Just got an OBDII scanner - Ford Ranger Forums

radio_earbug · 03-19-2005

Just got one to clear and check the error codes. I'm impressed that it found the same message as my mechanic. I've been pretty upset about the MIL from day one. Different mechanics didn't know what to do. I spent one time around $150 replacing a BOO and evap sensor when all I needed to do was replace the vacuum lines.

Any comments on my purchase? Good or Bad I got a strong stomach.

n3elz · 03-19-2005

Well, I have one and I wouldn't want to be without it. Mine is an interface box to the truck and a program I wrote myself that runs on my Palm PDA (including putting together the code database which was most of the work). It's ALWAYS in the truck in case I need it.

So, I think it's great! Which one did you get?

RAYJAY · 03-20-2005

Got one here myself to mine is on my lap top used it couple of times all ready on wife xplorer. the dealer that i took it in for service almost droped dead when i *****ed at him for screwing up the #1 cyl wire when they did the timing chain on wifes . also get asked a lot to help out people at work .......

Jeff

get your self a good shop cd to go along with your scanner

radio_earbug · 03-24-2005

I considered the palm type scanner but recently I forgot about it and let the batteries eat the button PCB......jeese. Anyways I got and Actron Scanner. I am kinda pissed because the Actron Super Scanner for twice the price gives numbers of the voltage measurements and all. But I feel it's OK because I still have a trueRMS Voltmeter and a Haynes manual. I need to get my money's worth from them too!

Speaking of checking things. Please don't laugh.....ah.....go ahead. When checking the sensors and connections, is the engine suppose to be off or on?

n3elz · 03-24-2005

lol! Yes, my lithium ion rechargeable Palm has been very reliable, I must say. I have the IBM version of the m500 called the c500. The only difference is the case is black and it says "IBM" instead of "Palm" on it.

I can scale the readings however I want, but I don't even have the data collection and display part written yet. Just the code scanner. I use another guys freeware program (shame on me) to do data collection. His is pretty nifty and has a lot more work into it. But as far as I know, he and I are the only freeware Palm scanners out there.

My software can also be used on the Palm to look up the meanings of codes manually, in case you have a code but not the meaning. Some people use it to verify what the dealer tells them when they read codes, even though they don't have the interface.

There's a topic on the board somewhere for "Free Palm OBD scanner software" or something like that. In it, I liked to the software so you can download it for a Palm -- not that YOU need it, lol.