Joe,
Am away from home again so I'll try to reply better and get it in before my laptop quits... again...lol
I'll reply after each Q.
It seems that there are a variety of methods of obtaining trouble codes.
Yes, for non-OBD II, you can do a self test w/MM or jumpers, or reader
[
[*]The Haynes, and Chilton manuals list a number of codes that can be obtained by setting a jumper and
flash codes by counting the number of times the "check engine light", or the "abs warning light" flashes on the dash.
[*]Aparrantly there are
trouble code tools, that allow the home mechanic to extract the "fault code" number from the on board computer that has sensed a problem (usually indicated by the check engine light)
[*]Also there are
hand held scanners that access computer codes like the code readers mentioned above, but they also provide an actual interface into the vehicles computer.
[*]
Scanners for professional mechanics, such as dealerships.
Here are a bunch of questions.
Can one flash all of the codes that one could get with a trouble code reader? for EEC IV yes - ODB III (EEC V) ... for home use, yes and it depends on the mfgr of the reader and product...Here is a review of the Actron Reader for OBD II
http://reviews.cnet.com/car-security-syste...7-31678152.html
Can one get all of the codes with a trouble code reader that one can get with a hand held scanner?
Yes for eec iv; for OBD II, I heard Ford is adding DTC possible causes to some 96+ models of Fords. Again, the price range will make a difference
Can one get all of the codes with a hand held scanner that one could get with professional dealership type equipment?
I'm replying for just our broncos now - From above LINK; "...But it didn't report basic parameters such as engine speed, coolant temperature, and spark advance, which more sophisticated devices show. For those who need further detailed info, there are pricier Actron scanners as well as a professional line..." This about sums up the old $ vs. value decision.
IF one can read more information with one type of tester than another listed above, could you give me examples of what kind of information could be obtained from each of the progressively more expensive piece of equipment, that could not be obtained from the less expensive equipment?
For example, some (under say, $70.00) can not read real-time sensor values (what the sensors are "providing the PCM" at the time of failure) , as well as a great deal of engine data from the "Freeze Frame Data" function; MAF rate, MAP values, oxy sensor milli volts,engine speed, ECT temperature, timing advance, etc.
To go to the top of the Line equipt. such as what Ford service uses, "...With the arrival of the new Controller Area Network (CAN) vehicle communication protocol in 2003, Ford began moving to a flexible and modular diagnostic tools strategy that uses standard computing platforms (e.g. laptops, Pocket-PCs, etc.) with Ford's new VCM and VMM devices. .."
read what this test equiptmt can do here;
http://www.motorcraftservice.com/vdirs/ret...mp;menuIndex1=8
again, this is for OBD II; I have an Actron model. goes for $70.00 on e bay now; I have used it to diagnose CELs for O2 sensors, corroded FI connector (misfire DTC that showed #6 was bad...), blown fuse to cig lighter...lol. scanner wouldn't power up; a common Ford F series and B prob since lighter shares same ckt w/OBD II diag. Link connector...DPFE...and a few other thAngs I have forgotten about. As far as upgrading to a more $ test scanner, I'll pass for now and stay w/the actron. ie.
a service shop high end product goes for about $7,000.00
I need time to post a few diff products and list attributes and negatives about each, going up the $ (and Qual of Info) scale. If I can get home soon, will do...
ok; starting w/Ford's Portable Diagnostic Software (PDS);
"...PDS is the replacement for NGS and NGS+. PDS operates on approved Pocket-PC's, providing high end scan tool diagnostic software for use with a Vehicle Communication Module (VCM). PDS functionality is vehicle dependent and may include tools such as Self Test, Datalogger, Module Reprogramming, Power Balance, and many other Service Functions. As a portable scan tool, PDS can be used both in the service bay and for on-the-road testing. PDS is not intended to be used as the sole diagnostic tool. IDS provides 100% coverage..."
Ford gives a comparison of IDS vs. PDS
http://www.motorcraftservice.com/vdirs/wds...lity_Matrix.htm
Take a look at this and you'll see from all pract. purposes the PDS is basically good enuf for most ts purposes. Now, maybe we should compare the Ford PDS to say, an Actron< Equs or Snap On product next?
Only if progressively more information is obtainable would this statement and question be valid:
I am thinking that there may be a time when I do not have enough information, and will need to make a decision... do I buy a code reader or scan tool or do I need to take it to a dealer or professional mechanic, OR am I at a point where I just have to start swapping out components. When can I expect that better equipment will save me the cost of swapping out components. Is there a time when a professional mechanic will also reach a point that he will also just swap out components?I forget, I believe from my fading memory that you do not have OBD II, so. I'd go (and have gone this way) w/ the self test procedure.
I'll post this before I lose my laptop batty... and go thru it again when I'm home,,,