Good morning everyone. First off, thanks to everyone for ALL the help. My fam is totally appreciative for all the help as well. I cannot keep going to the dealer anymore, and losing my truck for a week when we only have two cars. That brings me to the question I need to ask. What scan tool to buy for myself? With xmas here, I have an excuse to tell the Mrs...... lol. But seriously, I would like to buy something to help me work on my truck. Obviously I cannot do complicated jobs. But for example, this reoccurring check fuel inlet message. Something that does more than just read codes. It is for the 2016 150 3.5 eco. I am willing to spend $200 or less. Thanks everyone. Before I forget, I probably need something that is handheld. Why you might ask. It is due to the fact that my laptop is from 2012. And it is a MacBook pro. So those scanners that need a laptop most likely won't mate to my laptop.

Afterthought: how is that Blue Driver? I seem to be seeing that a lot. But, with no cell service, does it still work?

Looking to purchase today since it's "cyber Monday".

Chris

 

Check out Forscan. Great tool to have in your arsenal.

 

Need a Windows laptop right? I have a 2012 macbook. Not looking to buy a laptop right now.

 

I would check out the sales on Topdon products. Highly rated and they have a device for every level. For under $200 its hard to get anything that is more than a code reader though. Highly recommended is the Topdon Topscan https://www.topdon.us/products/topsc...50754466840854
It plugs into the DLC and works with your smart phone. Highly capapble. Its super cheap today.

Review by Scanner Danner:

 

Definitely Forscan. As much as scan tools cost these days, I have an XTool that I paid $1K for, Forscan and a laptop is a deal. The scan tool is good, but I always go back to Forscan since its just easier to use and there's more support for it (F150 forum). I use the scan tool typically for other vehicles, but do use it on the Ford's sometimes when I let the Forscan free license lapse.

 

You can buy a used windows laptop off facebook pretty cheap, and a Dongle to connect off Amazon. It will come in under $200, and Forscan is the way to go.

 

Topdon Master
Xtool Anyscan A30m

Both are bidirectional, something to look for. Both work with iOS or android, both work without cell service, BUT, the xtool comes with free lifetime updates whereas the Topdon is one year free updates and kind of pay as you go thereafter.

I have owned the A30m for several years now and i use it with an android tablet and iPhone. It's a handy tool as long as you don't expect the same performance as the big ones.

 

If you can still get one off the website or some other offering.
Hand held, technician level, finds all the Modules the vehicle has, test each one, all the engine Pids in live data, record any Pid selected in a drive cycle, records in tool memory for playback and much more, works in codes B. C. U. & P. and can do GRAPHING, a very important function to find a fault not readily seen with just numbers if you are knowledgeable about the function being looked at.
It is the Zurich 13S model now discontinued. There is one higher level model that has two way but more $ and discounted. H.F. just went with a different line of tools as seen in there TV adds...
May be available off Harbor Freight website for $100 last I saw.
Made by INNOVA a well-known maker and support of it. If you look at both them on the internet, they look the same except for surface Label colors.
Much less info to deal on screen than Forscan, >>>>for your requested use and cost.
It is about as much as you can do without Dealer assistance. No programming or changes.
Download the user manual to see what it can do for you.
Good luck.

 

Pretty clear winner here. Forscan. I talked to my wife and we will be working on finding a laptop. If and only if I was able to get something new off Amazon for a laptop or tablet, what kind should I look at? Thanks. Cheap as possible would be great.

 

Any modern laptop/hybrid running Windows will work.

You can load Windows 11 on Mac for free. I have it on my Mac laptop, even though I have been using a Microsoft Surface Pro 7 for FORScan.