BAFX Products 34t5 Bluetooth OBDII Scanner: Your Guide for Older Ford Diagnostics

For owners of classic Ford trucks, particularly those from the late 90s, diagnosing engine issues can sometimes feel like venturing into uncharted territory. While modern OBDII scanners are readily available, many cheap dongles simply fail to communicate with these older vehicles. If you’re struggling to find a reliable OBDII solution for your 1999 or earlier Ford, especially models like the F350 7.3, the BAFX Products 34t5 Bluetooth OBDII Scan Tool could be your answer. This guide will walk you through why this scanner is a great choice and how to get it working with your Android device and diagnostic apps like FORScan.

Why Choose BAFX Products 34t5 for Older Ford Vehicles?

Many enthusiasts and mechanics have discovered that budget-friendly OBDII scanners often fall short when it comes to older Ford models. These early OBDII systems, while technically compliant, can be finicky. The BAFX Products 34t5 stands out because it’s specifically reported to work reliably with these vehicles, including the 1997 and 1999 Ford F350 7.3L diesel trucks. Users have reported success where cheaper alternatives have failed, making the BAFX 34t5 a worthwhile investment for its compatibility and performance. Instead of wasting money on scanners that are “not even good for a paper weight,” the BAFX 34t5 provides a functional and cost-effective solution for accessing your vehicle’s diagnostic data.

It’s important to note that even if your older Ford has an OBDII Data Link Connector (DLC), as was the case with a 1997 F350, it might not be fully OBDII compliant in all aspects. However, these vehicles often still support a significant range of OBDII functionalities. The BAFX 34t5 is designed to tap into these supported functions, allowing you to read diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), monitor live engine data, and gain valuable insights into your vehicle’s health.

Getting Started with BAFX 34t5 and FORScan

To utilize the BAFX 34t5 Bluetooth OBDII scanner, you’ll primarily need an Android device and a compatible OBDII diagnostic application. FORScan is a popular and powerful choice, particularly recommended for Ford vehicles due to its enhanced diagnostic capabilities beyond generic OBDII functions. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you connected and scanning:

What You’ll Need:

BAFX Products 34t5 Bluetooth OBDII Scan Tool: Purchase this reliable scanner online.
Android Device: A smartphone or tablet running the Android operating system.
FORScan App: Download and install the FORScan Lite app from the Google Play Store (a free version with limited features is available, while the paid version unlocks full functionality).

Step-by-Step Connection Guide:

Locate the OBDII Port: Find the OBDII Data Link Connector (DLC) in your Ford vehicle. In many older Ford trucks, it’s often located under the dashboard on the driver’s side or near the passenger side, as mentioned for a 1997 F350.
Insert the BAFX 34t5 Dongle: Plug the BAFX 34t5 scanner into the OBDII port. Ensure it’s firmly connected.
Turn Ignition to KOEO (Key On Engine Off): Turn your vehicle’s ignition key to the “ON” position, but do not start the engine. This powers up the vehicle’s electrical systems and the OBDII port.
Check Dongle Light: A red light should illuminate on the BAFX 34t5 scanner, indicating it’s receiving power. If not, check your vehicle’s OBDII fuse (refer to your owner’s manual for location; fuse F17 was mentioned for a 1997 F350).
Enable Bluetooth and Pair (if needed): On your Android device, ensure Bluetooth is enabled. While the BAFX 34t5 should automatically connect, you might need to manually pair it in your Bluetooth settings if prompted.
Launch FORScan App: Open the FORScan Lite application on your Android device.
Automatic Vehicle Identification: FORScan should automatically begin communicating with the BAFX 34t5 and your vehicle’s computer (PCM). You should see information displayed on your Android screen as FORScan identifies your vehicle’s details. If you encounter a demo mode, disable it in the FORScan settings to access real-time data.
Select PCM: When prompted within FORScan, ensure you select “PCM” (Powertrain Control Module) as the connection type, not just generic OBDII, to access Ford-specific parameters.

Navigating FORScan – Basic Steps

Once connected, FORScan offers a wealth of diagnostic information. Here are basic steps to view data:

Accessing PIDs (Parameters IDs): In FORScan, navigate to the “Table” view.
Select PIDs to Monitor: Tap the “Gear” icon (settings) to view selected PIDs. Initially, none will be selected. Tap the “+” icon to access the list of available PCM PIDs.
Choose Data Parameters: Scroll through the list and select the parameters (PIDs) you want to monitor by tapping the checkbox next to their descriptions. For detailed information about a specific PID, tap the arrow next to it. Use the back arrow on your Android to return to the PID selection list.
Return to Table View: Use the back arrow again to go back to the “Table” view. You will now see the PIDs you selected, but initially without data.
Start Data Recording: Tap the black arrow icon at the top of the screen. It will change to a black square, indicating data recording has started. You should now see live data streaming for the PIDs you selected.

To monitor dynamic data that requires the engine to be running (KOER – Key On Engine Running), select your desired PIDs first, and then start your vehicle’s engine.

Important Warnings and Notes

FORScan and Engine Shutdown: Crucially, DO NOT initiate FORScan while your vehicle’s engine is running and you are driving. During its initialization process, FORScan can potentially shut down your engine. Always start FORScan with the ignition in the KOEO position.
Demo Mode: If FORScan seems to be displaying generic or simulated data, check if you are in “Demo” mode in the app settings and disable it to access real-time data from your vehicle.
PID Selection: Take time to explore the available PIDs in FORScan. Understanding what each parameter represents will enhance your diagnostic capabilities.
Disclaimer: While this guide aims to be accurate, it’s based on user experiences and may not be 100% error-free. Always consult your vehicle’s repair manual and FORScan documentation for complete and accurate information.

By using the BAFX Products 34t5 Bluetooth OBDII Scan Tool with FORScan, owners of older Ford vehicles can gain valuable insights into their engine’s performance and diagnose potential issues effectively. This combination offers a reliable and affordable way to bring modern diagnostics to classic trucks.