Cheap code reader won't link up

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Bolt snapper

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More than anything, I'm wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience. I have the absolute cheapest, Walmart code reader you can buy. I've used it on numerous vehicles and have never had a problem with it reading OBDII codes. But it won't work with my '04 Expedition. It says "Linking to Vehicle | SAE J1850 PWM | Waiting for vehicle to respond". The progress bar is about 1/3 of the way across. It never errors out, just stays like this.

I'm assuming I have power to the connector (and I've checked fuse #41). Is it just the cheap reader, or is there something else I should be checking? I've only had the Expedition for two weeks and driven it about 500 miles, but yesterday I got a 'Service Engine Soon' light.
 
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Bolt snapper

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I'm pretty sure the issue is with my reader. I took it to the local parts store and their reader was able to pull the code. Can anyone suggest a very inexpensive code reader that will work with this vehicle? It was manufactured in 11/03, so it doesn't look like it is CAN protocol (according to the link above)
 
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Bolt snapper said:
I'm pretty sure the issue is with my reader. I took it to the local parts store and their reader was able to pull the code. Can anyone suggest a very inexpensive code reader that will work with this vehicle? It was manufactured in 11/03, so it doesn't look like it is CAN protocol (according to the link above)
Click to expand...

Bluetooth ELM327 clones (needs a smartphone and a free app to work... Torque Lite, for example, on Android....no clue whats what with Apples)

$8 - 12 on Amazon

Can recommend "Panlong" brand, mine has lasted for years and worked on multiple vehicles. I just leave it plugged in, always.

Just search "panlong elm327" ... its the blue thingie shows up as first match. 11 bucks and free one day shipping, at least in my area
 
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Adieu said:
Bluetooth ELM327 clones (needs a smartphone and a free app to work... Torque Lite, for example, on Android....no clue whats what with Apples)
Click to expand...

Unfortunately, I have an iPhone. It sure looks as if there are more and better (and cheaper) options for Android. Any suggestions for iPhone?
 
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I use https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00W0SDLRY/ paired with iPhone to the free version of the app inCarDoc . It works well, but I can't compare to others as it's the only one I've used that pairs to a phone. If I need more data, I borrow a friend's dad's SnapOn.

p.s. it would be nice if it was bluetooth instead of wifi, as my phone tries to send internet packets to the OBD2 reader; meaning I can't google search the MIL's while connected
 
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