I live 25 miles from an autozone and the car parts places around me don't have a scanner for customer usage so I am going to buy a cheat scanner.

http://www.auteltech.com/ms300.htm

Ordered this for $20 and it had good reviews for Ford on amazon. Anyone ever use this one?

 

That will read and/or reset your ODB-II codes. It'll give you some details from its internal database, but you'll still jump on the internet for more details. Everyone does this!

It is, IMHO, too basic. Get one (between $75-125) that will read "live data", and may even graph it for you. I bought mine from HarborFreight. Wait for a sale. Mine's not the best, but it will display "real time" live engine data as you drive the vehicle.

For the first few years I used mine as a code reader/resetter. I was annoyed that I paid $90 for something, when I could have paid $30 (like you are thinking). But two recent incidents have paid off big for me, by being able to read data as I'm driving:

I just posted about a Low Coolant Temp code (P0128) where I was able to view the actual engine coolant temp while driving (170-174 degF). I got lots of advice to change the thermostat, but this data confirmed for me that the operating temp was too low. When I installed the new OEM t-stat, and drove the truck around, the live ODB-II data showed engine coolant temp running 190-194 degF (highway and in town). Did I need to know that? No, but seeing the numbers made me sure that the problem is resolved.

My other issue was a rough engine on my Sable. I was able to run the scanner in graphing mode while driving and noticed several "fuel rail pressure" dropoffs.

Some people think that's too much info (me too originally), but now I like it.

I just looked and HarborFeight has my unit on sale for $85 (model 98614), but you have to use a coupon code (43603457). Look on their web site to see how to use the coupon code.

Best of luck.

 

i have a MAC scanner...can read/clear DTC, freeze frame data, graph almost every function of the motor

 

I purchased my own personal IDS w/VCM aka Ford Factory Scan tool! Laptop based set up! I can literally do anything you can think of to a ford vehicle! such as reprogram PCM, ECU, and even things like program keys and change axle ratios! Thing is most people don't want to spend $4500 on a scan tool and another $1200 on a good laptop! I do it for a living and custom program set ups!

 

You had me until I saw the $4500 for the software. I am intrigued, but only a hobbyist. Already got a laptop.

I got a cheapo scan tool but it does not work on some cars.

 

Ya I am a hobbyist as well just do a ton of work on the side and write tunes and sell them with it and my SCT RACER pack! The IDS paid for itself in 4 months if that tells you anything!

 

When i say hobbyist, I don't do work for anyone period...very very rarely.

 

ya I got ya but all my stuff I do on the side is at home in the garage! I'm a Ford Tech by day and work on about anything on the side! Have built quite a few cool vehicles! Example look up Bryce's Dyno on YouTube! One of my highschool senior projects! Yes my name is Bryce just saying lol!

 

Supra?

 

Ya the supra is what I built in high school! Was my buddy's car and his dad had deep pockets! Just gave me the credit card and we went to work! It was a pretty sick car! I towed my 24' car hauler with the supra in it as well as a friends Lamborghini Galardo built by underground racing had a twin turbo set up in it