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[D_A]

In the past, I've gone to an auto parts store such as AutoZone and they've hooked it up and given me a print out of the diagnostic for free.

[kenstogie]

Originally Posted by D_A

In the past, I've gone to an auto parts store such as AutoZone and they've hooked it up and given me a print out of the diagnostic for free.

Yup they did that for me already but am looking to go a little further, but a great point none the less.

[aich75013]

I have a code reader.

It doesn't hook up to a PC, it is a stand alone unit. They sell several like it on Ebay for about $60.
The codes on it can be kinda vague.

I've only really needed it once, though.
Turned out to be a Power Steering sensor which took $12 and 30 minutes to replace.
Took longer for me to figure out what the code meant. Luckily some people posted the code and how they fixed it, and a google search found those posts.

[RGD.]

I'm not sure that you can have both - so pick either the best or the most economical.

Auto Enginuity is what I have. It's not cheap - but it is amongst the best out there - if not the best. Very easy to use and will supply way more information than you could ever want. I have the laptop version, full Ford module.

I first got the program after being involved in the Diesel forum communities. Not only will it tell me every thing about my truck down to exactly how much fuel is in my tank - but will run tests on my glow plugs, injectors, etc etc. Has a whole set of key on/key off tests.

As far as I am concerned it's been worth every penny. And oh yeah - since my whole family drives Fords - I'm pretty well set.


Ron

[kenstogie]

Originally Posted by RGD.

Auto Enginuity is what I have. It's not cheap - but it is amongst the best out there - if not the best.
Ron

Ron,
That's an amazing piece of software. How easy does it make diagnosis'? Does it come with the cable/hardware? Is it specific to each car? IE if I bought it for my Nissan and then got a Ford (or whatever) would I have to "re-buy it?"

[RGD.]

Originally Posted by kenstogie

Ron,
That's an amazing piece of software. How easy does it make diagnosis'? Does it come with the cable/hardware? Is it specific to each car? IE if I bought it for my Nissan and then got a Ford (or whatever) would I have to "re-buy it?"

It is extremely easy to use. When it first starts it will give you any codes and the option to reset them. On my truck it returns 469 readings off the sensors and computers.

You select your mode - ie - laptop, pda, etc and they send the correct cable. You can download the software and get the basic stuff - and then you purchase "modules" for each specific make of vehicle.

The amount of data is mind boggling. And it will record data also. As an example - I once wanted to see if my air filter (which is suppose to last around 80K) was still effiecient at 60K. I turned on the program and set it to record my speed, air temp, air flow, throttle position, injector rates, exhaust gas temp, etc etc and then drove to a job site. There I changed the air filter and drove the same exact route back home. I was then able to compare the data from both trips. Result was less than 2% change between the new and used air filter. And those filters run about $85 each.

Anyway - it's be very useful. Saved me on the road once. Truck started blowing tons of white smoke and only had impulse power. Pulled over - slapped in the connector and fired up the program. First thing it said was that the EGR valve had a problem. Unplugged the harness to it and drove away as if nothing was wrong. Had I of not had the program it would have been tow truck city. Stopped by the dealer a week later and they replaced the EGR under warranty.

So yeah - I love the program - though it may not be for everyone.


Ron

Originally Posted by RGD.

I'm not sure that you can have both - so pick either the best or the most economical.

Auto Enginuity is what I have. It's not cheap - but it is amongst the best out there - if not the best. Very easy to use and will supply way more information than you could ever want. I have the laptop version, full Ford module.

I first got the program after being involved in the Diesel forum communities. Not only will it tell me every thing about my truck down to exactly how much fuel is in my tank - but will run tests on my glow plugs, injectors, etc etc. Has a whole set of key on/key off tests.

As far as I am concerned it's been worth every penny. And oh yeah - since my whole family drives Fords - I'm pretty well set.


Ron

I have this one, also with the Ford package. It gets very expensive if you want complete control of many makes of vehicles. The basic version is relatively inexpensive and will read all the standard systems on almost anything.

There are a great many basic scan tools and software packages. There are a lot of professional tools too. It depends on how far you want to take it. I like the AE a lot.