Wrench Light on .. Need inexpensive code reader for stored codes
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: N. Carolina
Wrench Light on .. Need inexpensive code reader for stored codes
I got the latest flash the other day per TSB 09-24-3.
Now, after driving maybe 20-30 miles, I'm getting the "wrench light". Truck is not going into "limp mode" ... just displays the light. It goes off after restart, but usually will come back on after another drive.
So since this never happened before the flash, I'm assuming it's one of the three codes/problems that now create a wrench light as a result of the new flash:
I need an inexpensive code reader to pull the stored code, can't keep paying the dealer $90 for a diagnostic check. I stopped by the local Advance Auto, and either their reader wouldn't do it or the guy didn't know how. How 'bout >>THIS<< Cen-Tech CAN OBD II Code Reader/ EOBD Scanner at Harbor Freight??
Now, after driving maybe 20-30 miles, I'm getting the "wrench light". Truck is not going into "limp mode" ... just displays the light. It goes off after restart, but usually will come back on after another drive.
So since this never happened before the flash, I'm assuming it's one of the three codes/problems that now create a wrench light as a result of the new flash:
- Oil cooler efficiency monitor - DTC P012F stored and wrench warning lamp illuminated when the oil coolers efficiency drops below a specified threshold for a given speed and vehicle load condition.
- FICM low voltage detection monitor - DTC P0560 stored and wrench warning lamp illuminated when PCM VPWR PIDS is below 10.25V for 60 seconds or below 9V for 4 seconds.
- Turbocharger over boost detection - DTC P0234 stored and wrench warning lamp illuminated when a turbocharger over boost condition occurs.
I need an inexpensive code reader to pull the stored code, can't keep paying the dealer $90 for a diagnostic check. I stopped by the local Advance Auto, and either their reader wouldn't do it or the guy didn't know how. How 'bout >>THIS<< Cen-Tech CAN OBD II Code Reader/ EOBD Scanner at Harbor Freight??
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: N. Carolina
Post Fiend
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I have been using this cheapo OBDII reader for quite some time...
Amazon.com: autel maxiscan ms309
Autel Maxiscan MS 309
$50
Amazon.com: autel maxiscan ms309
Autel Maxiscan MS 309
$50
FTE Legend
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From: Millersville, MD
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
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It reads the basic diesel and transmission codes.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Millbrook, AL
So a OBDII/CAN capable scanner will read all codes that the 6.0 logs? I thought you had to have the AE software/Ford Bundle to do that. Or does the AE just give you more diagnostic tools like the dealer has ie: cylinder contribution test
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
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Hey, if you want "all" the codes... it is available at your friendly Ford dealer.
AE will nearly read a full set, but will not likely have all the sophisticated tests that Ford has... plus the Ford only tips for Ford techs as to what to do, how to do fault diagnostics.
Bargain basement scan tool gets you just that.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Millbrook, AL
Well I've got to start thinking about what to do when my truck goes out of warranty 6/2011. I'd like to consider myself a competent mechanic but, this ain't no gas burner either. As if the part cost weren't enough if you don't have some kind of electronic device to point you in the right direction you're dead in the water. So what I'm trying to do is be able to diagnose and repair problems that arise on my own. To do this I'm thinking an AE is probably gonna be the way to go although I'm trying to find out the difference in capablities of the AE software and a standard scanner.
Gearloose, my ford dealer is not very friendly in that they take a lot of my money and give me very little in return. I know it's hard to beat a GOOD tech, but all that have worked on my truck seem to be just this side of retardation. In all honesty the answer you gave was pretty vague but then so was my question. That's why I clarified it somewhat.
Gearloose, my ford dealer is not very friendly in that they take a lot of my money and give me very little in return. I know it's hard to beat a GOOD tech, but all that have worked on my truck seem to be just this side of retardation. In all honesty the answer you gave was pretty vague but then so was my question. That's why I clarified it somewhat.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
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If your truck is under warranty... um.. the wrench light is definitely dealer fix territory.
Do nothing to void your warranty.
Talk to the crowd on here that have the AE / Ford diesel package and see what it does for them.
What you are looking for, a feature by feature compare, need to be done with someone who knows the Ford service computer capabilities.. and AE.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: N. Carolina
Well, the fancy CAN enabled Harbor Freight job will not pull the disappearing "wrench light" set by the latest flash. It says nothings there, even while I'm looking at the lit light before the ignition is turned off.
