Code reader

[svranger25]

I went to autozone and got a code reader for my truck and when i plugged it in the truck died. I only tried it the once and didnt want to mess anything up. what is the correct way of using a code reader. wow that sounds stupid but i dont want to mess anything up. Thanks

[351fifty]

what kind of code reader is it, i always just plugged it in while running and see how it went, checked codes cleared them, worked great, but i used an edge evolution programmer tho, btw its the obd2 port rite side of the trans tunnel, just under the dash is a black trapazoid looking thing with pins

[gaspipe]

That '96 might not have an OBDII compliant 'puter. My '95 does not. It will only speak in OBDI tongue.

[svranger25]

yes i plugged it into the socket to the right of the trans tunnel under the dash and if i'm not mistaken it said obd2 on it, i may be mistaken but i will check on that, and retry the process.

[gaspipe]

Mine has an OBDII socket too. But the computer does not recognize it. IIRC, Ford had to reflash your computer to enable the OBDII on the earlier computers. Apparently mine was never reflashed.

Even though passenger vehicles were all supposed to be OBDII compliant by then, the diesels got an exemption.

You may try to find and older OBDI reader?

[svranger25]

will do thanks for the information,

[351fifty]

you need to get a different code reader, my 95 f150 can be read there by certain code readers, the cheaper ones dont read it at all, not even my 97, are trucks are more like some kind of half breed where its not obd1 or 2, its awkward

[backwoodsboy]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but couldn't he take it to the dealership and get his computer re-flashed? Even if they charge you for it, could be cheaper in the long run than buying anothe scanner.

[gaspipe]

Originally Posted by backwoodsboy

Correct me if I'm wrong, but couldn't he take it to the dealership and get his computer re-flashed? Even if they charge you for it, could be cheaper in the long run than buying anothe scanner.

If they still have the moxie to do it, I'd go for it.

[351fifty]

if he just bought the scanner he should have no problem returning it and finding one that does actually read the truck, but he could see if the dealer would be able to do that for a low rate otherwise the whole idea is debunked, i would just return it get the money back and find something that works