1996 check engine light
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Joined: Mar 2002
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1996 check engine light
My recently acquired 1996 4.9 5 speed, while driving home for the 1st time, had the "check engine" light illuminate. Being a 96, the Haynes manual tells me that I cannot check the codes myself. What is the best, least expensive way to check the codes??? My local Ford dealer does not have my trust, though they do have some of my $$$$ from my Ranger. Also, the oil pan is pretty rusted, though it seems to be surface rust. I plan to wire brush the rust off, then what is the best paint to combat the rust and preserve the metal??? I have other problems to fix, but I will tackle these first. Great web site, thanks for the info that is already posted.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,208
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1996 check engine light
I would be glad to read the codes for you for free but the trip to the land of OZ might be a little expensive. Autozone will read them for you but will also try to get you to buy the parts on the spot.
My setup is software on a PC (I use a laptop) and a cable I cannot at this momment find the vendor the software is a free download from the web the person sells you the converson cable he is out of the Kansas city area. It really works well and the laptop allows me to hook up and record data while the vehicle is being driven. LOL
My setup is software on a PC (I use a laptop) and a cable I cannot at this momment find the vendor the software is a free download from the web the person sells you the converson cable he is out of the Kansas city area. It really works well and the laptop allows me to hook up and record data while the vehicle is being driven. LOL
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 223
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From: Canton, OH
1996 check engine light
yeah, I bought the obd-ii.com kit a while ago and love it.
hard to understand the way the dude designed the software, but it does the job well.
i have a laptop with it and it is candy.
out the door is like $89 if you mention batauto.com sent you.
NJK
hard to understand the way the dude designed the software, but it does the job well.
i have a laptop with it and it is candy.
out the door is like $89 if you mention batauto.com sent you.
NJK
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
From: Canton, OH
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 57
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1996 check engine light
As far as the oil pan rust - I just 'fixed' mine...
It looked really bad, but was just superficial - I wire brushed and sanded it off, then used a rust converter as a primer. It is about $4 a bottle (I prefer brush on over spray on) that stop rust and converts existing rust to black primer. To use it you remove all loose rust - but leave some on the metal.
hope that helps...
It looked really bad, but was just superficial - I wire brushed and sanded it off, then used a rust converter as a primer. It is about $4 a bottle (I prefer brush on over spray on) that stop rust and converts existing rust to black primer. To use it you remove all loose rust - but leave some on the metal.
hope that helps...
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 340
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1996 check engine light
Hey thanks for the OBDll code reader info. I want to buy that software and cable from the guy in MO. I've got a 386 laptop to load it on. Is there special that I need to know before I order this. Any advice on what exactly I need to pull codes on a 96 Windstar?
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