Code Reader Won't Work

[Drg racr]

I've been working on my daughter's 2000 Explorer, getting everything ready for when she gets her license. One weird thing, though. I plugged in my OBDII code scanner to the port under the dash, and nothing. It wouldn't even turn it on. I plugged it into my '01 Ex, it works just fine. Should I be concerned? She has no dash lights on, and it seems to run good. I'm wondering if someone messed with the access port?

 

[koda2000]

Check your fuses. I think fuse 17 (same one as used for the cig lighter) might power the diagnostic port.

 

[bobflood]

+1 on koda's reply. Cig lighter fuse also powers OBD plug. Pin 16 (lower right looking into plug) carries +12V if you want to check with a meter. Good luck.

 

[J_C]

Might not be relevant but while I'm thinking about it, a lot of the generic OBDII readers that claim works with "all" OBDII, only work with CAN bus not the J1850 on this generation of Fords. Otherwise if there is an indication that no power is getting to it at all, I too would expect a blown fuse.