computer scanner?

I

ignorant prodigy

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hey guys,

Is there a readily available computer scanner for these cars? Something I can check codes with and maybe other things.. like injector pulse widths and intake temps.. timing..?

I dont want to change any aspects.. just read them

how much do they go for?


Thanks!
 
Mac98SHO said:
If you have a laptop, try this link.

http://www.obd-2.com/

I have one and love it data logs. I use it on my SHO in the quarter mile to see a variety of things.
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The AutoEnginuity product will work on PC, Palm, or PocketPC. If you buy the PC version, there's an upgrade to add the PocketPC or Palm version. They also have a Bluetooth adapter for the cordless setup, though it's not recommended for data logging, IIRC.
 
Quik...is this system able to program the modules when replaced, program keys for PATS, remotes, etc? It looks like it does not when I read it. That would be a huge addition if they could do that. I would buy one in a heart beat.
 
Good Lord, I should hope that it wouldn't be able to program the PATS system (which is what you do when you add keys). Break the window and plug this sucker in, and that Lincoln is yours!
 
nope - no uploading to the any of the modules. It can read and clear DTCs - but that is really an 'allowed' function by the PCM.
 
Quik Question for Quik

Quik LS said:
nope - no uploading to the any of the modules. It can read and clear DTCs - but that is really an 'allowed' function by the PCM.
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These units will work on 96 and up, correct??
 
SoonerLS said:
Good Lord, I should hope that it wouldn't be able to program the PATS system (which is what you do when you add keys). Break the window and plug this sucker in, and that Lincoln is yours!
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Actually Sooner, I'm disappointed it won't. Anyone can buy a NGS tester with all the software needed to do just these items...it's just a spendy sucker! The tuner on my Cobra has one and he can and has done this. I had a GM TechII that believe it or not would allow you to reset the digital odometer for when you changed the dash cluster. That way you could keep the mileage the same.

FYI, the PATS programming has safeties built into it to help prevent exactly what you are talking about. There are wait periods you have to go through. So if you're stealing a car, you had better have some time on your hands.
 
Why not buy an Xcal2 so that you can have the best of all worlds. You can read and clear DTC's, datalog all PID's, datalog analog signals like wideband a/f meters, and also tune the PCM too.

I don/t have a good idea how much the other scanners cost, but they cannot be that much cheaper to warrant just getting them.
 
rocket5979 said:
Why not buy an Xcal2 so that you can have the best of all worlds. You can read and clear DTC's, datalog all PID's, datalog analog signals like wideband a/f meters, and also tune the PCM too.

I don/t have a good idea how much the other scanners cost, but they cannot be that much cheaper to warrant just getting them.
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The SCT or Diablo units are very handy for datalogging and pulling codes...but I don't believe they use manufacturer specific OBD II codes...and they are very limited as to what systems they can access. Take a look at the link Quik provided for the Ford specific codes this system can access and read. The hand helds can't touch that. For 90% of what you want to do, the hand helds will do fine. It's that other 10% that this system will handle that makes it very attractive.

You cannot do any tuner work with the NGS system. That's not at all what it's for. For that, the hand helds work good for minor adjustments. But the hand helds also have no capability for bi-directional communication with the cars other systems and modules...such as PATS, Climate Controlled Seats, etc. That's it's huge advantage to everything else. If you have access to dealer/factory databases, you can even do factory flashes and updates. I guess what I'm saying is you're comparing apples to oranges in this case. Also, expect to spend in excess of 3 grand for a good fully equipped NGS tester.
 
2001LS8Sport said:
The SCT or Diablo units are very handy for datalogging and pulling codes...but I don't believe they use manufacturer specific OBD II codes...and they are very limited as to what systems they can access. Take a look at the link Quik provided for the Ford specific codes this system can access and read. The hand helds can't touch that. For 90% of what you want to do, the hand helds will do fine. It's that other 10% that this system will handle that makes it very attractive.

You cannot do any tuner work with the NGS system. That's not at all what it's for. For that, the hand helds work good for minor adjustments. But the hand helds also have no capability for bi-directional communication with the cars other systems and modules...such as PATS, Climate Controlled Seats, etc. That's it's huge advantage to everything else. If you have access to dealer/factory databases, you can even do factory flashes and updates. I guess what I'm saying is you're comparing apples to oranges in this case. Also, expect to spend in excess of 3 grand for a good fully equipped NGS tester.
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Being that the Xcal2's are only available for Fords I would tend to think that they would read manufacturer specific codes along with the generic ones. In fact, I know it can because I remember pulling those codes a few weeks ago. What I am saying is for most intents and purposes the Xcal's and Raptors will work just fine. C'mon man, who would really be willing to spend $3,000+ on that NGS!?!? Lets talk real world here and not coulda shoulda woulda. Real world, the Xcal2 w/ LC-1 Lambda wideband meter and a good supporting tuner (or PRP) is all most people would need for 95% of their needs. Even that is overkill! They probably won't need to access the PATS and all that other crap often enough to even warrant paying $3k for a machine that will collect dust most of the year. The only apples and oranges here is the extreme difference in price between something that does the job and for a decent price and something that does the job and about 50 other things you will never need it for; and also costs 9 times as much.
 
rocket5979 said:
C'mon man, who would really be willing to spend $3,000+ on that NGS!?!? Lets talk real world here and not coulda shoulda woulda. Real world, the Xcal2 w/ LC-1 Lambda wideband meter and a good supporting tuner (or PRP) is all most people would need for 95% of their needs. Even that is overkill! They probably won't need to access the PATS and all that other crap often enough to even warrant paying $3k for a machine that will collect dust most of the year. The only apples and oranges here is the extreme difference in price between something that does the job and for a decent price and something that does the job and about 50 other things you will never need it for; and also costs 9 times as much.
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The link he's talking about (with all the internal codes) is not for a $3K NGS diagnostic machine; it's for the $249 AutoEnginuity ScanTool package. I know Quik uses both the XCal and the ScanTool package; if he thinks it's worth having both, there's probably a good reason...
 
SoonerLS said:
The link he's talking about (with all the internal codes) is not for a $3K NGS diagnostic machine; it's for the $249 AutoEnginuity ScanTool package.
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I didn't sound like it with the way it was worded.


SoonerLS said:
I know Quik uses both the XCal and the ScanTool package; if he thinks it's worth having both, there's probably a good reason...
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Opinions vary. Not trying to slight Quik's knowledge by any means, but there are many ways to tackle datalogging on a vehicle. Especially depending on what type of info your trying to gather or tune for.
 
rocket5979 said:
Being that the Xcal2's are only available for Fords I would tend to think that they would read manufacturer specific codes along with the generic ones. In fact, I know it can because I remember pulling those codes a few weeks ago. What I am saying is for most intents and purposes the Xcal's and Raptors will work just fine. C'mon man, who would really be willing to spend $3,000+ on that NGS!?!? Lets talk real world here and not coulda shoulda woulda. Real world, the Xcal2 w/ LC-1 Lambda wideband meter and a good supporting tuner (or PRP) is all most people would need for 95% of their needs. Even that is overkill! They probably won't need to access the PATS and all that other crap often enough to even warrant paying $3k for a machine that will collect dust most of the year. The only apples and oranges here is the extreme difference in price between something that does the job and for a decent price and something that does the job and about 50 other things you will never need it for; and also costs 9 times as much.
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As I mentioned, a NGS tester isn't for everyone. Very few in fact. You are correct when you bring up pricing. But I will definitely spend the money for one because I will use some of it's features the hand helds just won't do. I need access to ABS, suspensions, and other systems at times. The system Quik is using looks like it accesses all those, but it sounds like it's not bi-directional with everything so it's limited. For example, can it actuate the ABS, the air suspension, etc.? Can it activate self tests? Also, and I'm not trying to flame you or say you're wrong, but I really don't believe the handhelds will do Ford specific codes. Generic only. Please look at that list again...there is no way the hand helds can access that kind of database. If I'm wrong, I stand corrected.

I currently have an OTC monitor that I use. But it's getting outdated and the software packages for it are a compromise because of memory and storage issues for all they have to have now. That's why I'm sure the hand helds don't use Ford specific databases. If the OTC unit can't store all of it at many times the cost of an SCT, then how can the SCT unit do it? Can it pull any code? Possibly...if it's in the ECM. But I'm betting that's about it.

If I'm wrong here, you have taught me a very valuable lesson and I thank you for that. Maybe a call to SCT is in order....
 
Right - I do not believe the XCal2 can read the Ford extended list - I actually called their tech support line - their answer was 'ODBII standard is generic by nature' - when I explained that each manufacturer added their own extensions to the list - they told me that the only way to be sure was to test the XCal2 against other tools that could read the extended list.....
 
Quik LS said:
Right - I do not believe the XCal2 can read the Ford extended list - I actually called their tech support line - their answer was 'ODBII standard is generic by nature' - when I explained that each manufacturer added their own extensions to the list - they told me that the only way to be sure was to test the XCal2 against other tools that could read the extended list.....
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I was pulling ford specific codes the other day. For example I pulled a P1000 code which is ford specific for "OBD-II Monitor Testing Incomplete". Take a look at the www.obd-codes.com website. I pulled a few other codes that I cannot remember their number but I don't think they were on the generic list either. Pulling codes is pulling codes, you don't require a big databse to do that. But reading what the codes are is another thing. I am sure your database includes the descriptions and such too, am I right?
 
rocket5979 said:
I was pulling ford specific codes the other day. For example I pulled a P1000 code which is ford specific for "OBD-II Monitor Testing Incomplete". Take a look at the www.obd-codes.com website. I pulled a few other codes that I cannot remember their number but I don't think they were on the generic list either. Pulling codes is pulling codes, you don't require a big databse to do that. But reading what the codes are is another thing. I am sure your database includes the descriptions and such too, am I right?
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Good points. But isn't the P1000 generic to all OBD II systems for the federally required OBD II self test?
 
2001LS8Sport said:
Good points. But isn't the P1000 generic to all OBD II systems for the federally required OBD II self test?
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It was in Ford specific codes when I took a look. It is a pretty generic code for Ford, in regards to the computer relearning things after the battery being plugged back in. I forget if it is this code or the other one I looked at the other day that had to do with the KAM. Once your car runs for a while and relearns a few things then the P1000 code will go away on its own, but it still is Ford specific according to what i saw. Of course I am sure there are other makers with their version of that code for their cars too, but that is a whole other topic.
 
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