Are you struggling to diagnose issues with your older Ford truck using generic OBDII scanners? Many owners of classic Ford models, particularly those from the late 1990s, discover that cheap, generic OBDII dongles simply don’t cut it. If you’re in this boat, especially with a Ford F-Series from 1999 or earlier, the BAFX Products 34t5 Bluetooth OBDII Scan Tool might be the solution you’ve been searching for. This guide will walk you through why this tool is essential for older Ford vehicles and how to use it effectively.
For owners of 1999 and earlier Ford trucks, the frustration of incompatible OBDII scanners is a common experience. The market is flooded with inexpensive OBDII dongles, often promising universal compatibility. However, as many have learned, these budget options frequently fail to communicate properly with the older Ford systems. The original author of this guide, like many others, found themselves with “three other cheap dongles that are not even good for a paper weight.” This highlights a crucial point: not all OBDII scanners are created equal, especially when dealing with vehicles from the dawn of OBDII standardization.
The BAFX Products 34t5 Bluetooth OBDII Scan Tool emerges as a reliable alternative in this scenario. Priced affordably, it stands out for its proven compatibility with older Ford models, including the 1997 and 1999 F350 7.3L diesel trucks specifically mentioned by the original author. This tool bridges the gap where cheaper scanners fail, providing a functional interface to your vehicle’s diagnostic system.
Even if your older Ford seems to have OBDII ports, like the author’s 1997 F350 which had an OBDII Data Link Connector (DLC) despite a “not OBDII compliant” tag, full OBDII functionality isn’t always guaranteed. These early OBDII systems often have nuances that generic scanners can’t handle. The BAFX 34t5, however, is reported to support “many OBFII functions” in these partially compliant systems, making it a valuable tool for accessing diagnostic data that would otherwise be out of reach.
Setting Up Your BAFX 34t5 OBDII Scan Tool with FORScan
The original guide provides a straightforward, step-by-step process for using the BAFX 34t5 Bluetooth OBDII Scan Tool with the FORScan app on an Android device. FORScan is a powerful, free (for basic use) software application designed specifically for Ford, Mazda, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles. Here’s a refined and expanded version of those instructions to get you started:
Crucial Warning: Before diving into the setup, heed this critical warning: DO NOT start up FORScan while your vehicle’s engine is running or while driving. During its initialization process, FORScan can unexpectedly shut down your engine. Ensure your vehicle is safely parked with the engine off before proceeding.
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Connect the BAFX Dongle: Locate the OBDII Data Link Connector (DLC) in your Ford vehicle. It’s typically found under the dashboard on the driver’s side, but the original author notes it was to the left of the passenger in their 1997 F350. Insert the BAFX 34t5 Bluetooth OBDII dongle firmly into this port.
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Ignition On, Engine Off (KOEO): Turn your vehicle’s ignition to the “ON” position. This powers up the vehicle’s electrical systems and the OBDII port, but do not start the engine. This is known as Key On, Engine Off (KOEO) mode in automotive diagnostics.
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Check Dongle Light: Once the dongle is connected and the ignition is on, a red light on the BAFX 34t5 should illuminate. If the light doesn’t come on, check the OBDII port fuse in your vehicle’s fuse panel. For the 1997 F350, the author mentions fuse F17 (located at the very top of the fuse panel under the steering wheel) as a potential culprit. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the correct fuse location for your specific model and year.
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Launch FORScan on Android: Open the FORScan application on your Android device (smartphone or tablet).
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Bluetooth Pairing (If Necessary): The lights on the BAFX dongle should start flashing, indicating it’s attempting to connect. If they don’t, you may need to manually pair your Android device with the BAFX 34t5 via Bluetooth settings. Navigate to your Android device’s Bluetooth settings, ensure Bluetooth is turned on, and search for available devices. Select the BAFX 34t5 from the list to pair.
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FORScan Connection and Vehicle Identification: Once connected, your Android screen within the FORScan app should begin displaying information as it identifies your vehicle and establishes a connection. If you see a screen that appears to be a demo mode, you’ll need to disable demo mode within the FORScan app settings to access real-time data from your vehicle.
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PCM Selection: At some point during the connection process, FORScan may present a pop-up box asking you to select between “PCM” and “OBDII”. Choose “PCM” (Powertrain Control Module). This ensures you are directly communicating with your truck’s computer for Ford-specific diagnostics.
Exploring Data with FORScan and BAFX 34t5
With the BAFX 34t5 connected and FORScan communicating with your Ford’s PCM, you can now access a wealth of diagnostic information. The original guide outlines how to navigate FORScan to view Parameter IDs (PIDs), which are real-time data points from your vehicle’s sensors and systems.
Accessing PIDs in FORScan:
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Navigate to “Table” View: In the FORScan app, select the “Table” option. This will display data in a table format.
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PID Selection Gear Icon: Look for a gear icon within the FORScan interface. Tapping this gear icon will take you to the PID selection screen, where you can choose which data parameters you want to monitor. Initially, no PIDs will be selected.
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Add PIDs with the “+” Icon: Select the “+” icon (usually a plus symbol) to access a comprehensive list of available PCM PIDs.
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Choose Your PIDs: Scroll through the list of PIDs. To select a PID for monitoring, tap the small box to the left of its description. A checkmark will appear when a PID is selected. If you want to understand a PID in more detail before selecting it, tap the arrow to the right of the PID description. This will open a detailed explanation of that specific parameter.
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Returning to PID Selection: If you access the detailed description of a PID and then want to go back to selecting more PIDs, you might encounter an error message like “You must complete the operation.” Simply tap the “Return Arrow” (back arrow) on your Android device to dismiss this message and return to the PID selection list. This “Return Arrow” trick works for dismissing this error message in other parts of the app as well.
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Back to the Data Table: Once you’ve selected the PIDs you want to monitor, tap the “Return Arrow” again to go back to the “Table” view. You will now see the PIDs you selected listed in the table, but initially, no data will be displayed.
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Start Data Recording: To begin receiving live data for your selected PIDs, locate and select the black arrow icon in the FORScan interface. When you start recording, this arrow icon will transform into a black square. You should now see real-time data values populate in the table for the PIDs you’ve chosen.
Dynamic Data (KOER):
To access dynamic data – information that requires the engine to be running (Key On, Engine Running – KOER) – first select the PIDs you want to monitor while the engine is off (KOEO mode). Then, after you have your PIDs selected and are in the “Table” view, start your vehicle’s engine. FORScan will then begin displaying dynamic, real-time data as your engine runs.
Conclusion: BAFX 34t5 – A Smart Investment for Older Ford Owners
The BAFX Products 34t5 Bluetooth OBDII Scan Tool is more than just an affordable diagnostic tool; it’s a specifically recommended solution for owners of older Ford vehicles, especially those from the 1990s. Where generic, cheaper OBDII scanners often fail to connect or provide accurate data, the BAFX 34t5, paired with software like FORScan, offers a reliable and functional diagnostic experience.
Whether you’re troubleshooting a check engine light, monitoring engine parameters, or simply want to understand your older Ford better, investing in a BAFX 34t5 Bluetooth OBDII Scan Tool is a smart move. It empowers you with the diagnostic capabilities you need without breaking the bank, making it an essential tool for any DIY mechanic or Ford enthusiast working with older models. Give the BAFX 34t5 a try and unlock the diagnostic potential of your classic Ford truck.
