Hope I am asking this correctly, Is there a code reader that will hook up to my 1991 f-150 5.0 motor. Autozone says their reader won't????? If so I need to buy one if not too costly

 

https://smile.amazon.com/INNOVA-3145...ateway&sr=8-29

The port to plug in is under the hood by the firewall, on the driver's fender.

There is also a way to pull codes using a paper clip or jumper wire - look at the top of this forum section for the thread on how to do it.

 

Even better if you want to really read the computer, the Actron CP 9690 will actually show live data like an OBDII reader.

It's about 200 clams but I'm thinking I really want one.... But I'm a data nerd so while the paper clip is handy for now, I think I'm going to spring for this reader.

Actron Review

 

The Inova reader BLDtruth listed is what you want unless a person needs a reader for OBD2 also. The Actron reader will give live data for OBD2 vehicles but not for our older OBD1.

 

PCM = Powertrain Control Module.

The Innova unit looks pretty nice, but if you can count light flashes you can save $20. One of the other stores probably has a scanner that will read yours. OReilly seems more competent than Autozone in my region of the country.

 

Ive never been able to find a parts store that can check codes on an obd1, but I got a ford obd1 scanner from autozone for $30, and Its pretty okay.
Using the paperclip method will be much more reliable than one of those code readers, it just requires a little more work.

 

I've lost count of how many threads I've read on this & several other BBSs about random meaningless codes coming out of "good" scanners for these trucks. A paperclip (jumper wire) will never do that. Yes, it requires more than a 5-second attention span, but it's free & superior to any scantool. This caption explains how:


(phone app link)

There's also a link in that caption to an extensive list of abbreviations.

 

The actron does do OBD1.

The South Main Auto guy has a video on Youtube where he shows it showing live data.

I've been trying to find it to link it.

It even comes with the proper connector adapter.

Here's the link to the PDF manual

Anyone who's OBD1 and a data geek like me needs to know about this.

TG

 

I bought a Innova unit, i have not tried it yet, but will soon and tell ya'll if i could do it

 

I just scored the Actron in an Ebay Auction so I'll report back once I get it.