Scan tool for my 2009 Ford Escape XLT 2.5L

Do you have any knowledge or expertise in OBD2 and
the use of code reader/scanners ? I’ve written some 5
or 6 other guys so far on my problem, only one has replied,
could not help much. Anyway, here goes —–

I have a 2009 Ford Escape XLT, 2.5 engine, with a Type
‘A’, ISO 15765-4 Data Link Connector, with the following pins —-

Pin 3 —- Module Communications Network A
Pin 4 —- Chassis Ground
Pin 5 —- Signal Ground
Pin 6 —- CAN + (at PCM)
Pin 11 — Module Communications Network B
Pin 13 — PCM connection – called ‘FESP’ ?
Pin 14 — CAN – (at PCM)
Pin 16 — 12 volt (battery)

My two principal concerns —-

1) The ‘Check Engine’ ( ‘MIL’ ) light has been on steady
over a month or so; have been shopping around for
a good, mid – priced reader /scanner to find out what’s
going on ;
2) Next Spring, I want to replace the CD/Radio ( called
the ‘ Audio Control Module ‘ by Ford ) with a JVC
KD-R420 CD/Radio, which I previously used in a ‘94
Ford Escort —- this unit has only the 12v steady, 12v
ACC, ILLUM and GRD wires, apart from the speakers.

From what I’ve been reading lately, if I needed to use the
Reader/Scanner after changing the CD radio unit, I would
not only NOT BE ABLE to use it, but I could BLOW it as well !
Really — excuse me ?

From the Tech Rep

Here is an excerpt from a reply I got from a tech rep with a
prominent reader/scanner maker on this point —–

“ A vehicle that has an aftermarket radio installed most LIKELY WILL NOT WORK WITH AN OBD2 CODE READER because ALL VEHICLES OBD2 PORT use the RADIO/ACCESSORY FUSES to power on an OBD2 code reader. If you have installed an aftermarket radio, most likely THOSE ACCESSORY FUSES WILL NO LONGER POWER ON THE OBD2 CODE READER. “


Do you agree with this statement ?

After I examined my vehicle’s service manual wiring and component diagrams, I found the following —-

1) The DLC is powered ONLY by its OWN 12v steady hot wire on Pin
16, and has its own SEPARATE fuse;
2) The CD/Radio (‘Audio Control Module’) ALSO has its own separate
fuses (powered by different 12v steady hot and 12v ACC wires);
3) A ‘power point’ is used for a CIGARETTE LIGHTER — again, a
separate wire and fuse.

Now, I am familiar with the VW/Audi ‘aftermarket radio’ problem
( the Pin 7 ‘K – Line’ thing ) —- but I can’t see HOW the above quoted
scenario applies to my vehicle.

If you (or someone else with better knowledge of this) can enlighten
me as to what to do about this, or if you need more information,
please let me know asap.

Thanx loads —-
Chris

I do not agree with the quoted statement. However if a factory scan tool reader tech is informing you that their product will not work, you might want to steer clear of that particular model.

That being said, you will want to choose a scan tool that will not only do OBD II but also CAN. As your vehicle uses CAN.

OBD II & CAN Scan Tools

I too looked at the fuses and agree with your assessment. As for the audio swap I do not see an issue with the scan tool not working.