Check Engine light - What code reader to use

[pdxracer]

Most shops now do not have an OBD1 reader anymore, which makes solving my problem tough.

I bought a unit off Amazon, but the problem is the CEL does not stay on all the time, and others have said that once it goes out I cant get the code again until the light comes back on.

Any suggestions?

 

[tomw]

There are instructions on the web for extracting the codes that are stored/pending. If you look in the owners manual, it may have instructions. I believe the CEL or SES light can be made to display the codes by following a specific procedure.
OBD-I code readers for EEC-IV systems are still available. Those I know of use a 9-volt battery to power a LED and a beeper, so you can get visual and audible indications of the 'flashes'.
Once you start to get the codes presented, you can have them repeated multiple times until you get familiar with the 'count' or pace of code presentation.
I used a VOM before the readers were available, and my year did not display them on the cluster. The pulse would move the needle of the VOM, and if you watched closely, and made marks on a piece of cardboard while moving your hand in relation to the 'time', i.e., at a constant speed(as much as you can) you would see the pulse pattern develop readily.
Do you have an idea of the problem?
tom

 

[adsm08]

There are much better EEC-IV readers out there than the ones Tomw described.

Frankly, if you plan to keep the truck for any length of time a good reader is worth the investment.

A BluePoint MicroScan II, a Snap-on Solus, and an Actron Elite all show up from time to time for under $400 (I know $400 is a lot. That is the top end of the prices I am seeing for ones that will work for your truck), and will be much more useful tools than the flashing, beeping ones, and all have a very wide range of function with the correct adapters, because they have adapters available for all the OBDI vehicles and have OBD2 function as well.

Depending on the year of the vehicle they will get current and stored codes, and may be able to get you some live data too.

 

[syberdust]

There are much better EEC-IV readers out there than the ones Tomw described.

A BluePoint MicroScan II, a Snap-on Solus, and an Actron Elite all show up from time to time for under $400

Depending on the year of the vehicle they will get current and stored codes, and may be able to get you some live data too.

Hi, could you tell me if a 1998 Ranger XLT w/ 2.5 L automatic would require this reader to retrieve codes when "check engine" light has been displayed but now not currently on?

Many thanks!

 

[adsm08]

Hi, could you tell me if a 1998 Ranger XLT w/ 2.5 L automatic would require this reader to retrieve codes when "check engine" light has been displayed but now not currently on?

Many thanks!

You have any OBD2 vehicle, You can just wander into pretty much any chain store and get the codes read for free, but a code reader is required.