I saw an Actron code scanner that beeps the codes out in Autozone yesterday and was thinking about buying it but I did not see the 4.9l engine listed but did see the 5.0 and 5.8 in the trucks. Is that the right scanner?

 

If it covers OBD I, it will work on your truck.

 

I purchased a digital OBD scanner at O'Rielly near where I work for about $60.00. I tried the led light type but it was really difficult to get the right code. Hope this helps.

 

Which scan tool to buy?

Are you trying to track down a specific problem or just wanting to confirm everything is OK? Because if you're just checking up on things I'd say the one to buy is... None of them!

Take a look at this thread: https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=222530

and then take a look at the link referenced there: http://fordfuelinjection.com/?p=13

If you're only doing this to make sure everything is OK and you're only planning on doing it this one time in the near future, I'd say forgo the tool. It is a pain to do it without a code reader, but it can be done and spending $$ when you don't have to doesn't make sense. If you've got a complex issue which you're trying to track down and will want to check the codes, adjust something, check the codes again, adjust something else, etc etc etc then a scantool might not be a bad idea.

As to which one, on these older models at least the scan tools all perform the same basic function, and it's controlled by your truck's computer more than anything, so unless you think one is going to be easier to read it doesn't matter. As long as it is good for ford obd-1 computers, you're good.

 

I am just buying one just incase I ever had a problem. My truck runs perfect now but its just a tool I would like to have.

 

Since you don't really need it right now, you might want to just learn how to do it with a paperclip and count the CEL flashes...

Whatever, it's your money...


Steve