Buy a code reader: I should have 20 years ago

originally posted by: VictorVonDoom
a reply to: CharlesT

Been a while since I bought a code reader. They all give you the same information, it's just that the cheaper ones make you jump through more hoops to read and interpret.

I have a cheapo OBDII reader (about $20) that sends the codes over bluetooth to a phone or laptop with software to interpret. It's a bit of a hassle to use, but it does the job and it was cheap. I went even cheaper with OBDI, breadboarding a small circuit that plugs in to the serial port of an old laptop.

Unless you do a lot of automotive work, I would recommend going cheap. As Billxm pointed out, you can get the same info without the code reader.

Did I mention I was cheap?

I am a somewhat trained mechanic and grew up around a bodyshop and a repair shop. I bought one of the under $40 readers on Amazon a couple of years ago and I wish I had done it much earlier. Mine reads out on a screen and it's simple to operate. At that price point it's hard to pick a bad one, just get one with good reviews.

There are so many stupid sensors even on cars that old that can prevent starting it's frustrating. My brother has a Crown Vic that won't start because of the fuel pump. He replaced the pump and it still won't start. Something else is bad somewhere along the line.

Now give us some deets so we can do some internet diagnostics..lol

Won't start?
Starter won't turn over?
Turns over, but wont run?
Won't stay running?

A 1998 Crown Vic may not have a OBD 16 pin diagnostic socket. Check first.

A cheap scan-tool will only read OBD or OBD11 both are protocols for retrieving data from engine ECU only.

Also they are only require to see emissions related data and fault codes so will only give some of the picture.

Advice already given by others here - find a trusted specialist and save the pain.

(30 yrs Diagnostic Specialist)

originally posted by: YesTodayTomorrow
A 1998 Crown Vic may not have a OBD 16 pin diagnostic socket. Check first.

Good call. I remember pre-Super Duty F-250s having the Ford 2-plug under the hood, despite OBD2 being mandated by then. Considering how long the Crown Vic was around anything's possible.

Would this car still have the fuel pump disconnect, with the plunger that pops out when something bumps the vehicle?

As for the OP and a scan tool, I've had good luck with the BlueDriver but you do need a supported smart phone. Also very easy to forget it and leave it plugged into the vehicle! (Don't ask.)

a reply to: CharlesT

As a former AZ employee you wont find the experts there, you can get a code reader for any domestic OBD2 vehicle for under $50. If you are not a mechanic then you dont need it to do anything other than tell you what code the ECM is detecting.

I like cars, enjoy working on my squadron of classics, you find out the code post it here and we`ll help you out.

a reply to: Flyingclaydisk

Right! Late getting back here but have been out replacing the spark plugs in the 2001 gmc. I'm told it will turn over, act like it hits a couple of times and dies. I think it's a fuel problem right now but the car is old even though it has less than 40,000 miles on it.
For me, having an inexpensive reader would be handy just to have and monitor my own vehicle performances. Like my cpap app on my phone. I check it every morning.

a reply to: manuelram16

That's why I'm bringing it down here for a while. I plan on going over the entire fuel system for problems. I don't think this particular issue is electrical.
Wouldn't surprise me if someone accidentally poured water in the tank.

a reply to: caterpillage

All good advice. Yes, the codes record faults but they don't diagnose the system for you.

Years ago, I was working on my 1977 ford f100 ignition. I had an old clip over the lead timing light I was going to move from one cylinder to the next when that thing hit me and my hand hit the underside of the hood when it did.

a reply to: Murgatroid

Right now, I'm thinking of staying cheap and using this first buy as a learning tool.

a reply to: HalWesten

That's what I suspect will happen on this car. I'm not foolish enough to think the first part I replace will be the last.

originally posted by: HalWesten

There are so many stupid sensors even on cars that old that can prevent starting it's frustrating. My brother has a Crown Vic that won't start because of the fuel pump. He replaced the pump and it still won't start. Something else is bad somewhere along the line.

That's where the electrical diagrams come in handy. Whenever I get a car that I plan to keep, the first thing I look for is the factory service manual. I may be cheap, but the FSM is worth it's weight in gold.

I'd be willing to bet the fuel pump circuit has a oil pressure sensor that prevents electricity from getting to the fuel pump if there is no oil pressure. It prevents you from seizing the engine.

Something else I would invest good money in (if I didn't have one) is a sensor tester. I have an older Actron sensor tester that can test O2 sensors, ignition modules, IACs, and various other sensors. I think I paid about $30 for the one I have, but it's an obsolete model. Works fine for older cars.

a reply to: CharlesT

As a tech geek I've always used a wireless Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner to connect to my phone and use an app to read the codes. The version I used is apparently no longer available but it was similar to this one. I imagine the new ones are better anyhow.

Wireless Bluetooth Obd2 Scanner