Digital Code Reader? Worth to have one?

[kirby]

I have 3 Fox Mustangs

1983 GLX 5.0 convertible
1986 SVO
1988 Saleen

I was thinking about getting a code reader? Is this worth to have in your tool box? Any recommendations? Thanks in advance

[4-barrel Mike]

Well worth the money. This is what I've been using for years: https://www.amazon.com/INNOVA-3145-F...d+odb1+scanner

Mike

[kirby]

Well worth the money. This is what I've been using for years: https://www.amazon.com/INNOVA-3145-F...d+odb1+scanner

Mike

Thanks Mike!

[84StangSVT]

Well worth the money. This is what I've been using for years: https://www.amazon.com/INNOVA-3145-F...d+odb1+scanner

Mike

I agree! It beats counting flashes.

I have the same one Mike posted and got it at Autozone for $28. Used it a lot on my 94 Ranger.

[Haystack]

I don't this its worth it personally. Although i have lost the paper clip i normally use a few times.

[xctasy]

This is why you might not need a 3145 Innova and 3149 cable....a good car guy can just use a sweep meter, and your good to go.

Codes only require a jumper. The code reader is nothing more then a box thst flashes a light or beeps at you. Every test that can be performed can be done with a paper clip and a test light or analog meter.

https://youtu.be/z0ehA8cFTkc
https://youtu.be/9QSiS6wf7oU

Here i am running the test for a guy on another forum who couldn't figure it out.

For anyone else,


I love EEK!Four. Its got multiple "issues", but once you use the book, it will give you a boat load of 1000% Helpfull data trouble codes to cross check. Its a flAg system.....you don't want to miss a trick, so spend 30 buxs on the 3145, and whatever the 3149 six foot chord is.

Now, before 1987, all MCU or EECIII or EECIV's didn't use the Malfunction Indicator Light as a Check Engine Light.

What lookes like an OSIO "oh sh!+ its oil" light is hard wired to flash.

Some used the "Engine" light to perform the same function as a "Check Engine Light". It just doesn't flash of operate like the traditional CEL light, but you can count flashes if its jumpered with the old six port to earth spade mouth connector.


Some early Fords even in the EECII, EECIII and MCU era even allowed you to use what looks like just an oil pressure light, but Ford was very shifty on the early pre 1982 and 1980 on cars, and the EVTM books were retrorespectivley editied and the base version had the references to MIL info (Malfunction Indicator Light as a Check Engine Light) removed. You found it only in some 1984-1985 Propane Technical Service Bulletins, and its obscure.

The 3145/3149 combo is a modern incarantion of the old Star/Arctron logger.




My recomendation,











The least helpfull EECIV system, the carb 1-bbl YFA feedback trucks, become easy reads with this system. An 83 to 86 Mustang with EEICIV, its a cinch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o_YLw2b5co

it forces you to dig deep, so the reader with an extension chord eliminates the hassle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YYQKssOEOs

[Haystack]

I usually just use a test light and record it with my phone. If its night time or you are parked under shade, you can sit down and wstch flashes from inside the car. Videoing it makes it so you can go back over it and count multiple times or a week or two later if you can't get around to it.