Yet another broken down car.

[Sluggo]

I want to buy a code scanner, I dont want the bottom of the barrel from Dollar Tree, nor do I want the $1500 dollar Snap-On model since I will only use it when something breaks.

Any model that you have bought or would recommend?

I have bragged and bragged on our trucks, now they seem to be dropping like flies. First the fuel pump in the Silverado, new battery in the Grand Marquis last weekend and now our Expedition is needing attention.

It has had a CEL light for the better part of a year (or more) now, but it seemed to be running fine, so I of course ignored it.

Today the wife called and said it was dying at idle, and died more times than she could count as she was trying to get home. When I got home and looked at it, it starts just fine and runs OK, it just idles way too low and dies. It is trying to idle at about 400RPM, dropping to about 300 RPM when you put it in gear and it just can't sustain an idle that low and stalls. If you powerbrake it a bit, it will idle just fine. I am hoping using a code scanner will point me in at least a direction, hopefully the right direction.

1998 Expedition
195,000 miles
5.4 liter
automatic

 

[Pacfanweb]

Go tap on your idle air control valve (IAC) and see if the idle doesn't come back. If it does, replace it. Don't need a scanner if this is it, and the diagnosis is simple.

 

[Sluggo]

Originally posted by: Pacfanweb
Go tap on your idle air control valve (IAC) and see if the idle doesn't come back. If it does, replace it. Don't need a scanner if this is it, and the diagnosis is simple.

Yep, that was it. It idles too high now, but I'm sure the new part will cure that.

I can go by Napa in the morning and get one, I really appreciate the quick reply and diagnosis.

I think I still want a code scanner, with 3 cars around here that I can use it on, I think it would be a decent investment. I know Auto Zone will do it for free, but nothing beats an excuse to buy new tools.

 

[OrganizedChaos]

If your IAC is anything like the ones used on explorers you should be able to take it apart and clean it without to much trouble. http://www.explorer4x4.com/iac.htm

 

[T2urtle]

windows based scan tools seem to be really neat if you wanna go around 250$ autoterra

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...QrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

i've used something like this, nice gauges, fairly easy. pulls codes does a couple of sensor testings.


since you seem like a domestic truck guy, autotap might be more you. I'm local to them and i hear a lot of good things about them from truck guys. They like it but when i show them my auterra they say its just about the same.

those scanners at autozone and etc are just scanners, they will pull the code and tell u the fault say, P0420 = catatist eff. below value and thats it. Where as auterra/ autotap can show u readings on the front o2 and rear o2 sensor so you can see if its a possible bad rear o2 causing the p0420 fault.

 

[cardiac]

Neighbor has this one: $129 at Sears., and I use it every now and then. Works great. Has on screen definitions of your error code.

Bob

 

[dawp]

You should be able to read the codes with a wire IF you can figure out the points to short, usually says in a repair manual. and then read the flashing CEL and compare that to manual.

or you can take it to a parts store for a quick check, most will do it for free. I would still get a manual if you dont already have one.

 

[Pliablemoose]

Just go to Vato Zone & use theirs.