I did a search and while this topic is discussed pretty often, I couldn't find a comprehensive thread to discuss what the best diagnostic OBDII scanner is.
I'm driving a 2000 Expedition, but presumably a good scanner for Fords would work for all recent fords?

So, what scanner do you have, what do you like or dislike about it, and how much was it?

 

I just use my programmer and I assume it`s always been accurate. my .02

 

I have been told that autoenginuity is pretty good. Pricey though

Banks has the IQ which does not require a programmer (soon to be fielded). Would also plug into the port.

Ford Engine Module List

 

Has anyone tried the Actron CP9180? That's the unit I'm currently researching as it has freeze frame data and live data feedback. I heard that their customer service isn't too good though.

 

I have seen them in stores. Don't know if they are good or not but my concern would be the capability to read ford specific codes.

I am sure it would read industry standard ones, but getting down into the weeds is the question that needs to be answered.

I guess you would need to contact them and speak with the tech and get some info on it.

 

I have the autoenginuity with Ford enhanced and it covers everything from codes to GEM functions. Well worth the $400 I paid.

 

I have two an ancient AutoTap 123 (which covers all domestics) and Special Forces upgraded my interface to use the Recon Data logging software. Both run off my laptop and feature data logging. Because I've used the Autotap more, I'm more comfortable with the tables and read outs in it than the Recon Suite, but the Recon Suite is more for checking my tunes than diagnostics.

 

I use an ACTRON pocket scan, I've seen others that are more expensive, guess it depends on what you want it to do. I don't know of any scan tool that will tell you exactly what the problem is in a system that may have more than one sensor or electrical connector. Just so happen to see an infommercial this morning about the CARMD, has anyone used one of these?

 

I have a Pocket Scan Plus all it does is read codes and erase them. I have P0401 code and have changed egr valve and DPSE sensor. I was told that I need to perform a KOEO test and my Actron Pocket Scanner doesn't have that option. I am going to call and buy the Autoenginuity scanner tomorrow, I need more information. 2004 Excursion 6.0 liter

 

I use a scanner from scantool.net with the ScanXL software from Palmer Perforamance with the Ford Enhancements. Seems to do everything I need so far...

 

Hi Senix,

I talked to Banks about their IQ two days agl. They said they are currently working on the IQ and hope to release the version sometime in March that does not require a programmer, although that was still up in the air. The version available now requires one of their programmers. For anyone interested in it now, you will find some distributors are clearly stating that in their ads, while others do not. Just a heads up for anyone interested.

Steve

 

Thanks Steve, you are correct.

Let me also add that you can order directy from them-advised, then you cut out the middle guy (local vendors).

 

I've got a ScanGaugeII and have been happy with it so far. It does more than the pocket scanners but less than the big boys. It's beauty is that it can pull anything out of the OBD2 port. That bad thing is that sometimes you need to know the magic spell to get to the info. It shows freeze frame data for stored codes and can also show live sensor data.

Besides codes it also serves as a trip computer and fuel monitor. On my holiday travels I'm sure it saved me at least $50 in fuel by being able to keep up to the minute tabs on my mileage. You can have four sensors at once right in front of you. I usually have average and instantaneous mileage on the left and coolant and tranny temp on the right but there are many more that I could swap in if I wanted with just a button push.

You can get them online but I got mine from AutoZone. I paid $150; AZ has no shipping for anything you have shipped to the store but I had to pay sales tax so it worked out about even vs. getting it from Amazon.

The one thing that's frustrating is that I know it should be possible to initiate KOEO and KOER with the SG2 but I haven't been able to figure out the magic spell. If anyone knows how I'd really appreciate it.