Well, today I was confronted with the dreaded "Check Engine" light after a month of dealing with a slight surge/hesitation at 1300 RPM. Also, over the last month, my fuel economy has been dismal. I'm beginning to suspect a bad O2 sensor.

Does anyone know of a decent OBD-II computer code diagnostic reader for our trucks? I don't want a complete engine analyzer, just an easy way to get the error code out of the computer so that I can try and diagnose the cause of my problems.

I've seen the AutoXray and other scanners, but most are in the $300-$500 range which is a bit out of my price range.

Truck is out of warranty and I do not want to pay $75 for some Ford mechanic to plug my truck into their computer. I'd rather spend that money on my own reader.

Any suggestions?

Steve

 

bluecrab,
do a search for "code scanner". I got an actron several months ago from summit I think & forget the details. I think it was around $140.

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97 Lariet-sc-4.6-4x off road-auto-3.55 LS-
superchip-K&N-3"
pvc air box mod-Granetelli MAF

 

Autozone has one for about $150.

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97 F-150, 2WD, Reg Cab,Flareside,Dk Toreador Red, Windsor 4.6, Magnecor 8.5mm wires, Bosch Plat +4s, 3.55 LS, EGR Bug Deflector, ******* Bed Cover, Bed Liner, XL Full Length Running Boards, Air Aid Kit, Gibson Single Out Cat Back, Superchips, TransGo Shift Kit, Hellwig Rear Sway Bar, Hellwig 2500# Overload Springs,Energy Suspension Polyurethane Front Sway Bar Bushings, 265 70 16 tires, Rancho RS9000 shocks

 

And JCWhitney for 160:
http://www.jcwhitney.com/productnoit...l?CATID=127632

 

Thanks for all the replies. I ended up buying the Auto X-Ray OBD-II scanner from http://www.partsamerica.com for $249. JCWhitney sells the same item for $289, and Auto X-Ray sells it for $299 in their online store. I think I got a pretty good deal!