Navigating the world of vehicle diagnostics can be tricky, especially if you own an older Ford truck. Many budget-friendly OBDII scan tools promise the world but often fall short, particularly with pre-1999 models. If you’ve been struggling with generic, inexpensive OBDII dongles that just don’t seem to connect or provide reliable data, you’re not alone. For owners of classic Ford trucks, like the F-Series from the late 90s, finding a dependable OBDII scanner that works seamlessly with Android devices is crucial.
For those in the know, and especially for owners of 1997 to 1999 Ford F-Series trucks, the BAFX Products 34t5 Bluetooth OBDII Scan Tool emerges as a highly recommended solution. Unlike those frustratingly useless cheap dongles, the BAFX scanner is specifically designed to work with Android devices via Bluetooth, offering a reliable connection and accurate data for your vehicle diagnostics needs.
BAFX Products 34t5 Bluetooth OBDII Scan Tool for Android Devices
Image: The BAFX Products 34t5 Bluetooth OBDII Scan Tool, a reliable Bluetooth OBD2 scanner for Android devices, ideal for diagnosing older Ford trucks.
Why Choose the BAFX Bluetooth OBDII Scan Tool?
The original author of the source note highlights their personal experience using the BAFX tool on their 1997 and 1999 Ford F350 7.3L trucks. They explicitly state that cheaper OBDII dongles were ineffective, essentially “paperweights,” while the BAFX tool worked flawlessly. This firsthand experience speaks volumes, especially for owners facing similar compatibility issues with older vehicles.
Furthermore, it’s important to understand that even if your older vehicle has an OBDII Data Link Connector (DLC), it might not be fully OBDII compliant. The author mentions their 1997 F350, despite having an OBDII port, was labeled as “not OBDII compliant.” However, it still supported many OBDII functions, and crucially, the BAFX scanner was able to access and interpret this data effectively. This suggests a higher level of compatibility and capability in the BAFX tool compared to generic alternatives.
Step-by-Step Guide: Connecting and Using the BAFX OBDII Scan Tool with FORScan on Android
To get you started with using the BAFX Bluetooth OBDII Scan Tool and the FORScan app on your Android device, here’s a simple step-by-step guide based on the original instructions, refined for clarity and ease of use:
Step 1: Plug in the BAFX Dongle
Locate the OBDII Data Link Connector (DLC) in your vehicle. For many Ford trucks of this era, it’s often found on the driver’s side under the dashboard. Firmly insert the BAFX dongle into the OBDII port.
Step 2: Turn Ignition to ‘Key On, Engine Off’ (KOEO)
Turn your vehicle’s ignition key to the “ON” position, but do not start the engine. This is known as KOEO (Key On, Engine Off) mode. Once the ignition is on, check the BAFX dongle for a red indicator light. If the light doesn’t illuminate, you may need to check your vehicle’s OBDII port fuse. In the example of a ’97 Ford F350, the relevant fuse was F17 in the fuse panel under the steering wheel.
Step 3: Launch the FORScan App on Your Android Device
Open the FORScan app on your Android phone or tablet. At this point, the lights on the BAFX dongle should begin to flash, indicating it’s attempting to connect. If they don’t flash, ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your Android device and that it’s paired with the BAFX tool if necessary (though often pairing is automatic).
Once connected, your Android screen within the FORScan app should start displaying vehicle identification and setup information. If you see a demo mode screen instead, navigate to the app’s settings and disable demo mode to access real-time data.
At this stage, FORScan is connected to your vehicle’s computer (PCM) via the BAFX dongle. Since you are in KOEO mode, you can now access static data that doesn’t require the engine to be running.
Step 4: Navigate to the ‘Table’ View and Select PIDs
Within FORScan, select the ‘Table’ option. You’ll notice a black arrow at the top of the screen, indicating no data recording yet. You’ll also see a gear icon, which leads to PID (Parameter IDs) selection. Tap the gear icon to choose which data parameters you want to monitor.
You might encounter a pop-up asking you to select between “PCM” and “OBDII.” Choose “PCM” for Ford-specific data.
Step 5: Select Desired PIDs
Tap the “+” icon to access the list of available PCM PIDs. Scroll through the list and select the parameters you want to view by ticking the checkbox next to each description. For a detailed explanation of each PID, tap the arrow to the right of the description. If you encounter an error message like “You must complete the operation” when returning from the detail view, simply use your Android device’s back arrow to navigate back to the PID selection screen.
Once you have selected your desired PIDs, use the back arrow again to return to the screen displaying your chosen PIDs, but still without live data.
Step 6: Start Data Recording
Finally, tap the black arrow icon. It will transform into a black square, signaling that FORScan is now actively recording and displaying live data from the PIDs you selected.
Important Note for Dynamic Data (KOER): If you wish to view dynamic data that requires the engine to be running (KOER – Key On, Engine Running), first select your desired PIDs using the steps above before starting your engine. Then, start the engine to begin monitoring dynamic parameters.
Critical Warning:
WARNING: Do not, under any circumstances, initiate FORScan while your vehicle is in motion or with the engine running. During its initialization process, FORScan may unexpectedly shut down your engine. Always ensure your vehicle is stationary and the engine is off when starting or configuring FORScan.
Image: A warning icon to highlight the crucial safety advice against running FORScan while driving.
Conclusion: A Reliable Diagnostic Tool for Ford Owners
The BAFX Products 34t5 Bluetooth OBDII Scan Tool, paired with the FORScan app on your Android device, provides a robust and user-friendly diagnostic solution, especially for owners of older Ford vehicles where generic OBDII scanners often fail. Its reliable Bluetooth connection and compatibility with FORScan make it an invaluable tool for DIY mechanics and anyone wanting to understand their vehicle’s health better. If you’ve been frustrated with OBDII scan tool compatibility, the BAFX scanner is definitely worth considering for its proven performance and ease of use.
If you have any questions about using the BAFX OBDII scan tool or FORScan, don’t hesitate to ask! While this guide is based on the best available information, practical experience may vary, and community knowledge is always valuable.
