obd2 scanner

[carnut]

looking for suggestions for obd2 scanner/diagnostics tool to buy to help me diagnose codes on my 2004 2.3L ranger

 

[Brain75]

I like Autel, when I first decided to buy my first one, I spent a buttload of time reading reviews and pricing and checking and and... that was 15 years ago at least.
Buy a genuine Autel from the Autel store on amazon or a brick and mortar where you can see if you are getting a real Autel - there are tons of counterfeit out there.... I got one of those too (fleebay).
I think this is the cheapest Autel (emissions and check engine light codes - all read only, the only write it can do is turn off the check engine/clear codes):

Amazon.com

 

[SenorNoob]

I have one of those. Guessing mine isn't a knockoff cause it just works on everything with an OBD2 port I've tried it on.

 

[sgtsandman]

Alternatively, you could go with forscan and an adaptor. They make versions for computers, tablets, and cell phones. It's cheaper up front and has a lot of capability to adjust things, with a subscription and depending on what year you have. The older the vehicle, the less you can play with the settings but you can still see and scan codes for DTC, ABS, and so on.

 

[Brain75]

I would say "cheaper over the long term" rather than cheaper up front (most likely you will end up buying forscan adapter at some point some day)

I literally just finished going through forscan's webpage/recommended list and their links and and (for myself) .For $9-$10 more you get everything (assuming you already have a laptop with USB) both read and write and can do sooo much more (like add a new key, turn on bambi mode, etc). Some features require the trial, just use a new email address every time you run up against a needed feature.

A direct link for the cheaper of the forscan recommended:

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256802930481942.html

and the features chart that shows you which features this one is capable of:

Adapters Ford / Mazda compatibility table - FORScan forum

the download page has links to this product directly on aliexpress (6th line down)... and when you stick to reputable vendors ali is pretty safe... but gawd awfully slow.. it has to go through china customs and us customs so it may sit in a warehouse in LA for half a month not moving.

Download FORScan

 

[SenorNoob]

The cell phone software is quite as user friendly. I spent an hour or so figuring it out the first time.

I've also had 2 different trials for Forscan on the same e-mail. Maybe if it's more than a year they don't keep records that long? IDK.

 

[901wd#2]

If you get a cordless OBD2 reader put a big lanyard on it. I’ve lost so many of those stupid things.

Maybe one day the right to repair will get their head out of their ass and just have everything come through the big stupid screen on every car now, Without buying more stuff and jumping through hoops.

The technology is right there, but no no no no no gotta do extra stuff to use it.

OBD one Chrysler was pretty cool with the codes popping up on the radio after you did the two then three turn the key trick.

 

[flyin-lowe]

I bought a cheaper Bosch Pocket Scan 1000. It's a cheaper bare bones unit. I have had to use it a few times on a couple newer Dodge vehicles and recently on my 2004 Ranger. For occaisional home use it is fine. If I was a mechanic for a living I would get something a little more complex.

 

[carnut]

thanks to everyone for the replies. this was useful info that I will use to help me decide on a diagnostic tool

 

[carnut]

I bought a cheaper Bosch Pocket Scan 1000. It's a cheaper bare bones unit. I have had to use it a few times on a couple newer Dodge vehicles and recently on my 2004 Ranger. For occaisional home use it is fine. If I was a mechanic for a living I would get something a little more complex.

thanks for the info