OBD-II Scan tool
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Grande Prairie AB
OBD-II Scan tool
Hey guys, I am looking to buy an OBD-II scan tool. I have an 07 F350 Super Duty which I just bought. Traded in my 03 F150, needed more pulling power.
Can anyone steer me in the right direction. Looking to spend around $200-300. I would like something that will read all codes.
Looking forward to your feed back.
Can anyone steer me in the right direction. Looking to spend around $200-300. I would like something that will read all codes.
Looking forward to your feed back.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10,626
Likes: 7
From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN
I would second that and in fact, that's what I use, except I also use it for Nissan, Honda, and Toyota as well. Code reading alone made it worth it for all those extra licenses to read all codes.
Diesels you have to buy a license for, with the gassers, you could probably get by with just the generic code reading, but if you want all codes, no matter what the platform you'll need the license.
I don't know if you have the 6.0 since all that I saw was 07 F350, but I know with the 8.2 software, AE added a lot of support for the 6.0s. Actuation commands, system tests etc, that alone would make it worth having if your vehicle has the 6.0. It has various levels of support for the other platform as well, but I was just trying to give the 6.0 as an example in case that's what your 07 is.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,674
Likes: 2
Actron makes one for the $100-$200 range, if you are not a professional mechanic it will work fine for you. It will read any code related to the CEL as they all will do. However, if you want to really step up to the plate, you can invest in a good used Snap-On MX2500. It is what I have and will not only show CEL codes but will deep cycle, meaning that it will pull OBD-II codes up even when the CEL has not been triggered. They are fairly expensive, but a good used one will set you back $300-$400 or so- plus cartridges. Each cartridge will give data for each specific vehicle ECU range, and simply plugs into the main unit. You can also clear out DTCs with either one.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10,626
Likes: 7
From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN
Actron makes one for the $100-$200 range, if you are not a professional mechanic it will work fine for you. It will read any code related to the CEL as they all will do. However, if you want to really step up to the plate, you can invest in a good used Snap-On MX2500. It is what I have and will not only show CEL codes but will deep cycle, meaning that it will pull OBD-II codes up even when the CEL has not been triggered. They are fairly expensive, but a good used one will set you back $300-$400 or so- plus cartridges. Each cartridge will give data for each specific vehicle ECU range, and simply plugs into the main unit. You can also clear out DTCs with either one.
That's what AE software does as well. You can also do Cylinder Contribution, Buzz test, other actuations as well. AE pulls codes from all 9 of the 6.0 modules.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 18
From: The Great White North!
I put in another vote for AE. While I do have the v10, and agree that it shines more on the psd, it still reads something like 400+ sensors on the full system scan. The ford bundle runs you in the 3-4 hundred range if I recall correctly. You can also use it to data log, has abs features, also extras like 1/4 mile runs, that I have yet to try.
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2010
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From: Grande Prairie AB
Hey guys thanks for all the great info. I just looked at the AE on the net and it looks pretty impressive. The only drawback is that I have an old laptop that is just about to sh** the bed. I may just have to bite the bullet and replace my lap top.
Thanks
Thanks
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,659
Likes: 2
Advance Auto has a 60% off sale. You can get a code reader with live sensor data reading for $100. The sale was a month ago but they totally screwed up supply chain and never got them in stock. You can still go down to the store and get on a waiting list.
Senior User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 301
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From: Duluth,MN
That is what I bought and love it. I bought an actron!!!!! One of the best automotive tools I have ever bought!!!! In my neck of the woods they come next day without a problem!!!!!
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 33
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From: Grande Prairie AB
However yesterday we reached a whopping 29 degrees celcius. That is probably around 85 degrees farenheit. Get out the sun screen!
Senior User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 301
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From: Duluth,MN
Order it online and have it shipped....the shipping will be a little more expensive but better then paying full price!!!
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,659
Likes: 2
Does it link up with your diesel? I connected one in the parking lot outside the store because I was concerned about that. It communicated with the truck. I stopped at that point assuming it would work normally when needed. I'm not sure I will buy it if it can't do the job for all my vehicles.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10,626
Likes: 7
From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN
You have to make sure that your scan tool is able to read CAN. Not all code readers can do that, particularly it seems to be more so the cheaper you go in price. Not all the time, but more often then not that seems to be the case.
Now the deal with the older ones(even to an extent with the 6.0) is that some scan tools just read from the generic module. Which is usually related to emissions. The 6.0s were the first diesel engine from Ford that had some generic support, so you might be able to get some info that way, but it will be a very small amount and not really amounting to much in my opinion.
Now the deal with the older ones(even to an extent with the 6.0) is that some scan tools just read from the generic module. Which is usually related to emissions. The 6.0s were the first diesel engine from Ford that had some generic support, so you might be able to get some info that way, but it will be a very small amount and not really amounting to much in my opinion.