I have been told that you can get a $20 code scanner that will read the codes for my F150 but all I have been able to find are $200 + units that read the factory codes. My dealer wants $60 to read the code for me. Anyone have a final say on this, do I have to blow the $200 or is there a cheaper way to go...

 

It depends on whether your truck has OBD I or OBD II (On Board Diagnostics One or Two). What year is your truck ?

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'95 Eddie Bauer F-150 SC & '64 Falcon/Ranchero
-------------------------------------
Are you A.S.E. Certified ? If so, ask me about
iATN...the best tool you'll ever have ! ! And it's
free

 

It's a 96 F150..Thanks..

 

Well, I am not sure. I know that the '95 and older are OBD I, and that the '97 and newer are OBD II, but I'm not positive about the '96. I believe they are OBD II, which would mean you would have to have it read by a shop. Look under the hood, by the hood hinge on the drivers side for a capped connector that has six slots it it and is kinda shaped like a house. If it's there, you have OBD I and can use a $20 scanner. If it's not, you need to go to a shop.
Take care,
-Chris

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'95 Eddie Bauer F-150 SC & '64 Falcon/Ranchero
-------------------------------------
Are you A.S.E. Certified ? If so, ask me about
iATN...the best tool you'll ever have ! ! And it's
free

 

What engine do you have?

It is probably OBD I, Look under the steering column for the OBD II connector.

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'98 4.6 5-sp F-150
We've come for your Tundra.

http://www.mcmullenargus.com/gallery...ge=1165&pub=12
trixters-playground@excite.com




[This message has been edited by crash1 (edited 11-02-1999).]

 

It the 4.9l straight 6..Anyway..I looked under the steering column and I found nothing. There is a "data port" that is underneath the glove box close to the stick shift. Is this indicative of OBD I..I hope?? Thanks..

 

Dewey
"data port" smacks of a ODBII!
The ODBI connector has about 4 or 5, 1/4"
blade connectors. The ODBII will have a
plug with smaller connectors on both sides...
Rick

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'98 Xpey XLT
5.4/K&N FIPK/Gibson Cat-Back/SChip
/ISA's/Mich.265/70/17 M/S

 

I think that on older models the port was inside the driver's fendor up towards the firewall. It says diagnostics on it.

 

Dewey,
I'm sorry to say that yes, data port means OBD II. You will need someone with an OBD II compatable scan tool read it for you.

Take care,
-Chris

------------------
'95 Eddie Bauer F-150 SC & '64 Falcon/Ranchero
-------------------------------------
Are you A.S.E. Certified ? If so, ask me about
iATN...the best tool you'll ever have ! ! And it's
free

 

All 96 and newer vehicles should be OBDII. The cheapest scanner I have seen has been in JC Whitney for 179.99. I've seen that some companies are working on software to let you hook up a pc through the serial port and pull codes and data. I think this presents a perfect excuse to my wife for an extra pc in the shop.

 

Is this the piece of equipment called the "new generation STAR tester" 007-00500 refered to in the manual? If not what is the proper term for this item?

K. Jordan, does one have all the connectors and is it application specific?

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97 F-150 SC Lariat, Styleside, White over Gold, 4.6L (Windsor), Automatic, 3.55 rear end, electronic 4X4, w/ every option of Lariat and ORP packages except the 17" wheels and the 4X4 decals, MODs so far: K&N air box mod, Gibson Super Truck, clear Bugflector II, Leer TSC 600 hard cover, Bridgestone Dueler OWL ATP 265/75 R-16's, TrailMaster Invader N7 shocks, Smittybilt step bars, Ford moulded mud guards, "White-white" head lamps.

 

Hey K. Jordan, that J C Whitney one is listing for $309.99 today! Is this the one you were talking about?
http://www.jcwhitney.com/products/81zx1375x.htm

 

You would need an OBD II comptable Scan Tool. That's what they are called. OBD II was fazed in over three years. It started in 1995 and by 1997, all cars and trucks sold in the U.S. for use on public highways had to have OBD II. Manufacturers introduced it in different years for different models, that is why there is no simple answer as to what year has it.

------------------
'95 Eddie Bauer F-150 SC & '64 Falcon/Ranchero
-------------------------------------
Are you A.S.E. Certified ? If so, ask me about
iATN...the best tool you'll ever have ! ! And it's
free


[This message has been edited by PKRWUD (edited 11-06-1999).]

 

cphilip-
No, that is an OBD I Scan Tool. It's a good price though. My OTC OBD I Scan Tool cost me over $500.

------------------
'95 Eddie Bauer F-150 SC & '64 Falcon/Ranchero
-------------------------------------
Are you A.S.E. Certified ? If so, ask me about
iATN...the best tool you'll ever have ! ! And it's
free

 

OBDII started as early as '94 in the Mustang.

OBD I (EEC IV) has two connectors, which are usually located under the hood.

OBD II (EEC V) has only one connector. It is ALWAYS located under the steering column (regardless of make or model).

This allows a generic scan tool to be used on all makes, allowing independent shops to service them. In addition, the codes have been standardized, regardless of make. There are, however, certain codes that are manufacturer specific.

The NGS is Ford's newest scantool, and is OBD II compatible.

I believe the 4.9l is OBD I.