If you’re wrestling with diagnosing issues on your older Ford truck, particularly models from 1999 and earlier, you might have discovered that not all OBD2 scanners are created equal. Many budget-friendly, generic OBD2 dongles simply fail to communicate effectively with these vehicles. The solution? Stepping up to a reliable tool like the BAFX Products 34t5 Bluetooth OBDII Scan Tool. This scanner has proven to be a dependable choice for owners of older Ford trucks, including the 1997 and 1999 F350 7.3L models, where cheaper alternatives often fall short.
Many owners of these classic Ford trucks have experienced firsthand the frustration of inexpensive OBD2 scanners failing to even power on or connect. The BAFX scanner stands out by providing a stable and consistent connection, allowing you to properly interface with your vehicle’s computer system.
It’s also worth noting a common misconception regarding OBDII compliance in older vehicles. Take, for example, the 1997 Ford F350. Despite having a Data Link Connector (DLC) that resembles an OBDII port, and even a tag indicating non-compliance, it actually supports a significant subset of OBDII functionalities. This is where a scanner like the BAFX becomes invaluable, capable of accessing these supported functions when many generic scanners cannot.
Critical Warning: Engine Shutdown Risk
Before proceeding with diagnostics, heed this crucial warning: Never initiate FORScan while your vehicle’s engine is running or while driving. During its initialization process, FORScan can unexpectedly shut down your engine. Always ensure your engine is off before starting the FORScan software.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using the BAFX OBD2 Scanner with FORScan
Here’s a straightforward guide to get you started with your BAFX OBD2 scanner and FORScan on your older Ford truck:
Step 1: Connect the BAFX OBD2 Dongle
Locate the OBDII Data Link Connector (DLC) in your Ford truck and firmly insert the BAFX dongle. The DLC is often found under the dashboard on the driver’s side, but its exact location can vary slightly depending on the model year.
Step 2: Turn Ignition to ‘Key On, Engine Off’ (KOEO)
Turn your ignition key to the ‘ON’ position, but do not start the engine. This is the KOEO mode (Key On, Engine Off). Upon successful insertion and ignition, a red light should illuminate on the BAFX dongle. If the light doesn’t come on, check fuse F17 (in a 1997 F350, it’s typically located in the fuse panel under the steering wheel, at the top). Fuse designations can vary by year, consult your owner’s manual for the correct fuse location.
Step 3: Launch FORScan on Your Android Device
Open the FORScan application on your Android device. The lights on the BAFX dongle should begin flashing, indicating it’s attempting to connect. If they don’t flash, you might need to manually pair the devices via your Android device’s Bluetooth settings. Once connected, your Android screen should start displaying vehicle identification information and configuration details. If you encounter a different screen, you may be in Demo mode within FORScan. Disable Demo mode in the FORScan settings to connect to your vehicle’s actual data.
Step 4: FORScan Connection Established
At this stage, FORScan should be successfully connected to the BAFX dongle, which is in turn communicating with your truck’s Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the main computer. Since you are in KOEO mode, you can now access static data – information that doesn’t require the engine to be running.
Step 5: Accessing Data Tables and PIDs
Within FORScan, navigate to the ‘Table’ view. You’ll notice a black arrow icon, indicating data recording is not yet active. To begin viewing data, you need to select Parameters IDs (PIDs). Tap the gear icon (*) to access the PID selection menu. Initially, no PIDs will be selected.
Step 6: Selecting PIDs for Monitoring
Tap the “+” icon to bring up the list of available PCM PIDs. These are the various sensors and data points you can monitor in your vehicle. Select the PIDs you want to observe by tapping the checkbox to the left of each description. A checkmark will appear when a PID is selected. For a detailed explanation of what each PID measures, tap the arrow to the right of the PID description. If you encounter an error message like “You must complete the operation” when returning from the detail description, simply use the back arrow on your Android device to navigate back.
Step 7: Returning to PID Selection
Hit the return arrow on your Android device to go back to the screen displaying your selected PIDs.
Step 8: Back to the Data Table View
Hit the return arrow again to get back to the ‘Table’ view. You will now see the PIDs you selected listed, but still without live data readings.
Step 9: Start Data Recording
Finally, select the black arrow icon. It will transform into a black square, indicating that FORScan is now actively recording and displaying live data for the PIDs you’ve chosen.
Viewing Dynamic Data (KOER)
To monitor dynamic data – readings that change when the engine is running (Key On, Engine Running or KOER mode) – first select your desired PIDs as described above while in KOEO mode. Then, start your engine. FORScan will begin displaying real-time data as your engine runs.
Conclusion
The BAFX Products OBD2 scanner provides a reliable and affordable solution for diagnosing older Ford trucks, especially when paired with the powerful FORScan software. Unlike many cheaper scanners, the BAFX offers consistent connectivity and access to crucial vehicle data, empowering you to troubleshoot issues effectively. While this guide offers a starting point, remember that vehicle diagnostics can be complex. Don’t hesitate to seek further information or professional assistance when needed. Experience the enhanced diagnostic capabilities that the BAFX OBD2 scanner brings to your older Ford truck and take control of your vehicle maintenance.
