justin
0491d37a2e
Read stored/pending/permanent DTCs, decode with 6.0-relevant codes flagged, guarded mode-04 clear (--clear), key live PIDs + battery voltage, and a 6.0 no-start triage checklist. Tested against a CH340 ELM327 v1.5 adapter. Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.8 (1M context) <noreply@anthropic.com> Claude-Session: https://claude.ai/code/session_016yT89n4zR4qbrySoSiEyZs
50 lines
2.2 KiB
Markdown
50 lines
2.2 KiB
Markdown
# ford-obd
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Minimal **ELM327 OBD-II code reader** with a **Ford 6.0L Power Stroke no-start triage**,
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built for a cheap CH340 ELM327 USB adapter. Works on any OBD-II vehicle for generic
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codes/PIDs; the triage notes are 6.0-specific.
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Created as a stopgap while [forscan.org](https://forscan.org) was offline — it covers
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reading/clearing codes and the basics, not Ford-enhanced diesel PIDs (see Scope below).
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## Features
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- Read **stored** (mode 03), **pending** (mode 07), **permanent** (mode 0A) DTCs
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- Decode P/C/B/U codes, with common **6.0 codes** described and **no-start suspects flagged**
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- **Clear** codes (mode 04) — guarded behind `--clear` + a typed `CLEAR` confirmation,
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then re-reads to show any code that returns immediately (active fault)
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- Key **live values** (coolant, IAT, MAP, module voltage, RPM, load, throttle) + battery voltage
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- 6.0 Power Stroke **no-start triage** checklist (FICM, ICP, cam/crank, batteries, fuel)
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## Setup (Windows)
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1. Install the CH340 driver (WCH `CH341SER`) so the adapter appears as
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`USB-SERIAL CH340 (COMx)` in Device Manager → Ports.
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2. Install Python from <https://www.python.org/downloads/> — tick **Add Python to PATH**.
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## Usage
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```
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python obd_reader.py # auto-detect the COM port
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python obd_reader.py COM5 # force a port
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python obd_reader.py COM5 9600 # force port + baud (default 38400)
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python obd_reader.py COM5 --clear # read, then optionally clear (asks to confirm)
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python obd_reader.py COM5 -v # verbose: show raw ELM327 traffic
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```
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Or just double-click **`RUN_OBD.bat`** on Windows (auto-installs `pyserial`).
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On the truck: plug into the OBD port under the dash, key to **RUN** (engine off is fine
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for codes), then run the tool.
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## Scope / honesty
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A generic ELM327 reads standard OBD-II only: codes, generic PIDs, port voltage. It does
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**not** read Ford-enhanced diesel PIDs (ICP, FICM main/sync voltage, IPR%) — those need
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FORScan. For FICM/ICP numbers, measure at the FICM with a meter, or use FORScan when it's
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available. Default baud is 38400 (measured on the CH340 adapter); try 9600 if you get garbage.
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## Requirements
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`pyserial` (`pip install pyserial`). Tested against a QinHeng CH340 ELM327 v1.5 clone.
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