Will the Ford code readers at wallyworld tell me the same as those at a dealer? The dealears around here charge $60 just to hook up to theirs. I have been wanting to have my truck ran through because of my goofy idle, but if I can buy a reader that will do the same thing then I'll just do that.
Also, might the truck show any codes if the engine light is not on?
Thanks

 

If your truck is a '95 or older, then the code readers at Wal Mart will work fine, as far as pulling the codes. The better the scan tool, the more it can do. My OTC Mindreader, for example, can display and record a live data stream from any/all of my sensors if I need to, but it was over $500. If all you want is to pull the codes, go for the wal mart version.

Take care,
-Chris

 

The walmart reader will just blink out a numerical code that you have to look up in a book. Since it doesn't display any info other that the code your basically doing trial and error type things and throwing parts at it. The $3500 scanner the dealer uses will tell you absolutely everything you need to know and for the $60 they can tell you exactly what needs to be replaced.

For the price of it i would pick up the cheap code reader and take a look. If you get an o2 sensor code, chances are you can replace that sensor and everything will be fine. If you get a code for the evap system for example, you would need to go to the dealer.

Of course once you read the codes you could post them here and i'm sure someone can give you some hints.