Diagnostics reader? (Ford, but non-Mustang)

531 Views 3 Replies 3 Participants Last post by i967mustang, Apr 5, 2001

66CoupeNW

Discussion Starter · Apr 4, 2001

Sorry to post a truck question on this board, but the Fordtrucks forum is pretty lethargic, and I trust you guys. I recently picked up an 89 F-250. I've never dealt with engine computer diagnostics before, and I'd like to be more self sufficient with this truck. Should I buy a fancy diagnostics reader (~$200 from JC Whitney) or a simple flashing light one (~$40)? I've heard that I can read diagnostics with a multimeter, true? Do I need to worry about trying to read that diagnostic port at all? Will that info really buy me anything? Nothings wrong with the truck yet, I just want to be prepared when it does. Any advice regarding electronic diagnostics would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

DanM
66 Coupe, check her out at http://www.66CoupeNW.stangnet.com

"Imagination is more important than knowledge. It is a miracle that curiosity survives formal education" - Albert Einstein

Save

1 - 4 of 4 Posts

grabberblue

· #2 · Apr 4, 2001

Get the cheap one, make sure it has the code book with it. When I bought my "scanner" the book in the box was used a few times.....
The scanner is really just a jumper to get the codes flashing on the dash, the code book has all the info.

John
Can you smellllllllalalalala........?
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1589508&a=12100931&p=43885808.jpg
66 coupe 289 2v C4 needs restore
70 coupe 351W 2v c4 almost done (?)

Save

· #3 · Apr 4, 2001

Some shop manuals have code charts and instructions for how to test with a voltmeter or test light. Or you can visit this site:
http://dalidesign.com/hbook/eectest.html

Save

i967mustang

· #4 · Apr 5, 2001

Hi, go to ford-trucks.com they have forum boards over there and have a procedure for retrieving codes without the meter it is pretty cool it is like here but for ford trucks. John

Opal frost pearl metallic 67 coupe http://www.jps.net/binay/webdocs/febef75b01.JPG
also have a 95 opal frost pearl G/T BOSS edition convertible belongs to swmbo

Save

1 - 4 of 4 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month