cheap computer analyzers - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

remat457 · 11-20-2001, 19:48

hello,

has anybody actually used the little boxes that interpret the computer codes?

i saw one at the auto parts store that was only $35 and said that it will work with a wide range of ford cars/trucks. i am thinking that they is pretty darn cheap...

any comments?

thanks,
reg

Trey · 11-20-2001, 23:41

I sell one at Schucks that basically flshes the code at you. You just have to know what the code means. I think it tells you most, if not all in the book that comes with them, otherwise, you'd have to look in the vehicle manual to figure it out.

But for $35, it's alot easier than going to the shop to have the codes diagnosed.

Also, the cheap ones will only work up until '95. Anything newer and you'd have to spring for the $360 unit.

remat457 · 11-20-2001, 23:57

that's pretty good (the $35 one). it will work for all of my vehicles except for one....

isn't there one for fords that is about $150?

thanks for the info!

tomahawk350 · 11-22-2001, 10:32

Save your money! , they suck. all they do is beeb out codes. It will tell you a code for something that may not be bad. I bought a mass air sensor i didn't need. I you need your computer diagnosed just take to the cheapest dealer, cuz some charge more than others. the dealer has the ability to pinpoint problems.
I've been throught this so many times.

remat457 · 11-22-2001, 10:52

hi,
i appreciate the input...
my luck with dealers is not so good though.
my local ford dealer told me that my truck was too old (83) and that i would have to find a dealer with older mechanics that knew how to work on such an old vehicle. !!!!!

the second dealer spent three hours trying to diag what was wrong with my truck component by component (admittedly my truck is an EECIII which does suck to diag) before they finally gave up and recommmended I take it to a carb specialist!!! But not before charging me 3 hours labor and for a new TPS, air diverter valve and O2 sensor (maybe it did need it......but i doubt it)

i guess the moral of the story is if you find a good mechanic keep him! :)

regards
reg

Trey · 11-22-2001, 18:56

Quote:

Originally posted by remat457
that's pretty good (the $35 one). it will work for all of my vehicles except for one....

isn't there one for fords that is about $150?

thanks for the info!

Yup, there's one there for $159. It has a digital readout, and some other nifty things. Too expensive for me though...