Code Readers

[Ford-O-holic]

Hey guys and gals, anyone have any suggestions on an easy to use code reader for the ole Explorer?

 

[Brian1]

Yea, the one Wal-mart sells for $26 works good for me. The only thing is is that it blinks and beeps and then you have to look up the code. Other than that I like it and it works good.

 

[Ford-O-holic]

Thanks for the input.

 

[Brian1]

I don't remember the brand name. It works for alot of Fords up to 95's I think because that is when they went to a different computer system. It works great. It came up with the same code/problem that the Ford techs came up with on my friend's 88 Ranger.

 

[tdavis]

If you have a 91 thru 94, you can do it with a paper clip.

You just have to jump a connector, and watch the check engine light.

See: http://www.dalidesign.com/hbook/eectest.html for information on how to do it.

 

[rock883]

It shouldn't even be for 93's, they didn't have the plug in to check the codes with a scanner until 95. About suggestions, try the link Tom included.

 

[Brian1]

Okay, you guys made me go to the garage and get mine. The name is Ford Code Reader made by Innova Electronics Corporation. It is available at Wal-Mart for $26 (That is how much I paid). It is good for Explorers years 1991 through 1995. It comes with a book and the code reader which is a black box about 6"x3"x1"thick. The plug for the reader is on the pass. side right behind the electrical/fuse box under the hood. It will be connected to the rear of this box or it may be loosly floating right behind it. There will be 2 plugs, 1 is a small 1 pin connector and the other is a wierd shape with 3 pins. Both are the female connection. Lastly, you can also use an electrical test light. Directions are on the Ranger Station somewhere.

 

[Stephen S]

I got one at Pep Boys, and the box says "Code Scanner." I don't remember how much I paid for it but it wasn't really expensive. It's made for Fords, and on the back of the box it lists all the engines and model years that it will work for. I've used it on my '95 Explorer, my '87 Ranger, and my dad's 91 F-150 with much success in diagnosing problems. If you don't have a Pep Boys anywhere, then Napa, AutoZone, or any other auto parts store may carry it.

 

[rock883]

I always thought that you could only use those code scanners on the 95+ models, since every car made since 96 (I think) has the OBD II system which has a plug that allows you to check codes. I do, however, have a plug with a few wires hanging out of it in my engine compartment. You know that black air conditioning box inside the engine compartment? Well, mine is just hangin right to the right of that box. IS that it?

 

[GJarrett]

Rock, you're mixing up two different readers. The later models have OBDII systems; yours does not. An OBDII scanner doesn't cost $26; it costs more like $150.

 

[Robert]

Originally posted by rock883
I always thought that you could only use those code scanners on the 95+ models, since every car made since 96 (I think) has the OBD II system which has a plug that allows you to check codes. I do, however, have a plug with a few wires hanging out of it in my engine compartment. You know that black air conditioning box inside the engine compartment? Well, mine is just hangin right to the right of that box. IS that it?

You can by code (reader/scanner/extracter/ect.) for any Ford that has at least EEC-IV. My $30 Sunpro Codereader worked on my '86 Ranger and '94 Ranger. It plugs into a connectr that usually has EEC-IV on the cover. The connector port is somewhere under the hood. The inexpensive readers will flash an LED that you have to count. there is a slight pause beteen the code numbers, then it will repeat. You then look the code up in a booklet where it has a sentence or two describing the code. Beginning in '94, Ford started switching over to OBD-II. By '96 all Fords had OBD-II. The actual year depended on the model in particular. The Explorer was switched over in '96. The T-bird was sitched over in '94. An OBD-II scanner is much more expensive than one exclusively for EEC-IV. Some OBD-II scanners are cabable of reading EEC-IV as well though. My AutoXray will work on all OBD-II vehicles as well as all Chrysler, GM, & Ford vehicles built back to '80/'81. Mine has the code descriptions built right in so I don't have to look them up in a book. It also has the capability of performing various tests and monitoring almost all sensors on the vehicle.