Diagnostic tester?

Topic: Diagnostic tester? (Read 3059 times) previous topic - next topic

Diagnostic tester?

November 11, 2004, 11:23:03 PM

How good do those Diagnostic testers work? I was thinking of purchasing one if they work well, because it would come along handy in the future. Where could I buy one at for a reasonable price?
Thanks.

Re: Diagnostic tester?

Reply #1 – November 12, 2004, 12:48:48 PM

I got one at Wal Mart for $25. It has an LED light that blinks and it also has an audible tone. You count the flashes/beeps to get the error codes. Then you look up what the code means in the book that comes with the tester. They work well. I used it to help track down a problem with my car not starting when the engine was warmed up. The code scanner told me that the PIP sensor was bad. I replaced it and the problem was fixed. There are also more expensive scanners available that have an LCD readout and such, but those are not really necessary.

Re: Diagnostic tester?

Reply #2 – November 13, 2004, 01:30:19 AM

yea, im not looking to spend an outrages amount on one, i just want one that will pull out some codes, and i'll looking it up on the book, and fix it. Thanks for the reply.

Re: Diagnostic tester?

Reply #3 – November 13, 2004, 03:51:54 AM

Hummmmm if 25$ is to much, sell your car....

At CanadianTire.ca, you can buy :

Ford EEC-IV/MCU Decoder

39.99$CAN

Re: Diagnostic tester?

Reply #4 – November 13, 2004, 07:35:59 AM

Or just use a 2-inch piece of wire and the "Check engine" light.
(bottom of http://www3.telus.net/neat/eec4.html )
I keep a piece in my glve box.
Cost: about $0.01

Re: Diagnostic tester?

Reply #5 – November 13, 2004, 07:40:44 AM

Or just use a 2-inch piece of wire and the "Check engine" light.

http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?t=384

I keep a piece in my glove box.
Cost: about $0.01

Re: Diagnostic tester?

Reply #6 – November 13, 2004, 11:46:59 AM

The wire method (I put a couple blade connectors on mine, just for kicks) works pretty well.. only took me two tries to get it right, I think. If I can do it while I'm in this screwy sleep-change thing, I'd think most people could do it.

Re: Diagnostic tester?

Reply #7 – November 13, 2004, 11:49:29 AM

Dude i never said $25 was too much? .I was just stating that I don't wanna spend an outrages amount like 400 bucks on one.

Re: Diagnostic tester?

Reply #8 – November 13, 2004, 12:18:29 PM

I was kidding....

It was just funny cuz you just replied that you dont want spend lot of money after he said you can get one for 25 bucks....

Re: Diagnostic tester?

Reply #9 – November 13, 2004, 11:51:21 PM

I use a $5 buttstuffog voltmeter from HF & a couple of home-made jumper wires to get codes from my '88.

Re: Diagnostic tester?

Reply #10 – November 22, 2004, 06:41:02 AM

I got one of those cheap scanners with the tone and light. I tried it but I think I hooked it up in the wrong place. Can anyone show me exactly where?

Re: Diagnostic tester?

Reply #11 – November 23, 2004, 02:12:26 AM

It should be under the hood on the right side fender.....jusst look for a mess of wires. There are two parts to the wire harness. I think there is only one connector on the small on and 2 or 3 on the other. Shouldnt be too hard to find, They follow the shape of the plug in for the tester.

Re: Diagnostic tester?

Reply #12 – November 23, 2004, 04:47:40 AM

http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?t=381

Check out that thread, there's a picture for ya.

Re: Diagnostic tester?

Reply #13 – November 25, 2004, 01:10:06 AM

Mine's on the left side near the rear of the engine compartment, hanging out from a bundle of wires. ('88 T-bird)

Re: Diagnostic tester?

Reply #14 – November 25, 2004, 05:55:36 AM

Quote

hanging out from a bundle of wires