5.0L (1979-1995) Mustang Technical discussions on 5.0 Liter Mustangs within. This does not include the 5.0 from the 2011 Mustang GT. That information is in the 2005-1011 section.

ok so i went and bought a code reader

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04-11-2005, 12:21 AM
  #1  
xjarhead1999
1st Gear Member
Thread Starter
 
xjarhead1999's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location:
Posts: 129
Default ok so i went and bought a code reader

now how do i use it? lol. my question isnt really that stupid, but close. ive never used a reader before.

where do i hook it up at? im thinking somewhere under the hood. and where should i begin? the key on engine off or the key on engine running? im sure this is gonna throw out every code in the book since the previous owner done the "redneck" way of hot rodding. im going to try and correct everything. im not going to be worried so much about the emissions codes unless its something that can hurt performance or gas mileage.

sorry for the stupid question but im not sure what to expect trying figure this thing out.
xjarhead1999 is offline  
Old 04-11-2005, 01:22 AM
  #2  
nhdungeonracer
3rd Gear Member
 
nhdungeonracer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location:
Posts: 607
Default RE: ok so i went and bought a code reader

Which kind of reader did you get? One that has blinking lights? Or does it actually show you a read-out?

On most Fords, you hook the reader in somewhere near the back of the engine bay. Look for a funky 5 sided connector, and a single plug right near it. They might even be plugged into a black plastic box on the firewall.

Most readers I've seen come with directions. Might want to read thru it before trying it (this isn't a good place to use the "if it doesn't work, read the directions" approach)
nhdungeonracer is offline  
Old 04-11-2005, 01:30 AM
  #3  
mustang8719
3rd Gear Member
 
mustang8719's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location:
Posts: 937
Default RE: ok so i went and bought a code reader

My plug is on the drivers side back a little from the starter soleniod.
If the scanner gives codes most of the time it walks you through everything.
It will ask you type of car and ask you to input numbers or letters from the Vin#.
mustang8719 is offline  
Old 04-11-2005, 02:02 AM
  #4  
xjarhead1999
1st Gear Member
Thread Starter
 
xjarhead1999's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location:
Posts: 129
Default RE: ok so i went and bought a code reader

thanks for replies.

i got one made by innova. it was the only one around here. heres a link to the one i have linky thing

it gives out actual codes not just flash. i dont think it asks for what type of car and vin #. im reading the book now, it was saying something about checking the advance timing before checking for codes. guess that gives me the reason to buy a timing light now.

ill look for the connector tomorrow. its a little dark outside and im alot drunk right now, so i dont think it would be a good idea to go hunting right now.

Might want to read thru it before trying it (this isn't a good place to use the "if it doesn't work, read the directions" approach)
doh, that sucks, cause thats pretty much the way i live my life. do first, if you run into problems, then RTFM.
xjarhead1999 is offline  
Old 04-11-2005, 02:38 AM
  #5  
primetime5.0
6th Gear Member
 
primetime5.0's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: United States
Posts: 9,587
Default RE: ok so i went and bought a code reader

hey how much was the reader, i should look into buying one
primetime5.0 is offline  
Old 04-11-2005, 02:52 AM
  #6  
crazyhorse
3rd Gear Member
 
crazyhorse's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location:
Posts: 854
Default RE: ok so i went and bought a code reader

$25 at wal-mart.
crazyhorse is offline  
Old 04-11-2005, 02:54 AM
  #7  
92hatchLX
6th Gear Member
 
92hatchLX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location:
Posts: 8,439
Default RE: ok so i went and bought a code reader

Is it a good investment?
92hatchLX is offline  
Old 04-11-2005, 03:02 AM
  #8  
crazyhorse
3rd Gear Member
 
crazyhorse's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location:
Posts: 854
Default RE: ok so i went and bought a code reader

yes.
crazyhorse is offline  
Old 04-11-2005, 03:08 AM
  #9  
92hatchLX
6th Gear Member
 
92hatchLX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location:
Posts: 8,439
Default RE: ok so i went and bought a code reader

well if it's only 25 bucks i guess I may as well get one.
92hatchLX is offline  
Old 04-11-2005, 03:28 AM
  #10  
crazyhorse
3rd Gear Member
 
crazyhorse's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location:
Posts: 854
Default RE: ok so i went and bought a code reader

mr xjarhead did you find the plug in for the tester? look under hood on driver side from shock toward fire wall, if the factory tape is still there it has 'tester' taped around the wires.goog luck.
crazyhorse is offline  


Quick Reply: ok so i went and bought a code reader



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:13 PM.