[ChristopherASA]

I've a '98 Explorer XLT with the 5.0 engine, and it stopped running some time ago. I'm a Vet and have to make doctor's appointments at the nearest Vet's clinic 67 miles away, so I need Amy (that's "her" name) running. I have no idea what's wrong with her, so need an OBD-II. I can't afford a lot. Any suggestions?

From the middle of the Mojave Desert, I am Christopher Steele

 

[MikeHTally]

First of all, THANK YOU for your service. Amazon has dozens, all work well. I bought this one in '20.

Amazon.com

 

[ChristopherASA]

MikeHTally: thank you for your help!!!

I like that it tells you what the code is. We think much alike: This ANSEL scores 91 points in my "is it a great product" system. And inexpensive, too.
And thank you for the "THANK YOU." My family has served in the military for 5 generations. I was bragging about that one day in a restaurant, and some guy walks over and says to me: That's no big deal, My family has served for SIX.

 

[MikeHTally]

MikeHTally: thank you for your help!!!

I like that it tells you what the code is. We think much alike: This ANSEL scores 91 points in my "is it a great product" system. And inexpensive, too.
And thank you for the "THANK YOU." My family has served in the military for 5 generations. I was bragging about that one day in a restaurant, and some guy walks over and says to me: That's no big deal, My family has served for SIX.

That always reminds me of the old guy talking to a reporter:
"My Great-Great-Gran'pappy fought with Gen'al Lee, my Great-Gran'pappy fought with Teddy Roosevelt, my Gran-Pappy fought with General Pershing, my Daddy fought with General Eisenhower and I fought with General McArthur." The reporter said, "Wow, your family couldn't get along with anyone!" Har, har!

My Dad served in the Pacific and in Korea. My first cousin was the Flight Engineer on a PB2Y Coronado, flying Admirals around the Pacific. His aircraft (now on display at NAS Pensacola Air Museum) was the first US aircraft to land in Tokyo Bay, taking Admiral Sherman to the signing ceremony. Nimitz was supposed to land first, but he wanted to see all the hardware he'd been commanding for the past four years. Admiral Sherman decided he could be first. When the crew said, "But Admiral ...", Sherman said "I said land - NOW!"

I was fortunate enough to rub elbows with the Coronado crew at the dedication of the plane.

 

[ChristopherASA]

GREAT story: almost enough for a short book.

Another question. I lost the keys to my Explorer. In order to use an OBD reader you have to turn the car to the "on position," but don't start the car. Do you know if you can use a thin flat-blade screwdriver for that instead of a key?? Just slip it into where the key would go and turn it?

 

[MikeHTally]

Doubtful. I did have a friend who owned a '62 Pontiac. You could start it with a nail file.

 

[ChristopherASA]

ok! Many, many thanks for your help sir!!!!

 

[MikeHTally]

GREAT story: almost enough for a short book.

Another question. I lost the keys to my Explorer. In order to use an OBD reader you have to turn the car to the "on position," but don't start the car. Do you know if you can use a thin flat-blade screwdriver for that instead of a key?? Just slip it into where the key would go and turn it?

Sorry for seeming long-winded. I'm just grateful for the millions of the "Greatest Generation" whose actions 80 years ago made it possible for me to sit here in a free country and blather on about some heroes I was fortunate to meet and visit with.

 

[ChristopherASA]

Without that generation of Americans, and British, and Russian, and Commonwealth troops and those who supported them, our parents and/or grandparents would have been interred in prison camps: or worse. THANK you, @MikeHTally !

 

[19Sport]

GREAT story: almost enough for a short book.

Another question. I lost the keys to my Explorer. In order to use an OBD reader you have to turn the car to the "on position," but don't start the car. Do you know if you can use a thin flat-blade screwdriver for that instead of a key?? Just slip it into where the key would go and turn it?

Take your vehicle title showing your VIN, your bill of sale if you have it, and proof of ID (your ID must match the registered owner on the title), to your Ford dealer. they can order you replacement keys via the VIN number. Without full proof of ownership and ID they will not.

 

[ChristopherASA]

Thank you for trying to help! I've been told (or led to believe) that the VIN/key solution doesn't work for any vehicle older than 10 years. Do you know from personal (or a friend's) experience that it does?

And I'd have to mail that info. I'm 60 miles from the nearest Ford dealer and it is VERY difficult for me to get into "town."

 

[ChristopherASA]

Take your vehicle title showing your VIN, your bill of sale if you have it, and proof of ID (your ID must match the registered owner on the title), to your Ford dealer. they can order you replacement keys via the VIN number. Without full proof of ownership and ID they will not.

But I've just written Ford (not a dealer) to get the strait scoop, and will report back!

 

[ChristopherASA]

Take your vehicle title showing your VIN, your bill of sale if you have it, and proof of ID (your ID must match the registered owner on the title), to your Ford dealer. they can order you replacement keys via the VIN number. Without full proof of ownership and ID they will not.

According to Ford, they don't retain VINs after 10 years, the jerks.

 

[19Sport]

Ok, there may be a couple of other alternatives. A lock-smith who specializes in vehicles may be able to help. Failing that, contact your bank and see who they contract with to re-poses vehicles. Re-poppers have books or on-line data access to to convert VIN to key code. They usually have hand held punch guns that they dial the key code into, that can cut the appropriate key on-site. Since they serve the used car market, thus dealing with older model vehicles, I'm relatively certain they can find a key code for you, and may be able to make and send you a key. All that said, if your vehicle uses a chip key, (mechanical key plus a digital wireless coded ID chip built in, all bets may be off.

 

[19Sport]

Ok, there may be a couple of other alternatives. A lock-smith who specializes in vehicles may be able to help. Failing that, contact your bank and see who they contract with to re-poses vehicles. Re-poppers have books or on-line data access to to convert VIN to key code. They usually have hand held punch guns that they dial the key code into, that can cut the appropriate key on-site. Since they serve the used car market, thus dealing with older model vehicles, I'm relatively certain they can find a key code for you, and may be able to make and send you a key. All that said, if your vehicle uses a chip key, (mechanical key plus a digital wireless coded ID chip built in, all bets may be off.

Also, know two people who have gotten replacement keys from the dealer, but I don't know if the vehicles were over 10 years old.

 

[MikeHTally]

There is a franchise "Car Keys Express" 800-557-EXPRESS. They do keys for the local Ford dealership and also the folks where we buy our used cars. There's probably one near you or something similar.