Scanner to read serv4wd codes

[flattire]

Does anybody know of a reasonably priced scanner that can get to those trouble codes? I'm not sure just what to look for as to specs.

Prices vary from $50 (Harbor Freight) to $10,000 (Snap On).

I would rather buy something within reason than pay dealer prices just to get code.

Do you own something, got friend with one, dealer/ shop owner/ mechanic , brother in law....somebody must know.

[AllanDickerson]

I don't know about yours but when I put a snap on reader on my 05 it came up with nothing for the service 4wd light

[flattire]

I would think Snap On would have the best chance out of any scanner. Maybe factory has these "locked out" for aftermarket.

[azracer]

I have this https://www.autoenginuity.com/ and it not only reads the codes but has switch tests for lockers, smart bar and status indicators. It does tire size and TPMS settings too.

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[RustyPW]

If you want a scanner that will dig deep enough for all the codes. You will pay for it.

[flattire]

I checked briefly on the info AZRACER posted. It looks to be software / cables /etc. to allow you to use laptop to connect to vehicle. While not a stand alone scanner that would be fine also. Priced at about $250.00 which would be reasonable.

Read a few reviews and people had mixed results. Some hated it and some loved it. Going to spend some time looking into it further. Maybe AZ can tell a little more about it for us.

[rbpowerwagon]

If I remember correctly, on the 3G if you turn your key to acc and then to run, acc, run, acc, run, and leave in the run position it should pop a code up. It worked for my 3G 2500 gas and diesel trucks.

[Retired BLM Rig]

I have a Snap-On Solus Edge with current 16.2 software. I can read powertrain (P codes), body (B codes), chassis (C codes) and TPMS. It scans all 12 modules on my truck deep enough to tell me that I'm running aftermarket LED cargo lights. I think I paid $3200, but in my line of work I need it and use it almost daily. Your service 4WD light is probably going to be a "C" or "P" code.
I don't know where you are, but I'm in Southern California and would be happy to read your codes for you, or any other member on this forum.
Some auto parts stores will read your codes for free. I don't know what quality of scanner they might use or if it would dig deep enough. Might be worth a try for free.

[flattire]

Truck is kept in Victorville but I go between there and Irvine weekly. Truck can go to anyplace that doesn't require lockers.

[Retired BLM Rig]

I'm in Northern California right now, when I get back down south in a few days I'll PM you to see if we can coordinate a meeting.

[Ducky's Dad]

If I remember correctly, on the 3G if you turn your key to acc and then to run, acc, run, acc, run, and leave in the run position it should pop a code up. It worked for my 3G 2500 gas and diesel trucks.

When I was having unintended acceleration problems on my '05 PW, I used the ignition switch trick to clear the codes and get the engine back to normal idle. When I took the truck to the dealer, their scanner found that I had braked while the truck was accelerating, and that I had used the ignition switch to return the engine to normal idle from 4000rpm idle. But they couldn't figure out why the engine had been racing. Has not happened for a couple of years now. I do need a new scanner, and the local independent shop recommended a small Matco for general use, but it won't pick up the same stuff the dealer scanners will.

[azracer]

Well it is full featured but has a learning curve similar to how bad it was switching from windows to Lynx terminology and navigation as I was using MPSI prolink before that was very limited. Once you learn the way to access things and data it really works very well.

There are some videos I found that helped some. I also used my truck to introduce the engineer to the Power Wagon. He was in Phoenix so it wasn't too bad. I gave him some suggestions about how it worked and gave him all the information I had about the smart bar etc. He used my truck to interrogate the network and download the data programming of all the modules. About a month later I had a working version of the software to use.

Note: This software is what Ford OEM dealers now use.

You must buy the Region packages to unlock domestic, Asian import etc. You buy it once with your choice of package and it works forever on multiple PCs using the hardware and pass key that are married together. Updates and and other manufacturers can be purchased separately or as a package.
https://www.autoenginuity.com/order-onl ... tions.html

Here are some videos and reviews.
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_ ... oenginuity

This one shows the latest software level an a few features.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRvIwQ_u47g


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[Pit Slave]

Well it is full featured but has a learning curve similar to how bad it was switching from windows to Lynx terminology and navigation as I was using MPSI prolink before that was very limited. Once you learn the way to access things and data it really works very well.

There are some videos I found that helped some. I also used my truck to introduce the engineer to the Power Wagon. He was in Phoenix so it wasn't too bad. I gave him some suggestions about how it worked and gave him all the information I had about the smart bar etc. He used my truck to interrogate the network and download the data programming of all the modules. About a month later I had a working version of the software to use.

Note: This software is what Ford OEM dealers now use.

You must buy the Region packages to unlock domestic, Asian import etc. You buy it once with your choice of package and it works forever on multiple PCs using the hardware and pass key that are married together. Updates and and other manufacturers can be purchased separately or as a package.
https://www.autoenginuity.com/order-onl ... tions.html

Here are some videos and reviews.
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_ ... oenginuity

This one shows the latest software level an a few features.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRvIwQ_u47g


.

This is the software I was looking into purchasing. Lots of features and controls.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

[flattire]

Met up today with ...Retired BLM Rig. Big thanks go out as he spent an hour+ with scanner and looking at other things.

He has a SnapOn scanner that can read serv4wd codes. Scanner was able to detect a bunch of past codes relating to anything but the serv system. Was only able to establish "no communication" with my issue. Scanner mentioned TCCM (transfer case control module) and CTM (central timer module) no comms. Several attempts were made but just couldn't get in.

Also checked fuses, under dash connector and smart bar connector.

My issues are intermittent ....I tested f+r lockers and both worked 30 minutes before he arrived. Serv light was off. Next try, rear worked and not front...and then neither worked (serv light on).

Next up I will check all grounds. Under hood has about 5-6 scattered around , and find out more about TCCM and CTM.

My opinion: There is WAY too much electronics involved in getting these lockers to lock. A couple of switches with some warning lights would have done the same thing.

[Retired BLM Rig]

Just found this in a generic factory manual that I have that covers 2002-2008, as one of the potential causes for the serv4wd light coming on:

"Communication Error - If the cluster receives no messages from the TCCM for five seconds, the service 4WD indicator is illuminated by the instrument cluster to indicate a loss of TCCM communication. The indicator remains controlled and illuminated by the cluster until a valid message is received from the TCCM."

It definitely seems to be an intermittent communication problem between modules on the data-bus. To go farther you'll need a year/vehicle specific service manual with proper diagnostic procedures and diagrams. At least it doesn't appear to be a problem inside the axles, which means you should be able to hardwire your lockers, if you decide to go that route. I hope you find something when you check all the ground connections!

Good luck!

[flattire]

Will be heading to Victorville in the morning. Check grounds as suggested and wiring/connectors as best as I can. Hope to make off road race starting at 5 P.M. near Barstow . Locker testing time and see some racing.

Everything I read about TCCM talks about electrical shifted T case. Where is ours located?

[flattire]

Update: Cleaned and retightened grounds around under hood area. About 5 or 6 of them. Some with multiple wires. Inspected exposed wires there and around axles. Did desert road vibration test while driving around . Light still comes and goes. Will live with light for now I guess.