not that I expect to see any problems for a while but another thread here had me wondering...if there a way to read codes on these trucks without any kind of diagnostic tool?

The last 5 vehicles I've had to read codes on (all made between 97 and 06) had a way to do this, the las one was a series of pedal pushes with a certain timing, the first one was just turning a dial on the box under the seat and counting the flashes of the CEL.

I've never had the need to have someone else tell me what code was being thrown (or what it meant because I always managed to find a list).

 

Another reason for a SCT, multiple benefits

 

I don't know what the hell you are talking about, but try this for at least some measure of wasting time:

https://www.f150forum.com/f38/instru...st-mode-38916/

 

There is no way to read DTC's from the various modules w/o a diagnostic scan tool. A cheap one will read OBDII codes (these are the ones that will set your check engine light) from the emissions modules and a good one will read a whole bunch more stuff from lots of other modules.

 

You can read the codes with an Android based phone (like a Droid, HTC Incredible, etc..) via a Bluetooth Dongle you can get on the interwebs...

https://www.f150forum.com/f38/obdii-...android-84315/

Works pretty good from what I understand