Scanner recommendations

[flainn]

I've read the instructions for KOEO and KOER, but I work on my vehicles enough (and this Explorer needs troubleshooting done to determine why the overdrive isn't working / torque converter isn't locking up). I think it's time to think about getting a scanner.

Is it worthwhile to buy a scanner? And what ones do you folks recommend for a '91 Explorer?

 

[mgmgmg]

I have the same one.....had it for 12 years.... the unit has paid for itself big time!

Its 1981-1995 its mislabeled


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Equus-3145-...208?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43b673ad88

 

[flainn]

Yeah, the Equus Innova 3145 is the one I've been noticing too. It's definitely cheap.

How long is the cable that comes with it? I found a 6-foot extension cable but that doubles the price.

I think I'll be picking one of these up unless someone has a different recommendation.

 

[mgmgmg]

You really dont need the cable...... ill post a pic on what it looks like hooked up later today

 

[flainn]

Great. Thanks, man.

 

[NICE59FORDF100]

I'm sure you know of the way to pull codes using a jumper wire/paper clip but if youre dead set on a code reader just know that OBD-1 (91-94 explorers) dont offer much as far as computer assisted diagnosing. A babre bones scanner will just pull codes and a top of the line factory scanner (Such as Ford's NGS Tester) will give you PID's and some testing ability (KOEO, KOER, and wiggle testing). So it just depends what you are wanting to use it for

 

[Jason94sport]

Yep. A "scanner" for this application is not going to tell you why your tq converter is not locking up, or OD isn't working. Unless you have codes which would have a check engine lights, your not going to go anywhere.

Most likely your shift solenoids need rebuilding. Common & easy to fix.

I have the 3145 as well.

 

[arco777]

I have the 3145 too. Paid about $35 two years ago. I love it for convenience and the instructions are good for helping you run cylinder balance and other tests.

I do like that it has a list of codes with it too. They are not 100% correct but most are and it's handy when you're in the middle of nowhere with no internet to look codes up.

 

[flainn]

Yep. A "scanner" for this application is not going to tell you why your tq converter is not locking up, or OD isn't working. Unless you have codes which would have a check engine lights, your not going to go anywhere.

Most likely your shift solenoids need rebuilding. Common & easy to fix.

I have the 3145 as well.

Oh. I guess I didn't realize -- so if your CEL isn't on, you've got no codes? For some reason I thought it would only throw a CEL on particularly serious conditions.

 

[Maniak]

Oh. I guess I didn't realize -- so if your CEL isn't on, you've got no codes? For some reason I thought it would only throw a CEL on particularly serious conditions.

You have no "stored codes". You can have no stored codes but still get codes during the KOEO test.

An example of this would be the missing TCC and the 3/4 solenoids. They don't throw a CEL (when driving) but they do show a 566 and a 652 code during the KOEO (I think I remember those numbers right)..

~Mark

 

[flainn]

Yep. A "scanner" for this application is not going to tell you why your tq converter is not locking up, or OD isn't working. Unless you have codes which would have a check engine lights, your not going to go anywhere.

Most likely your shift solenoids need rebuilding. Common & easy to fix.

I have the 3145 as well.

I got a 3145 today, and in spite of the fact that I have had no CEL, the scanner told me I had codes 86 (adaptive fuel limit reached or 3-4 shift solenoid circuit failure) and 89 (AXOD lock-up solenoid (LUS) circuit failure or clutch converter override (CCO) circuit failure).

So I'd say this has gotten me somewhere. And indeed, it does appear my solenoids have a problem.

 

[Maniak]

The the wire harness that goes down to the transmission. That wire runs down the driver side of the vehicle and if the mount for it breaks it falls into the exhaust manifold. Once it does that the wires melt etc and you may lose the 3/4 and the Lockup. If your really unlucky it will blow the fuse for the ECM.

~Mark

 

[flainn]

The the wire harness that goes down to the transmission. That wire runs down the driver side of the vehicle and if the mount for it breaks it falls into the exhaust manifold. Once it does that the wires melt etc and you may lose the 3/4 and the Lockup. If your really unlucky it will blow the fuse for the ECM.

~Mark

Mark, I was able to get underneath and check the connections at the transmission -- they both seem connected and intact, and are nowhere near the exhaust manifold. But I was not able to tell where the other end of the loom goes. Can you give me an idea of where it comes out in the engine compartment?

 

[BrooklynBay]

It's part of the main wiring harness from the PCM which is on the driver's side under the hood.