1 of the most usefull DIY products!!!

[Robert]

Thanks to a tip from a post I read here last week, I ordered a Ford Service CD for my '97 Explorer from E-Bay. I just got it today, and let me say this, it is one if not the most useful references I have to work on my Explorer. It is full of OBD-II troubleshooting, electrical drawings, mechanical drawings, descriptions, charts pictures, ....... I probably couldn't name everything I found on this. I'm getting ready to replace my parking brake shoes on my Explorer so I printed out the step by step procedure (12 very clear pages). Glancing through the CD for the last couple of hours I found out a lot more information about my Explorer that I didn't know. I found out things such as the 5-speed auto will provide engine braking in R if the OD is turned off, and that engine braking is not provided in 1,2,3, or 4 when in D with OD selected. Turn OD off, and you get engine braking in 3 and 4. Of course you do get engine braking when locked in 1 and 2. One of the most useful features I found was by going to the DTC lookup table. Look up the OBD-II code and then select the link and it will take you to many steps to take to troubleshoot the exact code.

The disk is for one vehicle year only. The Explorer/Mountaineer disks cover from '97-'02. The Sorttrac disks cover from '99-'02. Anyone that has a '97 and up Explorer that likes to do their own work on it might want to give some serious consideration to it. They only charge $18 + $2 S&H so it is well worth the $20. Those with a '95 & '96 should be able to find enough useful information in the '97 version to make it worthwhile as well.

To see the auctions go to ebay and do a search by seller for "superhonest1" and then scroll down the lists to find the one you want. He has over 1100 auctions so he should be reliable. I got mine about a week after I placed the order. Just click the "buy it now" button since it is the same price as the auction minimum. I don't normally endorse products but seldome do I find something that I find so usefull that I think others would find just as useful. I am not in any way affiliated with the seller. I am just a very satisfied customer.

 

[yob_yeknom]

Got the same thing from the same seller. It is EXCELLENT.

 

[yob_yeknom]

I forgot to mention that it also covers every other Ford truck from the '97 model year also. Even the Aeromax semi's!

 

[Rscotts1]

This sounds like something I would love to get for my 2002 XLS. Thanks for the info

 

[dogfriend]

I just got a copy of this yesterday and it looks pretty good. I haven't had much time to look yet, but it is definately worth the $20.

 

[Rscotts1]

Just ordered mine!! Can't wait to get it and check it out

 

[LiKuiD]

i wish the had them for us first gen'ers...

 

[DocVijay]

Could anyone make a copy of the CD for me? I have a 99.

 

[dogfriend]

mine is for 97

The CD is for a specific year only.

Just order from the guy on ebay. It is worth the $20.

I was just looking at the electrical schematics, and it is very cool because you can look up the location on the vehicle from the connector numbers on the schematic, then click on a link that shows the pin locations in the connector with the wire color codes and circuit functions. This part alone is worth the $20.

 

[NoBoundaries]

Just curious, does it also give part numbers?

 

[DaleG]

Can you guys tell me what the requirements for the PC are to run this disk. I have a P133MHZ running W98, not good enough to run many new programs anymore.
I think I might get one if my PC still has the muscle to run it.

Thanks
]
Dale

 

[Robert]

Originally posted by DocVijay
Could anyone make a copy of the CD for me? I have a 99.

Not without opening Rick up to possible lawsuit from the manufacturer.

 

[Robert]

Originally posted by NoBoundaries
Just curious, does it also give part numbers?

Yes

 

[Robert]

Originally posted by DaleG
Can you guys tell me what the requirements for the PC are to run this disk. I have a P133MHZ running W98, not good enough to run many new programs anymore.
I think I might get one if my PC still has the muscle to run it.

Thanks
]
Dale

Probably wouldn't have any problems. It doesn't list the requirements, but the copyright date for the Ford browser is 1997. It doesn't have a traditional MS Windows interface so I think anything made in at least the last 5 years would work find, just slower. All it is is reference text and pictures so massive computing power wouldn't be needed.

 

[Robert]

As An Update:

I found another seller that appears to be selling the same thing for $8 with free shipping. Go to http://cgi6.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewSellersOtherItems&userid=autoservman If that doesn't work, do a search for a seller named "autoservman" and look at his auctions. The good thing about him is he also has the complete 18 disk set for $100. Unfortunately I didn't find this out until after I placed an order for another disk for my Wife's '93 Sable. This seller also has over 500 auctions. I didn't look up his feedback though.

 

[dmasini]

Hey Robert, you bought the one for the 1997-2002 Mountaineer right? I just bought the 97 4.0 SOHC 4x4 Mountaineer one for my 97 X. I see no reason why it isn't the exact same thing correct?

 

[dogfriend]

re: computer required to run disk

I'm running it on a Mac using Virtual PC and the speed is decent, so I would expect that any computer that runs Win 95 or better would have no problem.

 

[Robert]

Originally posted by dmasini
Hey Robert, you bought the one for the 1997-2002 Mountaineer right? I just bought the 97 4.0 SOHC 4x4 Mountaineer one for my 97 X. I see no reason why it isn't the exact same thing correct?

Yes, you are correct. The one for 1997 covers all trucks from 1997. They just list it on the title as for 1997-2002. You have to specify the actual year you want when you send payment.

 

[Hartman]

None for a '95? Guess I'll have to stick with the ole' Haynes.

 

[Robert]

Hartman - I would try the $8 one and see how it works. If it is the same thing I got, then it has more than $8 worth of stuff in it. The only things that you wouldn't find any information on are the automatic transmission and the front differential vacuum disconnect since they changed in '97 and the lack of EEC-IV support. Everything else for the most part should apply to yours.