# ford-obd

Minimal **ELM327 OBD-II code reader** with a **Ford 6.0L Power Stroke no-start triage**,
built for a cheap CH340 ELM327 USB adapter. Works on any OBD-II vehicle for generic
codes/PIDs; the triage notes are 6.0-specific.

Created as a stopgap while [forscan.org](https://forscan.org) was offline — it covers
reading/clearing codes and the basics, not Ford-enhanced diesel PIDs (see Scope below).

## Features

- Read **stored** (mode 03), **pending** (mode 07), **permanent** (mode 0A) DTCs
- Decode P/C/B/U codes, with common **6.0 codes** described and **no-start suspects flagged**
- **Clear** codes (mode 04) — guarded behind `--clear` + a typed `CLEAR` confirmation,
  then re-reads to show any code that returns immediately (active fault)
- Key **live values** (coolant, IAT, MAP, module voltage, RPM, load, throttle) + battery voltage
- 6.0 Power Stroke **no-start triage** checklist (FICM, ICP, cam/crank, batteries, fuel)

## Setup (Windows)

1. Install the CH340 driver (WCH `CH341SER`) so the adapter appears as
   `USB-SERIAL CH340 (COMx)` in Device Manager → Ports.
2. Install Python from <https://www.python.org/downloads/> — tick **Add Python to PATH**.

## Usage

```
python obd_reader.py                # auto-detect the COM port
python obd_reader.py COM5           # force a port
python obd_reader.py COM5 9600      # force port + baud (default 38400)
python obd_reader.py COM5 --clear   # read, then optionally clear (asks to confirm)
python obd_reader.py COM5 -v        # verbose: show raw ELM327 traffic
```

Or just double-click **`RUN_OBD.bat`** on Windows (auto-installs `pyserial`).

On the truck: plug into the OBD port under the dash, key to **RUN** (engine off is fine
for codes), then run the tool.

## Scope / honesty

A generic ELM327 reads standard OBD-II only: codes, generic PIDs, port voltage. It does
**not** read Ford-enhanced diesel PIDs (ICP, FICM main/sync voltage, IPR%) — those need
FORScan. For FICM/ICP numbers, measure at the FICM with a meter, or use FORScan when it's
available. Default baud is 38400 (measured on the CH340 adapter); try 9600 if you get garbage.

## Requirements

`pyserial` (`pip install pyserial`). Tested against a QinHeng CH340 ELM327 v1.5 clone.