Main IndexAuto Repair Home Search Posts SEARCH
POSTS
Who's Online WHO'S
ONLINE
Log in LOG
IN









Search Auto Parts

Help in getting codes :)


  Email This Post



rdjediknt
User

May 14, 2006, 11:38 AM

Post #1 of 3 (3019 views)
Help in getting codes :) Sign In

Hi everyone :) I just have a quick question. I have a 95' Ford Contour SE V6 5 spd, and I would like to go buy the tool to scan for codes. I believe I need the OBD-1 scan tool. Once I purchase this, where on the car do I plug this tool in to scan the codes and where do I go to get the meanings of the codes? Details instructions or pictures would be golden :) Thanks again for all your help and have a great day!


DanD
Veteran / Moderator
DanD profile image

May 14, 2006, 4:28 PM

Post #2 of 3 (3016 views)
Re: Help in getting codes :) Sign In

It’s up to you but I wouldn’t waste my money on a code reader. They are not a scan tool that can give you real time data or bidirectional capabilities.
Also codes are not the; be all, end all for repairing a check engine light or a running concern. All a code reader will give you is the code relating to the system that has triggered the code. The reasons for that system to trigger the code may not even have anything to do with that system failing electronically.
For example you get an O2 code; stating that O2 one, bank one sensor has insufficient switching or inactive. That doesn’t always mean a bad sensor and to replace it. It may not even be an electronic problem but a vacuum leak or some other mechanical reason like a leaking fuel injector for the sensor to be constantly reading either rich or lean. That’s because the engine is actually running with that condition.
All the computer knows is that it has made as many adjustments it can to get the O2 to toggle and it hasn’t toggled. So in turn the computer sets the code and turns on the light.
Not to harp on this but trouble codes are not always the answer they are more of a compass to point you in the proper direction. It’s the reader of the compass/scan tool who will take you home.
Dan.

Canadian "EH"






(This post was edited by DanD on May 14, 2006, 4:42 PM)


rdjediknt
User

May 15, 2006, 8:46 AM

Post #3 of 3 (3007 views)
Re: Help in getting codes :) Sign In

That makes sense :) I believe them I will just hold off then. thanks Dan for your help on this question.






  Email This Post
 
 


Feed Button




Search for (options) Privacy Sitemap