What code scanner would you recommend for a post 96 F150 for under $100.

 

Check Craigslist in your area - You can get a good Actron Code Scanner Plus for under $100. New, about $160, so check often for a deal.

 

You can sometimes pick up a locked Sct x3 for $75 to $100 and that still works as a code reader / clearer even as locked.

 

You can get one off harbor freight or ebay for $30-$40

 

I believe that your 96 (4.9, 5.0, 5.8 and 7.5) should be the last of the OBD I genre, so you can get by with just about any cheap scanner for that system. The OBD II's systems (4.2, 4.6 and 5.4) are found in the Generation 10 trucks (97-03 body styles).

If it were me, I'd either find just a cheapy or if you really want a better scanner, get one that reads both OBD I and II, otherwise you are just throwing your money away.

I use the Innova 3160 series myself but I don't have any older vehicles anymore, so I don't have much call for OBD I. I have an older Auto Xray scanner (had since 02) that I use for the OBD I readings, but it costs too much to upgrade the system all the time so I use the 3160.

All vehicles made after 97 (98 model year) should have OBD II if they were sold in America.

 

^ 95 1/2, 96+ are all OBD II. Unless you're a GM that used the goofy OBD 1.5 during this time. I've got a 96 5.8L that's OBD II. Any of the cheap brands will work for the OP, all the basic ones do only one thing and that's read codes. If you want other features shop around.

 

You know Otto that is what I thought originally, but when I went into the parts books last night, I showed the 96 with still OBDI operation. I remember having 96's coming into the shop with both operating systems. Now I'm wondering, since the manual I have in front of me says Ford of Canada 1996, and it shows OBD I still current with OBD II as the operation of the future (1997). I remember the problem we had with the switch now. It was hell to order parts for 96 and 97 and 98's due to the different body platforms, and engine combinations. (250LD, 250HD, and 250SD really gave us partspeople fits at first. We had more returns, because of body identification, then in all my other years of selling parts. GM had the same problem in 87-88 pickups.
Personally I hate mid year changes.