Code Reader
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: Petaluma, Ca.
Code Reader
I have a '97 3.0 shorty.
The cel comes on periodically and I keep turnining it off by disconnecting the neg. terminal on the batt.
I guess I should pull the codes. What is a good code reader that's not too expensive to buy?
Thanks, Beaned
The cel comes on periodically and I keep turnining it off by disconnecting the neg. terminal on the batt.
I guess I should pull the codes. What is a good code reader that's not too expensive to buy?
Thanks, Beaned
Former ******
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,901
Likes: 2
From: Salt Lake City, Utah
Since your vehicle is OBD-II, you cannot use the old paperclip trick. Any code reader will do just fine if all you want is simple codes. If you want built in definitions then you need to spend more. The question I would ask is how much you plan on using it, do you have other vehicles that meet OBD-II protocols, and what features do you really want. A basic reader can be obtained for around $100, sometimes a little less.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,720
Likes: 5
From: Washington state
almost ever car/lt truck since mid 90s uses the OBDII system.
take the rig to almost any auto parts store and they will read for free.
call ahead.
all you have to put up with is their parts sales pitch afterward.
take the rig to almost any auto parts store and they will read for free.
call ahead.
all you have to put up with is their parts sales pitch afterward.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 830
Likes: 0
From: Kitchener,Ontario,Canada
However with your OBD II system you can access much more than codes...... with a good scantool (Interface). You can actually get live readings from most sensors including injectors ,ECT, ACT, Ig timing, MAF, Battery voltage, Barometric pressure, O2 voltage, Long & short term fuel trims, RPM,s MPG & more. With a scantool you actually hook up to a laptop & it's possible to log data during a drive cycle, which you can replay when you get home ,where it's easier to realise what the numbers are telling you. Basically a digital or graphical dashboard. The guesswork of which sensor is playing up becomes obviously apparent with this set-up. This is the way to go with home diagnostics, you can tell the mechanic whats playing up & you'll know if what he's telling you makes sense.
BTW can you notice a problem with your engine?
Aeroman.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 181
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From: Petaluma, Ca.
There seems to be a momentary stumble on start up. After that, it runs normally.
I should mention that it just turned 100k. I replaced the plugs, but not the wires, and did the gentle flush at about 88,000k. The gas miliage is good. What does a scantool cost? I appreciate all the info. and knowledge that is on this forum.
Beaned
I should mention that it just turned 100k. I replaced the plugs, but not the wires, and did the gentle flush at about 88,000k. The gas miliage is good. What does a scantool cost? I appreciate all the info. and knowledge that is on this forum.
Beaned
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Former ******
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,901
Likes: 2
From: Salt Lake City, Utah
On our website we have a very well featured Palm based scantool (with the Palm). Its probably a bit over the top, but it does cost much less than the Snap-On and OTC scanners. The Dynoscan SPD is pretty good too.
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 830
Likes: 0
From: Kitchener,Ontario,Canada
There seems to be a momentary stumble on start up. After that, it runs normally.
I should mention that it just turned 100k. I replaced the plugs, but not the wires, and did the gentle flush at about 88,000k. The gas miliage is good. What does a scantool cost? I appreciate all the info. and knowledge that is on this forum.
Beaned
I should mention that it just turned 100k. I replaced the plugs, but not the wires, and did the gentle flush at about 88,000k. The gas miliage is good. What does a scantool cost? I appreciate all the info. and knowledge that is on this forum.
Beaned
I had a momentary stumble on mine & it was bad plug(s) it got worse over time & cold morning starts & wet weather showed the problem much worse. "Autotap" tracks misfire history so you can tell which cylinder misfires & how often. A scanner will NOT tell you directly if an injector is plugged but it will display the fuel trims & injector pulse time (electrical pulses) , you still need to have a good understanding of what the general readings should be.
Former ******
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,901
Likes: 2
From: Salt Lake City, Utah
WE considered carrying Autotap, they have a great concept, but found their software was critically flawed. Also, their software only works with a limited number of palm models. I found Auterra to be much better, with their Dynoscan line. The Dynoscan SPD has its own head unit, and can actually be mounted in your car to act as a fuel economy meter, dyno, CEL decoder, etc.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,041
Likes: 1
From: Orland USA
THey also have OBD-II Readers at Harbor Freight..
$39.99 OBD II CODE READER WITH CAN
Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
$39.99 UNIVERSAL CODE READER
Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
$89.99 CAN OBD II Code Reader with Text Display
Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
$89.99 ODB II/EOBD Multilingual Code Scanner
Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
$99.99 VW/AUDI 1990 CAN ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC CODE READER
Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
$129.99 CAN OBD II Code Reader/ EOBD Scanner
Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
I picked up the 1st one on the list. It works pretty well. It's really nice to carry along with you when you go to look at a used car you might be interested in. It's funny to see the looks on their face when you plug it in and can see the real story why its been setting there.
JaY
$39.99 OBD II CODE READER WITH CAN
Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
$39.99 UNIVERSAL CODE READER
Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
$89.99 CAN OBD II Code Reader with Text Display
Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
$89.99 ODB II/EOBD Multilingual Code Scanner
Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
$99.99 VW/AUDI 1990 CAN ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC CODE READER
Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
$129.99 CAN OBD II Code Reader/ EOBD Scanner
Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
I picked up the 1st one on the list. It works pretty well. It's really nice to carry along with you when you go to look at a used car you might be interested in. It's funny to see the looks on their face when you plug it in and can see the real story why its been setting there.
JaY
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 830
Likes: 0
From: Kitchener,Ontario,Canada
Scan tool browser.
This one has a lot of features for the money.
OBD-2 Vehicle Explorer Scan Tool Browser
Direct from designer Alex C Peper. from Missourri @ $122 I think is good value. You can log data on the run. Get sensor readings, graphing, check OBD2 monitors (continuous & non continuous). Pull codes, freeze frame, turn off MIL, etc. Also has a virtual digital /analogue dashboard. You need a pc or a laptop to view the data.
You can download the program free, the 122 bucks is for a cable, interface & licence. The download includes a demo file so you can see the program in action.
Aeroman.
OBD-2 Vehicle Explorer Scan Tool Browser
Direct from designer Alex C Peper. from Missourri @ $122 I think is good value. You can log data on the run. Get sensor readings, graphing, check OBD2 monitors (continuous & non continuous). Pull codes, freeze frame, turn off MIL, etc. Also has a virtual digital /analogue dashboard. You need a pc or a laptop to view the data.
You can download the program free, the 122 bucks is for a cable, interface & licence. The download includes a demo file so you can see the program in action.
Aeroman.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 882
Likes: 0
From: Wichita
I bought this one. With the extra cable you can read OBD I & II
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...scan-tool.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...scan-tool.html
