Looking to buy code scanner...

Don't you love that Premium Care extended warranty!? $100 an hour to diagnose then maybe they'll fix what's wrong after about $200- $300 Diagnostic fee. But more likely they'll claim what's wrong isn't covered .

Let's back up a step, here, Bob..... It isn't a matter of "claiming" anything.... With ESP. we have to get permission to do just about anything.... As far as what is covered and what is not.... we only have to punch the basic part number into the computer and IT decides whether something is covered or not....

Things that amaze me.... guy ran into a post in a parking lot and wanted the replacement covered under warranty.... Another guy had a rodent chew through a wiring harness and wanted that covered under warranty.... you can see where this is going, right?

I realize that there are some shops that aren't up to snuff and evem more techs that are lacking in abilities and/or knowledge..... but you're painting with a mighty wide brush and some of us take exception to that.

The simplest, standalone instruments available in auto parts stores for around $100 are 'code readers'. They will read stored trouble codes, but probably not much more. Hard to call that diagnostics, but if all you want to know is why the Check Engine light is on, these will do. The next type is a real scanner, which will let you read data stream and run on-demand engine diagnostics. Most require a computer (laptop is the most practical). Google for OBD-II scanners, and you will find quite a few, with prices in the $150-$300 range. They are usually limited to scanning the power train (engine, transmission, perhaps transfer case if you have one). Airbags, ABS, Climate Control, Lighting, Door Locks, Window Motors, etc, etc, etc, require enhanced capabilities, usually available in 'Pro' (read $1000++) range instruments. I found that 'Auto Enginuity' offers a Ford 'Pro Bundle' for an amazingly affordable $400. It would cost at least four times as much to upgrade my EASE (which now, after 7 years is getting long in the tooth). But no experience with these people whatsoever. If anyone here has tried their products, I would be interested to know.

My apologies for the broad brush Jim, to you and all honest competent technicians that whose work is worth every penny.

I've had several bad experiences with 2 different Ford dealers where they diagnose by replacing expensive parts (preferably parts that aren't covered). When the problem's still not fixed, they "claim" I needed the part anyway. Now I'm up to $1000 or so and still the problem is not fixed...maybe it's your razmataz...they put in a new razmataz and it's still not fixed but my old razmataz was about shot anyway, and anyway the cost is all in the labor, we might as well put in a new one while we have it apart..and the ramataz is a "wear item"- not covered..and the truck is still not fixed...more diagnostics @$100/hour...

Again my apologies for the mighty wide brush. I have tremendous respect for honest competent technicians. My bad attitude was meant for the incompetent crooks whose goal is not to fix your car but to charge as much as possible.

Some auto parts stores like Auto Zone will check your codes for free.