Has anyone had any luck with the cheap OBD-II readers found on E-bay?
For example:
Ebay Listing
They seem ok for basic use, but I checked out the OBD-II connector on my focus and it doesn't look exactly standard. But I suppose maybe a standard OBD-II will fit anyway? I checked under the hood and the label states "OBD-II" compliant...
This is basically what the connector looks like on my car, but the pinout is slightly different
<a href='http://www.scantool.net/images/esupport_faq/scantool_wont_power_up/escortUK_dlc.jpg'>
![[Image: escortUK_dlc.jpg]](http://www.scantool.net/images/esupport_faq/scantool_wont_power_up/escortUK_dlc.jpg)
</a>
I figure if I have to pay someone $50+ to check the error code on my car, I might as well buy a scanner. BTW I have the CEL check engine light on... but no symptoms/issues like power loss or stumbling. I'm hoping it's just a bad gas cap or crummy fuel... but the light came back after a reset, and it won't go out on it's own.
you dont kneed and obd II reader to check the codes on a focus......
you can find out what codes are present from the dash screen.....
with the car off hold the trip knob in for ten seconds....
still holding it turn the car on and wait till all the needles jump then take yer finger off......
then press the knob again to cycle through the menus and find the one that tells you the codes your car is showing.... then just look it up online.... or in the manual (if you have it )... or ask someone here... I hava the manual with the codes section.... many of us do..
you can find the instructions, and some codes
here, at focushacks.com
but they don't mention ALL the possible codes that may be retrievable... so I don't know just how far you can go with this, but it never hurt to try (it's free, right?).
i would stay away from the cheap ebay OBDII scanners... you never know what you're going to get. You can get scanners from crappy tire for $25 or so if I remember correctly.
CARELESSmtrsprts,Jun 16 2004, 12:26 AM Wrote:you can find out what codes are present from the dash screen.....
Thx for the reply. I'm aware of that trick, but as I understand it that process only provides a small number of available error codes that are related to the instrument panel readout.
For example it apparently won't tell you there is a problem with the DPFE/EGR or MAF sensor, etc...
Currently I have a CEL check engine light lit... but no power loss, stuttering, etc. No symptoms at all really. I suppose the seal could be bad on my gas cap or filled up with some bad fuel but the CEL returns after resetting the engine comp. Either way, the CEL is supposed to be emissions related and I haven't come across a code turning up on the dash test mode during my search... but I will try try that tip again tomorrow.
darkpuppet,Jun 16 2004, 12:39 AM Wrote:you can find the instructions, and some codes here, at focushacks.com
I came across that site the other day... it has a lot of usefull info.
As for the OBD-II scanners at crap tire... seems like the OBD scanners there are failry cheap at $40... but the OBD-II ones are awfully pricey.
I found this software the other day for PalmOS... which requires an interface cable:
http://www.qcontinuum.org/obdgauge/index.htm ... But at the moment I'm leaning more towards something like a Multiplex T16-003 OBD-II interface which would work on Palm and PCs... along with some freeware software such as OBDGauge for PalmOS (mentioned above)... or even maybe Freediag for Linux.
where abouts in Toronto are you?
I have a scan tool.. bluetooth with pocket PC software... I have volleyball tomorrow, but if you're anywhere nearby I could stop by (preferably on the subway as my car still isn't back to 100%)
walk0080,Jun 16 2004, 12:46 AM Wrote:CARELESSmtrsprts,Jun 16 2004, 12:26 AM Wrote:you can find out what codes are present from the dash screen.....
Thx for the reply. I'm aware of that trick, but as I understand it that process only provides a small number of available error codes that are related to the instrument panel readout.
For example it apparently won't tell you there is a problem with the DPFE/EGR or MAF sensor, etc...
It DOES show emissions related codes..... I had trouble with a bent egr tube and it showed a code for it...... and a dpfe code when mine died..... it also has shown me codes for alternater and knock sensor.
I have a list of ALL the codes.... in my ford manual ( the real one, not a sloppy haines or whoeverelse.)
CARELESSmtrsprts,Jun 16 2004, 12:26 AM Wrote:It DOES show emissions related codes..... I had trouble with a bent egr tube and it showed a code for it...... and a dpfe code when mine died..... it also has shown me codes for alternater and knock sensor.
I have a list of ALL the codes.... in my ford manual ( the real one, not a sloppy haines or whoeverelse.)
CARELESSmtrsprts:
I don't doubt you at all. I printed out the instrument diag instructions from focushacks.com and they had a some non-dash related codes listed there... I went through the steps and I got DTC=NONE so I am still a little unsure about my CEL problem.
But anyway, hopefully I'll have my own Focus service manual sometime this month... which one did you get??
walk... I sent ya a PM.. you're close enough to my area, we can scan your car tomorrow. let me know what works for you.
darkpuppet,Jun 17 2004, 02:30 AM Wrote:walk... I sent ya a PM.. you're close enough to my area, we can scan your car tomorrow. let me know what works for you.
Steve,
Thx for checking the code from my car... and sorry my fiance almost talked your ear off ;)
So it looks like I've got code P135 for the O2 sensor which like you said can mess up my fuel economy... and what I just found out now could lead to catalytic converter damage if left for too long.
Looks like the part is about US$90... who knows from the Ford dealership. From pics on the net... looks like it's located behind the heat shield below the headers and above the cat. fun fun.
hey man, was nice meeting ya and your fiance too!
The O2 sensor should be pretty simple to replace... the heat shield comes off, and the sensor should be easily accessible from the topside. If you have a 22mm (I believe) box wrench it's nothing to swap out.
be happy it's not the one under the car :)
darkpuppet,Jun 18 2004, 12:19 AM Wrote:The O2 sensor should be pretty simple to replace... the heat shield comes off, and the sensor should be easily accessible from the topside. If you have a 22mm (I believe) box wrench it's nothing to swap out.
Oops... Just PM'd you asking the same question... should have checked here first. :P Wasn't exactly sure which sensor it was.