Hey Scotty,
I'd like to buy an OBD2 Scanner/Reader from your Amazon store, but I'd like your recommendation for a good one to test things like the Cruise Control system, its steering wheel buttons and components. I'd also like to disable the Airbag system because you say it's not worth fixing on older cars, or at least prevent the dash error code light from flashing without removing the bulb(s). One that will let me reset/erase all codes. I have a 1995 Mercury Cougar 4.6L V8 XR7/SE that's running very well otherwise. The Ford dealership told me that the Techs would use an OBD2 to test the Cruise Control, but they don't work on anything this old anymore. I'd like to have an OBD2 that can do some advanced stuff, but I shouldn't need your top of the line ones. I bought a used set of OEM 1995 Thunderbird/Cougar-XR7 Service Manual and the Electrical and Vacuum Troubleshooting Manual so, with a slightly more than adequate ODB2 for these tasks, I should be set.
Thanks in advance,
Craig
Does it have an OBDII port? A 1995 model would be pre-OBDII, since that did not debut until 1996. (Though I've read that a few 1995 cars might have been equipped with the then new and upcoming system.)
Your car should have OBD1 which has a limited set of codes. The dealer would have had a proprietary OBD1 scan tool back when those were new. You would either need to buy a scan tool that speaks Ford OBD1, or use use a paperclip or jumper wire as the "scan tool" to access flash codes.
As far as the airbag is concerned what some people do is wire in a resistor to fool the SRS computer into thinking the bag is connected.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZt-qz119wk
I'd also like to disable the Airbag system because you say it's not worth fixing on older cars, or at least prevent the dash error code light from flashing without removing the bulb(s)
I don't know of any scan tools that can do it. If the light bother you, put a piece of electrical tape on the dash right on the top of the light, so you don't see it.
About the scan tools, it depends on your budget. Search this forum to find more detailed information.
Does it have an OBDII port?
Yes, it has OBD2.
Interesting, I've read there are some 1995 and even 1994 vehicles out there with OBDII ports but never saw one myself. Some may be partial implementations.
It has an OBD1, not OBD2, and the information available is pretty limited by today's standards.
You may have one of the very early OBD2 systems (is the receptacle under the glove box?) Still, the information available will be very limited.
Posted by: @doc
You may have one of the very early OBD2 systems (is the receptacle under the glove box?)
Yes to both. It's an early implementation and it's under the glove box near the transmission hump. It's an OBD2 connector.
Posted by: @doc
Still, the information available will be very limited.
Are you implying that the Cruise Control may not be in the OBD2 Diagnostics? The Ford dealership service desk told me that the techs would test it via OBD2. I just want Scotty to tell me of a little-better-than good enough OBD2 to get. My budget will afford a good one. This is the first question I've asked that he has not responded to personally. I bought an extremely cheap one from Walmart years ago and it didn't even come on, but all of my mechanic shops have used the OBD2 Port and have had Scanners that worked.
This is the first question I've asked that he has not responded to personally.
Scotty usually answers questions which he chooses. Maybe he’ll feature this question in his YouTube videos.
Has your question not been answered to your satisfaction?
No it has not. I have not been told of a little-better-than good enough OBD2 Scanner to get.
The only way to know for sure is if someone here has had success with a specific, currently-available scanner on a 1995 Cougar (or maybe Thunderbird) equipped with early OBDII. Anything else would be a guess. That kind of experience would be a tall order even for Scotty let alone anyone else here. You might have more success in a forum devoted to those cars.
https://www.fordforums.com/forums/mercury-cougar-forum.439/
http://www.automotiveforums.com/f338-cougar.html
Thanks for the comment and links! I'll check them out.
I agree with @chucktobias You’ll probably find a better recommendation in the vehicle specific forums, in this instance. All the best & please keep us posted if you do find something that you’re looking for. It may help out some other owner, in future.
….test things like the Cruise Control system, its steering wheel buttons and components.
This requires bi-directional capability from the scan tool, which off the bat will be at least $330. Also, yours has the earliest incarnations of OBDII so data on most scan tools might be limited. Bidirectional capability would be very limited as well.
The Ford dealership told me that the Techs would use an OBD2 to test the Cruise Control,
They had a specialized dealer level tool running in the thousands of dollars.
I would normally give recommendations for scan tools, but not sure the ones I had in mind support what you want for your model year. You are better off checking those forum links Chuck mentioned to see what tools others are using.
