Does anyone know of a relatively inexpensive way
to read the codes off a 2001 Ford Taurus and 1998 Ford Windstar?

thanks.

AutoZone does it for free.

You can buy an error code reader from Autozone too

You can buy an error code reader from Autozone too

Not sure how much different that is from the ECC-IV, but I pull codes with a paper clip and my check engine light.

Pete

Not sure how much different that is from the ECC-IV, but I pull codes with a paper clip and my check engine light.

Pete

Anything sold in the US from 1996 and newer uses the OBD-II protocol, the paperclip method will not work with either of this thread's vehicles.

The tool Autozone has can read the generic OBD-II codes, but possibly not any manufacturer specific codes (P1xxx codes) or transmission, ABS, or SRS codes. For most codes, it will work just fine. Just be aware that if you have a check engine light but no code is displayed on the tool, it may be related to the transmission. The ABS and SRS systems will typically cause a light other than the CEL to illuminate.

Don't forget to make sure the fuel cap is tight. :)

-Rod

Not sure how much different that is from the ECC-IV, but I pull codes with a paper clip and my check engine light.

Pete

You cannot do that anymore with the On Board Diag II computers.

I have some advice,stay away from AutoZone(really called AutoJunk).They are about 99.9% wrong and are not trained about computer stuff.I would not trust them since they are paid about $5.00 an hour.I know one case of that.A 1996 or 1997 Taurus,Customer took it to AutoZone to get the codes checked and it was a cam sensor.The person that checked the codes said it was just the cam sensor,WRONG!The cam sensor was torn up because the synchro was bad also,the shaft was bent and this is a common problem.The only place to get the synchro is from the dealer and is about $150.

I have some advice,stay away from AutoZone(really called AutoJunk).They are about 99.9% wrong and are not trained about computer stuff.I would not trust them since they are paid about $5.00 an hour.I know one case of that.A 1996 or 1997 Taurus,Customer took it to AutoZone to get the codes checked and it was a cam sensor.The person that checked the codes said it was just the cam sensor,WRONG!The cam sensor was torn up because the synchro was bad also,the shaft was bent and this is a common problem.The only place to get the synchro is from the dealer and is about $150.

I think you are a bit harsh on the Autozone person. They just read the code from the reader, they do not do any further diagnostics than the software allows. That is a mechanics job. I had the code read myself at Autozone. I then when home a took off the sensor and discovered that both the sensor and synchronizer were damaged. My interpretation of the situation was that the sensor magnet broke off the plastic case and fell into the rotating synchronizer and bent its vane. Thus I replaced both, but did not think the Autozone salesperson was at fault for anything. The diagnostic was good in that I was pointed to exactly the right location to start the repair.

I talk bad about AutoZone.They sell junk,cheap parts and should be shut down for good.I remember one case,A customer my father's brought his Chevy 4x4 truck for a miss.Some moron put on cheap plug wires from AutoZone and my father threw them away.He put a very good,high quality set from Carquest on and the miss was gone.Their alternators and starters are JUNK,I have heard of people replacing them 3 or more times.I replaced a fuel pump in a Dodge Stratus about a year ago,the fuel pump was from AutoZone and it was junk(typical AutoZone part).

Don't bother buying one. Take it to Autozone even though some have posted not to go there but they will tell you the code for free. Some do know what the codes mean, some don't. Sometimes the code is very clear in what it is.

Autozone sells more then one brand parts. When you call for a price, they give you 'their' price, for their parts. Ask what other brand they have and the price for that.

Cheap parts are not the way to go.I gaurentee the part will be replaced 3 or more times.Putting on a high quality part from Carquest,Napa,AutoValue,etc,it is done once. AutoZone must Idiots working there.I heard this,a person asked something about their charging system not working.What was that Idiot's answer who works at AutoZone,put a second battery in it.

wafredrick, Please, enough already! Start a separate thread or better yet, get on another forum. This thread started out as a simple request for code reading and you have single-handedly diverted it to a rambling dissertation of how-many-cases-can-I-make-up to badmouth Autozone.

I have seen dozens and dozens of examples where people suggest getting codes read at Autozone. You are the only one that seems to badmouth the place and have dozens of "I heard about this guy" stories.

You have been a frequent contributor of useful info to this forum but I cannot remember such a set of responses as these from you.