pulling codes

[Laurie]

Hope I'm posting in the right place for this question:

with my Caddy, I press the OFF and HEAT buttons at the same time and the car displays any present codes or code histories. The fan HI or LOW buttons are the 'yes' and 'no' to clear the codes, etc. How do you call the codes with an 06 Explorer (Eddie Bauer)? Is there a database somewhere of all the codes for this year and make of vehicle? Thanks for your time!
Laurie!

 

[BrooklynBay]

You have to use a scanner to retrieve the OBD-II codes.

 

[fixxxer]

Here's a good list of the Ford OBD-2 DTC's http://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/ford/
And BTW, welcome to the forum!

 

[Laurie]

You have to use a scanner to retrieve the OBD-II codes.

You're kidding me right? There's no way to retrieve codes from the car without a scanner? That BITES. At least with Caddy's you can get an idea of what ails them when you interview the car for purchase, assuming the dealer hasn't cleared the codes first.

There's no way to get codes without a scanner? Jeez...

 

[Laurie]

Here's a good list of the Ford OBD-2 DTC's http://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/ford/
And BTW, welcome to the forum!

Thanks honey, I'm here to learn. And I don't like what I just learned about accessing codes!
Larry is my Dad's name, you must be a great guy.

 

[BrooklynBay]

It was easy to retrieve the codes on the older EEC-IV system, but not on the 96-up OBD-II system. The older system only requires a small piece of wire or a bent paper clip to jump the connection on the diagnostic connector to put it into a diagnostic mode. Some auto parts stores like Autozone could read codes for you for free. Keep in mind that not every scanner is capable of reading every code.

 

[fixxxer]

Thank you Laurie, it was also my father's name too!
I don't know about getting one in a store close to where you live but the online prices for an OBD2 stand-alone/hand-held scanner/reader start at about $35 and go on up from there.
Many of these will only read the standardized Digital Trouble Codes (DTCs) but not the manufacturer-specific codes. For those, often you need a high-dollar scanner or one that uses a laptop pc to analyze and read the codes and "live" data and information from your vehicle. These use special cables and an interface that plugs into the vehicles DTC data terminal on one end and the other connects to the USB or serial port of a notebook or tablet PC.
Those start at about $100 and go up from there, but they include different cables for different vehicles and a CD with the software to use on the notebook PC, usually Windows-based software.

 

[Laurie]

I'm a car person, guess I have to buy a 'scanner' now. Jeez.. The codes I can get from the Caddy are ECM, PCM, TSS, current or history, etc. For instance AC1347 means I have to add another can of 134 with stop leak.<g> PC0314 was O2 sensor #2 I think... I simply love the idea of tying something in that would be permanent, something I could access instantly if I got the dreaded check engine icon. And I'd like something 'now' that I could use to interview cars with. If you could be extremely specific with the make/model number of the scanner/cables/whatever I should buy for these uses, I'd really appreciate it. Can I clear the codes with the scanner as well?

 

[fixxxer]

For a handheld that will do what you are asking, I just found a device that sounds pretty good. It's an Actron which is a very decent brand. OBD-II C.A.N. AUTOSCANNER TRILINGUAL CODE READER
For $99.99 you get: (The advertising, not my description or endorsement)
The next generation of Actron® Scan Tools—designed by and built with market intelligence derived from you, the consumers!
Has more functions and benefits than other code readers currently available in the aftermarket. Users can choose to view screen data in English, Spanish or French
OBD II AutoScanner easily retrieves diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and code definitions from your vehicle's computer, leading you to the problem area.
Use on all 1996 and newer OBD II compliant vehicles: North American, Asian and European. Tool is compatible with the new C.A.N. (Controller Network Protocol) system.
Features:
-Displays freeze frame data ("snapshot" of the operating conditions at the time of the fault)
-Review data off-vehicle
-Battery Powered
-Reads and erases Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and turns off check engine light
-Retrieves all Generic OBD II trouble codes (P0), their definitions and pending codes
-Enables user to quickly and easily link to their vehicle
-Large easy-to-read LCD screen provides the Diagnostic Trouble Codes and their descriptions
-Tool is updateable, accommodating future vehicles with the USB Cable (sold separately, item # ZX295163)
Extremely user-friendly menu provides:
-Monitor Status and I/M Readiness to determine if vehicle is ready for an emissions test. I/M Readiness is an excellent function to use prior to having a vehicle inspected for compliance to a state emissions program. All emission testing facilities will fail a vehicle which has the "check engine light" lit at the time of the test.
-Alerts user to any pending Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), and reads Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) status
-Menu-driven interface combined with "hot keys" for Read and Erase functions for quick and easy use
Includes CD software that contains an additional 3,000+ Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and their descriptions. Attached OBD II 16-pin connector cable provides both data and power connections. Comes with 1-year manufacturer's warranty. 8 ft. cable has rugged housing and is oil and grease resistant. Assembled in the USA.
Internet updateable to accommodate future vehicles using the USB Cable (sold separately, order item # ZX295163).
If it covered the 1st Gen Explorer, I would get one myself! I may do that anyway for my wife's car and any future vehicles I get that it will read.

 

[BrooklynBay]

This scanner has features similar to scanners which cost several times as much: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...t_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance

 

[Laurie]

Jeez you guys are coming in handy <rbg>, I'll check them both out. It would be cool to be able to just plug in a laptop to the car. I'm really stunned the ability to check codes without a scanner doesn't exist with these cars. Oh, and I finally posted a long winded opus in the 'new members' section <g>. Thanks guys!

 

[jrford]

I have an old laptop and i bought some software for it with enhanced ODBII Ford Codes. I can read ABS, Airbags, etc. got it off Fleabay, called Bowser Electronics. Excellent software by the way. Paid about $200 for it and it already saved me with the ABS failure.