Diagnostic scanner tools

[wagszrx]

I have 1990 ford ranger xlt 2.9v6 manual transmission. im looking for a code reader scanner i can buy for it. just wondering what other people have used that they like and dont like, i dont want to waste money on a piece of junk.

 

[Curious Hound]

For that year, you'll be looking for a "OBD1" type reader. But for occasional use, it may be better to just learn the procedure for reading the codes without a scanner. I saw it somewhere on this forum a week or two ago. Just do a search or check the tech articles.

 

[Mazda]

They sell a relatively cheap OBD1 scanner with a digital readout at Autozone for around $30 or so. Much easier than reading the flashes.


I think I got mine at Amazon for around $20 years ago.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Yes to the digital readout. I picked up a cheap digital one in the surplus of Princess Auto several years ago for C$10.00



Unfortunately I think that all the super cheap NOS is probably gone.

 

[forgey4x4]

Yes to the digital readout. I picked up a cheap digital one in the surplus of Princess Auto several years ago for C$10.00



Unfortunately I think that all the super cheap NOS is probably gone.

I have this one, it works well, for what it is.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

 

[adsm08]

I have had two OBDI capable scan tools, but both of mine were on the more expensive side, which if you just want to use it for that one truck, may not be worth it since that computer doesn't support much in the way of PIDs.

The first one was a Blue-Point MicroScan. IIRC the OBDI adpater was part of a kit with the Ford, GM, and Toyota adapters that was sold separately. That little guy also did ABS and airbag codes on most vehicles.
https://www1.snapon.com/display/1060/MICROSCAN/MS_flyer_FINAL.pdf

Then I traded that one in on a used Solus that already had all the OBDI adapters and test pins and such.

Both were/are nice. The MS was good for a quick code read and I kinda wish I still had it, because it was small and easy to carry around in the vehicle and quick to hook up. It did have the drawback of sucking power. I could kill a 9V battery in 3 uses if they were all on OBDI vehicles. My Solus is comparatively huge, taking up almost a whole full-sized drawer in my tool box between the scanner and it's accessory kit and it needs those pesky keys for OBDII, but it can do much more. The battery life is also better, but it takes 6 AA batteries instead of a single 9V. It also has the cig lighter adapter so I wouldn't have to use the batteries, but the cord just barely reaches out to my diagnostic port if I do that.