Yes, I know this forum is for the 2004 but a lot of folks are looking at it ! I would like to hear what type of scan tool the mechanics of the world are using. I have Ford and GM products. I am at the point of buying a scan tool to read out the codes on my laptop. Thanks in advance

 

I am not a pro-mechanic, just an amateur, but I use an AutoXray www.autoxray.com, it lets me know whats going on inside. It is pretty basic but it serves my purpose..The model on there website is newer than mine not sure how much better..

 

I don't know what level of info your looking for, and I don't know when they'll be available for the 04's, but, we've sold a lot of Diablo Preditors for Power Strokes and they have some interesting diagnostics and live data information included in the programer. So it gives you a chip and a scan tool in one if you want both. It wouldn't do both Ford an GM (I don't think, haven't tried), but a normall scan tool won't boost performance.

 

Pretty much what Dale just said. I use the AutoXray too. I had the older model but traded it in for the latest and greatest 6000 model. They have ok upgrade programs imho and offer free internet updates.

The older model can be upgraded with new firmware to enhanced, but in my case it was more attractive to buy the new one.

The newer model comes with enhanced obd2 that displays more info, 67 items instead of the base 23. It also has a nicer screen and is backlit. It also has the new CAN protocol which I know nothing about. It also has cables for for just about everything made the last 20 years.

I just used mine a month back to read turn-on temps for Electric fans, check air intake temps, timing. Very handy tool.

 

KAL Equipment 9620 OBDII Scan Tool

best 300 bucks I ever spent on a diagnostics tool.

if you have a serial based printer you can print all your truck information out so you can read it in hand...awesome I tell you, absolutely awesome.