Are you struggling to find a reliable OBDII scan tool that works with your older Ford vehicle and Android device? Many budget-friendly OBDII dongles fail to connect with vehicles manufactured before 1999, leaving you in the dark when it comes to diagnosing car troubles. However, the BAFX Products 34t5 Bluetooth Obdii Scan Tool For Android Devices emerges as a dependable and affordable solution, especially for those with older Ford trucks. This scan tool has proven to be effective where cheaper alternatives fall short, providing a valuable tool for vehicle diagnostics right in the palm of your hand.
For owners of older Ford models, particularly those pre-OBDII compliant but equipped with an OBDII Data Link Connector (DLC), the BAFX 34t5 offers a bridge to modern vehicle diagnostics. Even if your vehicle has a tag suggesting non-compliance, like the 1997 F350 mentioned, this tool can still access and interpret many OBDII functions. This means you can utilize the power of Android-based apps like FORscan to read trouble codes, monitor engine parameters, and gain insights into your vehicle’s health without breaking the bank.
Setting Up Your BAFX 34t5 with FORscan: A Step-by-Step Guide
Getting started with the BAFX 34t5 Bluetooth OBDII scanner and FORscan on your Android device is straightforward. Follow these steps to connect and begin diagnosing your vehicle:
Step 1: Connect the BAFX Dongle
Locate the OBDII DLC port in your vehicle. For many vehicles, it’s often found under the dashboard on the driver’s side. Insert the BAFX 34t5 Bluetooth OBDII dongle securely into this port.
Step 2: Turn Ignition ON (KOEO – Key On Engine Off)
Turn your vehicle’s ignition to the “ON” position, but do not start the engine. This mode, known as Key On Engine Off (KOEO), powers up the vehicle’s computer systems without the engine running. Once connected, a red light should illuminate on the BAFX dongle. If it doesn’t, check your vehicle’s fuse box. For example, in a 1997 Ford F350, fuse F17 (located under the steering wheel) is relevant.
Step 3: Launch FORscan and Bluetooth Pairing
Open the FORscan app on your Android device. The lights on the BAFX dongle should start flashing, indicating it’s attempting to connect. If they don’t flash, you might need to manually pair the devices via your Android device’s Bluetooth settings. Navigate to your device settings, turn Bluetooth on, and search for available devices. Select the BAFX tool to pair.
Once paired and FORscan is running, your Android screen should begin displaying vehicle identification information and setup details. If you encounter a demo mode screen, disable it in the FORscan settings to access real-time data. At this stage, FORscan is communicating with the dongle and your vehicle’s Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
Step 4: Navigating FORscan – Table and PIDs
Within FORscan, select the “Table” option. You’ll notice icons at the top of the screen:
- A black arrow (initially): Indicates data recording is off. It will change to a black square when recording.
- A gear icon: Access this to view selected Parameter IDs (PIDs). Initially, no PIDs are selected.
- “D” icon: Toggles between Demo and Real data modes. An “X” in the “D” signifies Real data mode.
Select the gear icon to view PIDs. You might encounter a pop-up asking you to select “PCM” or “OBDII.” Choose “PCM” for accessing your vehicle’s specific parameters.
Step 5-9: PID Selection and Data Recording
Tap the “+” icon to view a list of available PCM PIDs. These are the various parameters your vehicle’s computer monitors. Select the PIDs you want to observe by checking the boxes beside their descriptions. For detailed information about a specific PID, tap the arrow to the right of its description. If you access PID details and get an error like “You must complete the operation,” simply use your Android’s back arrow to return to the PID selection screen.
After selecting your desired PIDs, use the back arrow to return to the “Table” view. You will now see the selected PIDs listed, but without live data yet. To start real-time data streaming, tap the black arrow icon. It will transform into a black square, signaling that data recording is active and live values for your chosen PIDs are being displayed.
To monitor dynamic data (requiring the engine to be running – KOER – Key On Engine Running), first select your PIDs as described, then start your vehicle’s engine.
Important Safety Warning
WARNING: Never initiate FORscan while your vehicle’s engine is running or while driving. During its initialization process, FORscan can unexpectedly shut down your engine. Always ensure your engine is off before starting or configuring the FORscan application.
Conclusion
The BAFX Products 34t5 Bluetooth OBDII Scan Tool for Android Devices offers a robust and cost-effective diagnostic solution, particularly beneficial for owners of older Ford vehicles. Its compatibility with Android and user-friendly apps like FORscan makes vehicle diagnostics accessible and convenient. While other scan tools may fail to connect, the BAFX 34t5 stands out as a reliable choice for reading your vehicle’s data and understanding its condition. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or a car owner looking to understand your vehicle better, the BAFX 34t5 is a valuable tool to have in your arsenal.
