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Old Sep 12, 2010 | 08:09 AM
  #1  
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JWA
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Recommended OBD Scanner/Reader

Seems most here currently use some sort of code scanner/reader and I'm considering one for myself. 2000 E250 with the 5.4L gasoline motor, auto trans etc etc. $200 at the top end isn't out of reach financially, more if there is one that truly is most highly recommened or considered to be "da goods"! I'm not that familiar with anything past 1977 as far as diagnosing issues so this might be helpful for anything DIY could cover.

Anything above my head goes to a shop I've dealt with for over 20 years but I'm thinking something like this can't hurt.

Looking forward to your experiences guys------thanks in advance!

J W
 
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Old Sep 12, 2010 | 05:34 PM
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I have the "Actron CP9180" and it does a good job, I wish I had bought the scanner that was 1 or 2 grades better .. All in all I'm sort of satisfied with what I've got. Picked it up at AutoZone.
 

Last edited by Moto Mel; Sep 13, 2010 at 09:45 PM. Reason: Phat Phingers ;)
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Old Sep 12, 2010 | 06:30 PM
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tex25025
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I use AutoEnginuity. Depending on where you get it, you can get a fairly good price on it, although it is priced fixed so there isn't too much wiggle room. If you get the Ford Enhancement License, it'll pay for itself rather quickly even if all you do is code reading with it considering most shops that I've dealt with personally charge $100 a pop to hook it up to the computer.

Website is here: AutoEnginuity® - OBD2 Scan Tool - Professional PC and PDA Diagnostics
 
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Old Sep 12, 2010 | 08:04 PM
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Thanks for the recommendations so far guys---looking for more choices as well----let 'er rip!

Basically I'll be keeping my '00 E250 so want something current to that production date---updates and renewals aren't of much interest. Also if possible would prefer something self contained NOT needing a PC, PDA or any other device in order to read codes. Frankly I won't be re-tuning anything from factory settings---looking more for the diagnostic features I believe.

Still, I'm open to any suggestions!

Thanks


J W
 
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Old Sep 12, 2010 | 08:10 PM
  #5  
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tex25025
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From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN
Originally Posted by JWA
Thanks for the recommendations so far guys---looking for more choices as well----let 'er rip!

Basically I'll be keeping my '00 E250 so want something current to that production date---updates and renewals aren't of much interest. Also if possible would prefer something self contained NOT needing a PC, PDA or any other device in order to read codes. Frankly I won't be re-tuning anything from factory settings---looking more for the diagnostic features I believe.

Still, I'm open to any suggestions!

Thanks


J W
Wanting it self-contained is going to limit you to more code reading and maybe freeze frame data, but that'll be about it and maybe that's enough for you I don't know.

I know with AE you don't have to renew, just buy it once and then renew if you get a different vehicle or want access to another vehicle's computers. I haven't renewed my licenses yet, but I'm sure I will when they get the 2010 support on there.

However, if you are just wanting the basics then you would probably just want a code reader that can get freeze frame data as well.
 
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Old Sep 13, 2010 | 08:52 PM
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It looks like I do need a code reader--would fit my needs well I believe. Definitely see the advantage of the more elaborate versions but for me they'd be a bit of overkill.

The Actron CP9180 seems just about perfect---well within my guessed about budget and simple enough to suit me too.

I'm still open to any other suggestions or recommendations.


Thanks guys!

J W
 
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Old Sep 16, 2010 | 05:40 AM
  #7  
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Looks like I've settled on the Actron CP9580; retail $300, Amazon free shipping for $180! Well within my idea of a cost and seems to have every feature and capability I need.

If anyone has any knowledge or experience with Actron products I'd love to hear----being they're an SPX company I'm not overly enthusiastic about their usual quality of ruggedness they do seem to have good designes and ideas.

Any comments or suggestions guys???


J W
 
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