A Primer on Code Readers and Scanners | Page 2 | Ford Explorer Forums - Serious Explorations

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A Primer on Code Readers and Scanners

Yes scanners (as opposed to readers) will read DTC (Diagnostic trouble codes) as well as give you access to individual output for sensors in streaming data. However the OBD-II code readers you highlighted (9035 and 9135) are readers only, and OBD-II only, so they won't work on your 88. About the only was I know of to access the sensor data with the car operational would be through a breakout box.

Happy Exploring

Chris
 



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I know obd-II only readers wouldn't work on a 88, I was just trying to find some obd-II readers for under $200 that I could use on my newer car.

I looks like I could almost build my own breakout box. All you really need are some EEC-IV ECU wiring harnesses and board to label each pin.
 






Lonestar - Ah. I understand. I have the 9035 and find it acceptable (It is the model shown in the post as a "reader"). As for wiring your own breakout box.. I suppose by the time you got male and female PCM connectors and did all the work you might have as much invested in it as simply buying a used one. I like being able to use overlays too.

For SV Lou, the scanner in the first pictures is an Actron Scantool III, Model 9110. [I have one listed in the for sale section here.]

Happy Exploring

Chris
 






This is a really good idea for a thread.:)

I would like to know which scanners have the capability to perform pinpoint testing (i.e. which scanners can send a signal to engage a shift solenoid when needed to help diagnose a trans problem). I know that the NGS (new gen star) tool can do this because the routines in the service manual give instructions to use the NGS tool to actuate solenoids, ect. I'm assuming that the "Pro" generic tools also have this capability, but I'm wondering if there are relatively inexpensive scan tools or software packages that would be able to do this also.

Ideally I would like a software package that would run on a Palm Pilot and would have the capability send signals to actuators during a pinpoint test.
 






everything is a trade off. NGS testers run $1600 when U can find them. I simply purchased a Transmission tester for THOSE tests. Find the scanners well worthwhile for everything else.

Happy Exploring

Chris
 






Do you have any links to transmission testers? I have started looking into getting a scan tool because something strange is going on with the 5R55E....

I would like to have a NGS tool, but I'd better save the $1600 for the potential trans rebuild:rolleyes:
 






I just bought a Reader..

It's ok I wanted the one that loads into your laptop, but could not afford it. So I bought a INNOVA 3100. Not bad for 100 bucks. I just wish I could figure some of it out, like I threw out the same 2 codes on two ex's ( lean on bank 1 & 2) After eraseing code it was fine. I wish this did the ABS system too..:( So now I have the cable (OBDII to Parallel) Can some one burn me there softwhere!:D
 






looking at all the recent posts o scanners and code readers.... maybe this will help.
 






I purchased Alex Peper's OBD2 to Serial PC interface ( www.obd-2.com )and am VERY pleased with it. Shipping was fast, and the software runs on my old 486 laptop. It's a true scanner, that does Ford Enhanced data as well. It's been an invaluable tool, and quite worth the $130.
 






might be bump time, since the companion thread is back up
 






Thanks for bumping, Glacier. I just learned a lot.
 






I moved this here to this new forum area since it seems like a perfect post for this place. Also, at www.myscantool.net they have an ELM based system that will also interface with CAN and has a graphing oscilloscope function for $150 (you supply the computer). Check it out.
 












I've never seen this post before -- thanks. stickied

-Drew
 






Acron Super Autoscanner

For those of you fellow forum members who have the 1995 version of the X (OBD I/OBDII hybrid), I purchased the ACTRON CP9150 AUTOSCANNER and I love it! Sure, I don't get all of the bells and whistles that the guys with the OBD II models do, but at least I feel that I have some real information available to me. And the added bonus is that it works pefectly with my wife's 2005 VOLVO XC90 and my son's 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse! Found it on eBay for $100 (New, IN Box) plus shipping.

The CP9150 is a kit containing the CP9145 scanner and connectors for Ford EEC IV, SCI (Chrysler), ALDL (GM), and OBD II 3.0. I believe I made a value find. :chug:
 






DIY EEC-IV To RS232 Interface & Scanner Software

Thank you for a great posting and I would like to ask for your help on a matter closely related to your work.

I’m a new user to the forum and could not find any information on a DIY RS23 Interface to my 1993 Explorer's OBD-I EEC-IV test port. I understand it is a simple circuit made with a hand full of Radio Shack Parts. I have one If you know of a simple circuit please let me know.

I’m contacting TunerPro -\http://tunerpro.markmansur.com/ about Definition files for pre 1996 Ford models, and how to be created one for my model 1993 Explorer 6C 4x4 Eddie.

This would let our users have a great ODB-I Pro Grade PC based scanner tool for under $20.00 for the shareware version and around $50.00 for the real time version of the Tuner Pro


Thank You.
Frank Nina
 






Actron 9145 Scanner

The CP9150 is a kit containing the CP9145 scanner and connectors for Ford EEC IV, SCI (Chrysler), ALDL (GM), and OBD II 3.0. I believe I made a value find. :chug:


Lloyd,

Have you had a chance to use your Actron CP9150 yet, and if so, are you reasonably happy with it? I'm considering purchasing one and would be interested in hearing from anyone else that may have used one of these scanners. I have '94 and '01 Explorers and have a current need on the '94.

Thanks,
 






Lloyd,

Have you had a chance to use your Actron CP9150 yet, and if so, are you reasonably happy with it? I'm considering purchasing one and would be interested in hearing from anyone else that may have used one of these scanners. I have '94 and '01 Explorers and have a current need on the '94.

Thanks,
I am VERY happy that I made the purchase. My wife has a 2006 Volvo XC90. My son has an 2002 F350 Lariat. And my neighbor has a Saturn Vue. The kit works flawlessly in each case and I expect to get MANY years of use from it.
 






A Valuable Resource

I'm posting here because here is where I found a major lead in my EEC-IV path to education.
I know it has been quiet in here for a while, but it's time it was re-awakened.
I have been looking for information about what my eec-iv was seeing and then what it was actually controlling, and how.
I know this is an old thread relatively speaking, but I only located it last week, and as a result, I found a Scantool with three cartridges, one for my 1994 Ford Explorer 4X4 Limited which works perfectly, a GM cart. and a Chrysler Cart. All this and in new condition in all the original boxes for just $49 + 12 for shipping.
I have followed the on-screen prompt and was able to read all the sensors just as shown above by Glacier991's post. I have listed them all and will probably build an Open Office spreadsheet to list, define, and clarify them all.
There are a lot of features that I do not understand yet, but I'll keep reading and learning.
About 3 or 4 years ago, this car would not run. I had let my mother take the car as a daily driver and she found a "highly recommended" local mechanic to work on it and $3000, all sensors, and 3 computers later, my X finally came back to life though it seemed to still be ailing.
Finally I said enough of this guy and took it elsewhere, and after about two hours, I got the car back running like new.
Well, I am here to say thank you to all of you who contribute so much to this forum and its members.
And a special thank you to Glacier991 for this particular post as well as all the other contributions you make. I have all these numbers, so now I will be studying more to understand the meaning of each number. The newest of the replacement eec's was obtained from NAPA as I did a search on the part number and in the Napa listing, it is stated that this new/re-manufactured/rebuilt EEC is 'flash re-programmable'. That may come some time in the future, but I will have fun doing the research and learning the process.
My Explorer has just over 176K miles with the original engine and transmission and I'm doing everything I can to keep it well maintained and safe. I read, and plan to re-read Glacier991's Transmission chronicles on the "Bulletproof A4LD Rebuild" because I know, one day, I'm going to feel something wrong, but for now, she's running great thanks to all of you.

Bill
Marathon, FL
 



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I'm posting here because here is where I found a major lead in my EEC-IV path to education.

I know this is an old thread relatively speaking, but I only located it last week, and as a result, I found a Scantool with three cartridges, one for my 1994 Ford Explorer 4X4 Limited which works perfectly, a GM cart. and a Chrysler Cart. All this and in new condition in all the original boxes for just $49 + 12 for shipping.

have followed the on-screen prompt and was able to read all the sensors just as shown above by Glacier991's post. I have listed them all and will probably build an Open Office spreadsheet to list, define, and clarify them all.
There are a lot of features that I do not understand yet, but I'll keep reading and learning.

Bill
Marathon, FL

Bill,
Which Brand/Model Scantool did you purchase for your 94 Explr?

I rebuilt my 94 tranny a couple years ago using the Glacier991 info plus the Frankentranny thread information. I actually ended up rebuilding mine to the Frankentranny. Working well to date. Thanks for posting.

Paul
 






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