can't read codes...

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Mar 9, 2009 | 09:36 PM

fkaster01

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Joined: Mar 2009

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From: metro detroit area...

can't read codes...

I took my truck to the local auto zone ( i know...not the best choice) to have the codes read and they said the computer wouldn't let the code reader retrieve the codes.... don't know why this would happen. The guy said I could have a bad computer, or a short somewhere... any thoughts?

Mar 9, 2009 | 10:03 PM

anojones

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Joined: Jan 2009

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I'm no expert, and I don't know what truck you have, but not all OBD2 code readers will read OBD1 which is what your vehicle likely is. You can purchase a Ford specific code reader for OBD1 for around $25 or you can count CELs:
Ford Fuel Injection How To Run a Self-Test

Mar 9, 2009 | 10:05 PM

fkaster01

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From: metro detroit area...

I have a 95 f150 351 efi with a e4od trans

Mar 9, 2009 | 11:40 PM

ford2go

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Joined: Apr 2003

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From: Frequently frozen MN

You have an OBDI system. They are easy to read at home. Check the fordfuelinjection website that the previous guy said.

AZ stuff might be able to read OBDI, but I wouldn't bet on those guys knowing it. (No offense to any AZ employees, I've just come across some less tham optimum folks there.

Mar 10, 2009 | 03:11 AM

motorhead81

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I can tell you for sure they can't pull obd1 codes due to the fact a scan tool that will read a broad range of obd1 and obd2 ain't cheap and to read all obd1 is more expensive than obd2 but obd1 you don't have to have a scan tool to pull codes it's just easyier

Mar 10, 2009 | 04:07 PM

Conanski

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Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 31,930

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From: Ottawa, Ontario

Quote:

Originally Posted by ford2go

AZ stuff might be able to read OBDI, but I wouldn't bet on those guys knowing it.

It's unfortunate but that is a very common complaint around here concerning Autozone and these trucks.

Mar 10, 2009 | 05:12 PM

fkaster01

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Joined: Mar 2009

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From: metro detroit area...

thanks... that link was enlightening... the trick to auto zone is finding one where the workers actually know what they are talking about... which is next to impossible

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Mar 10, 2009 | 07:36 PM

Greg B

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Joined: Jul 2008

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Auto Zone and Advance Auto Parts store scanners are generally only good on OBD-II systems. Even though they may have the cables, for some reason their scanners aren't configured for our older stuff. And then there's always the competance issue. Those places tend to pay low wages and they get what they pay for. I have an Auto X-Ray scanner that I bought years ago with all of the available cables that's good on systems up to 03. I paid $350 for it. The same scanner with only the EEC-IV cable sells for about $175. If you use it 3 or 4 times it's paid for itself. I bought all of the cables because most of the kids drive something other than Fords. I've never not been able to diagnose a problem with this scanner and the powertrain and emmissions manual of the make of vehicle I'm servicing.

Greg B