Code Reader

Code Reader

Which diagnostic code reader do I need for a '96 Ford?

I purchased a Equus 3145 code reader for my '96 Taurus. I didn't realize OBDII codes were only for pre-96 cars. What protocol is used for '96 and later Fords?

The Equus 3145 is an OBD-I reader. All it does is count the light blinks, so you don't have to do the counting. Your Taurus is OBD-II, which came later. You're gonna need something more like this;

http://www.equus.com/products.php?category_id=1_10_7

Pretty much $100 minimum, although you don't need CAN (Controller Area Network) capability, which might be a little cheaper if it doesn't have that.

OBD-II became mandatory for 1997 model year vehicles, which might be why someone told you that would work on a 1996 model, but the various manufacturers (often it even varied among different models of the same manufacturer), implemented it as early as 1995 or even1994 model year of some cars. Worse yet, some during those years were bastardized hybrids of the 2 systems.