Ford Scanner USB Scan Tool $48 Free Shipping

[TeamAllen]

I ran across this deal and thought of all the Ford guys we have on this site.
Maybe this will work for you? Looks like you need a Laptop, but is more detailed than a OBDII scanner.
Maybe one of our Ford or mechanic experts will weigh in on this?

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.d...871~r.96035782

Looks like they are in Hong Kong, but have decent reviews on rellerratings.com.
http://www.resellerratings.com/store/DealExtreme

[robert theisen]

it's okay but snap-on tools has a universal obdII tester that sells for 65 and works on all obdII cars.it seems more useful because it works on multiple vehicles.it's part number is ya3020.

[TeamAllen]

Actually as I see it a universal scan tool would not have anywhere near the functionality of this device, it isn't a scan tool, it is a computer diagnostic interface, which is a very different animal. Univeral Scan tools are just that, read only devices that only access OBDII codes, nothing more. With a proper computer diagnostic interface you can not only access information on specific systems of the car (good luck pulling airbag or ABS codes on your universal scan tool).

Correct me if I'm wrong?

[SPBFAN]

Actually as I see it a universal scan tool would not have anywhere near the functionality of this device, it isn't a scan tool, it is a computer diagnostic interface, which is a very different animal. Univeral Scan tools are just that, read only devices that only access OBDII codes, nothing more. With a proper computer diagnostic interface you can not only access information on specific systems of the car (good luck pulling airbag or ABS codes on your universal scan tool).

Correct me if I'm wrong?

Mike, sorry to say you are wrong when you say good luck pulling ABS and such with a universal tool. OTC makes one that has all the codes for all modules at a competitive price with out having to purchase one of the high end tools such as the Genisys or Pegisys. It is not as cheap as this one you are talking about but it covers all cars, makes, and models. It is one of the retail pieces they make. part number 3109 and 3111. The 3111 is the better tool it is priced at about $239.00.

This tool has a place in the market for what it does but it falls way short of what is advertised. As you know what I do for a living. I have played with this tool, used it, tested it and found that if falls way short of what it is advertised. It is certainly a good tool for leading the home mechanic to the shop where a professional tool such as the Ford IDS Factory tool, or a higher level professional grade aftermarket tool is at to complete the repairs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZQoU...er_profilepage

[TeamAllen]

Thanks Andrew for chiming in. I was hoping you would. I have no problem being wrong.

I don't even own a Ford, but thought it might help someone else out. It looks like one of those scan tools you mentioned might be a better purchase?

[Dave S]

SPB, So are you a Ford Tech? Or is anyone else on this site? I would like to run a few things past a Ford Cert Tech about my 01 F-150.

[robert theisen]

i was just suggesting a inexpensive alternative to the ford tool listed by the op. launch makes one just as capable as the otc and it retails for 149. i am a snap-on tool authorized dealer. so anyone in the business knows we have far more capable tools than these. i didn't suggest any of them because of cost and user qualifications necessary to use the capabilities of the more advanced diagnostic tools. i was just suggesting a inexpensive code reader that would read and clear abs,antilock brakes,engine and transmission codes. whether or not the user would know what to do with them is another story.as all the technicians out there know it's not as easy as get a code and replace that part.if only it was the abc store would go out of business.lol