OBD II Code Retrieval

[DHMag]

my moms 96 XLT Sport has a chronic prob with the CEL coming on. my dad would like to know if there is any other way to retrieve the codes other than buying the software or taking it to a dealership. we both drive 94 Rangers with the EEC so our code scanner does not work. as for the extent of the problem of the CEL coming on, all i know is it usually comes on right after the vehicle starts moving. if you need more info, feel free to ask.

Thanks In Advance,
DHMag

 

[Scott109]

Nope, you need a scan tool.

Scott

 

[jimmiecakes]

I understand that some of the more agressive partsmongers in the states will scan your codes for free if they stand to sell you a bunch of stuff (a lot of which you may not need... but what they hey).

The Chiltons has some "decent" code descriptions though they lack fault trees for testing purposes. Get the codes scanned and let us know what they are. I think that Mike Boyle or I can give you a hand in diagnosing the problem.

 

[DHMag]

we cant not get the codes from the vehicle, that is what we are wanting to do. we can not justify buying the software and such for a one time use and only having one vehicle that can use the software. i am asking if there is any other way we can retrieve the codes WITHOUT buying the scanner or taking it to a dealership. like, for example, on our 94 Rangers, we can use a multimeter and a jumper, could we use something like this on the OBD II system ?
thanks for your reply Scott, but this is now what im looking for. anyone help with this ?

Thanks In Advance,
DHMag

 

[DHMag]

My Bad Scott

i did not see jimmycakes reply. thanks guys

 

[Robert]

If you don't buy the scanner most AutoZones will read your codes for free. Even if you only have one vehicle now that can use the OBD-II scanner, the chances are good that you will get another vehicle in the futer that will be able to use it too. Currently, any vehicle sold in the United States after 1996 uses OBD-II and until that changes, every vehicle built from now on will use it. OBD-III is under development but its use hasn't been mandated yet so for now all vehicles built are OBD-II. You can get a hand-held scanner starting at about $139 at Summit Racing.

 

[jimmiecakes]

If you don't buy the scanner most AutoZones will read your codes for free.

In itself, a good reason for NOT buying a scanner..... unless of course you're like those of us that read a tool catalogue like others read Hustler.....

Every scanner I have ever bought (talking in the "professional scanner" league), has always been the last scanner I will ever need -that's tool-mongerspeak for the next ones gonna cost a LOT more.

If you are lucky, you might stumble across someone upgrading their shop and find a deal on a SnapOn MT2500. The Sappy is pretty much at the end of it's road as far as upgrades are concerned and many garages are investing in flash capable scanners. If your horoscope is just right , you may find a MT2500 with a current troubleshooter cart AND a tranny cart for under $1000. I know it's a lot of money for some, but what a hoot when your buddies wanna play "long c*ck".

 

[Robert]

Sometimes it is more convenient to read the codes in your garage than it is to drive to an Autozone though. Especially if your vehicle won't run well enough to get you there. They also won't do any troubleshooting at Autozone. If you need diagnostics features in excess of just reading the codes, you are out of luck at Autozone.