out that the 1997 F350 doesn't use OBD II, so I couldn't use it. If you are interested in purchasing mine, email me.
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Code Checker for 97 F150s
Hmm... I was told all vehicles manufactured for sale in the 50 states have to comply with the OBD II standard. I don't know if there are exceptions to the rule. HD trucks must be excluded, eh. Or are you from somewhere other than US?
BTW I have an Actron code reader already. You might want to hang on to it, though. You might buy a OBD vehicle in the future. And you can get friends to help offset the cost by asking for "donations" when they ask to borrow it.
BTW I have an Actron code reader already. You might want to hang on to it, though. You might buy a OBD vehicle in the future. And you can get friends to help offset the cost by asking for "donations" when they ask to borrow it.
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Code Checker for 97 F150s
Shortly after I posted this question, I pulled out my Haynes manual and got better terminology for hunting this Diagnostic tool down. I too ended up at Actron.com. I then looked up obdii.com and did some additional digging. I agree, I thought all vehicles sold in the US, were supposed to be OBD II compliant.
Anyway, I did find an Actron $150 unit at a local parts store. According to its description, it can read/clear all GENERIC OBD II codes. Does that imply there may be proprietary Ford/GM... codes it cannot read? My mechanic says it's not a bad unit, but it could take quite a bit of work pin pointing the real problem. For example, the code may indicate a failure in an oxygen sensor, but the sensor may be functioning and reading too high or too low hinting to the real problem which may be vacuum related.
Anyway, I did find an Actron $150 unit at a local parts store. According to its description, it can read/clear all GENERIC OBD II codes. Does that imply there may be proprietary Ford/GM... codes it cannot read? My mechanic says it's not a bad unit, but it could take quite a bit of work pin pointing the real problem. For example, the code may indicate a failure in an oxygen sensor, but the sensor may be functioning and reading too high or too low hinting to the real problem which may be vacuum related.
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Code Checker for 97 F150s
I guess I should research before I post, Sorry.
I did lookup the obdii.com site and found the following quote: "All cars and light trucks built and sold in the United States after January 1, 1996 were required to be OBD II equipped. "
So I guess it is possible the F350 may not be OBD II compliant (not sure why a manufacturer would go to the trouble to come up with a different computer diagnostic protocol, than they put in all their other cars and trucks).
I did lookup the obdii.com site and found the following quote: "All cars and light trucks built and sold in the United States after January 1, 1996 were required to be OBD II equipped. "
So I guess it is possible the F350 may not be OBD II compliant (not sure why a manufacturer would go to the trouble to come up with a different computer diagnostic protocol, than they put in all their other cars and trucks).
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Code Checker for 97 F150s
The Actron reads all the codes on all 3 OBD II protocols. The manual lists all Generic codes, but does not list codes >1000. It says they are Manufacturer Specific codes (or something like that). I found a site that lists all the codes. http://www.batauto.com/obd2.html
Spridget didn't mention which engine he has (460, maybe). Or if he is from the US.
Spridget didn't mention which engine he has (460, maybe). Or if he is from the US.
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Code Checker for 97 F150s
Thanks a bunch for the link on the codes. OBDii.com only displays 1 code at a time. Makes troubleshooting more time consuming.
Anyway, got my truck back yesterday from my mechanic. He told me he got the code P0305 (misfire #5). He replace the plug and it fixed the problem. The truck runs smoother now, so that must have done it. He told me the plug was simply defective and that he had read about some problems with defective titanium plugs requiring more voltage to spark, causing occasional misfires.
I like the low price of the Actron, but I might spring for the Autoxray's $300 unit because of its real-time monitoring ability of sensors. No urgency now that the light is off.
Thanks a bunch, this board, and the internet in general, is a great source of information.
Greg.
Anyway, got my truck back yesterday from my mechanic. He told me he got the code P0305 (misfire #5). He replace the plug and it fixed the problem. The truck runs smoother now, so that must have done it. He told me the plug was simply defective and that he had read about some problems with defective titanium plugs requiring more voltage to spark, causing occasional misfires.
I like the low price of the Actron, but I might spring for the Autoxray's $300 unit because of its real-time monitoring ability of sensors. No urgency now that the light is off.
Thanks a bunch, this board, and the internet in general, is a great source of information.
Greg.
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Code Checker for 97 F150s
Sorry for the delay, been enjoying driving the now working truck around :-)
It is a US model, and it is a 460 CI. It's also a dually. It uses the EEC IV instead of OBD. Fortunately there are sites on the internet that explain how to get codes out of an EEC connector using only a jumper wire. OBD codes are more detailed, but I guess I have to go with what I've got! I plan to keep this truck around for quite awhile. Glad the problem on yours was just a plug.
It is a US model, and it is a 460 CI. It's also a dually. It uses the EEC IV instead of OBD. Fortunately there are sites on the internet that explain how to get codes out of an EEC connector using only a jumper wire. OBD codes are more detailed, but I guess I have to go with what I've got! I plan to keep this truck around for quite awhile. Glad the problem on yours was just a plug.
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Code Checker for 97 F150s
Just wanted to add my 2 cents on a code checker....
While doing research on a problem with my 1996 Explorer I found an inexpensive device that plugs into a laptop computer that will allow you to diagnose and clear codes. It comes with software for the laptop and some support. It gives sensor data as well as run time parameters of the vehicle. The device costs around $120.00 and can be purchased online at: http://www.obd-2.com/#o2. I've used it succesfully to repair both my Explorer and 1998 F150.
While doing research on a problem with my 1996 Explorer I found an inexpensive device that plugs into a laptop computer that will allow you to diagnose and clear codes. It comes with software for the laptop and some support. It gives sensor data as well as run time parameters of the vehicle. The device costs around $120.00 and can be purchased online at: http://www.obd-2.com/#o2. I've used it succesfully to repair both my Explorer and 1998 F150.
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Code Checker for 97 F150s
I have a 96 F150 with a 300-6 cylinder. Engine light is on, took it to auto zone. that guy tried to check it but his checker didn't powere up. There appears to be no voltage on any pin.
He said that maybe because it was the last year of the old body style that the OBD connector was a "dummy". Off I went.
Truck has no power, seems to stumble then catch itself to run. Check engine light remains on. After unhooking the battery, then connecting again, the check engine light comes on after about 20 minutes or so.
I have no idea where to even start.
Suggestions?
Thank you in advance for your help
Steve
He said that maybe because it was the last year of the old body style that the OBD connector was a "dummy". Off I went.
Truck has no power, seems to stumble then catch itself to run. Check engine light remains on. After unhooking the battery, then connecting again, the check engine light comes on after about 20 minutes or so.
I have no idea where to even start.
Suggestions?
Thank you in advance for your help
Steve
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Code Checker for 97 F150s
Hmmm. I doubt your OBD connector is a "dummy". Ford would have been violating EPA regulations, I think. Although, it's possible that the fine was cheaper than fitting your truck with OBDII. But, why add a dummy plug? I don't have my voltmeter here, and am leaving for Germany tomorrow, for a week. I will find out which one(s) have power when I get home. But, maybe someone else can help you out sooner.
The symptoms sound general. Common of many problems. It's hard to even guess. I can only suggest to check all maintenence items (plugs, wires, filters, fuel pressure, compression test is always a good idea). Don't overlook the possibility of clogged catalytic converters (happen to me, and it took forever to figure out).
The symptoms sound general. Common of many problems. It's hard to even guess. I can only suggest to check all maintenence items (plugs, wires, filters, fuel pressure, compression test is always a good idea). Don't overlook the possibility of clogged catalytic converters (happen to me, and it took forever to figure out).
