Diagnosing issues with your 2013 Ford F350 diesel doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. For those who prefer a DIY approach, especially when dealing with warning lights or monitoring engine performance, an OBD2 tool is essential. If you’re an Android user, there are some excellent and affordable options available that can provide significant diagnostic capabilities for your truck.
For reading ABS codes on your 2013 F350 diesel, consider using the ForScan app, available on the Google Play store for a small price. To connect your phone to your truck’s OBD2 port, you’ll need a compatible Bluetooth OBD2 connector. It’s important to choose one that supports the Ford protocol, and the BAFX Products Bluetooth OBD2 scan tool is a reliable option that has been confirmed to work.
Beyond basic diagnostics, if you want to monitor your F350’s engine parameters while driving, TorquePro is another valuable Android app. For around $30, TorquePro provides access to a wide range of PIDs (Parameter IDs), allowing you to create custom gauges on your phone or tablet’s screen. This means you can easily keep an eye on crucial data like transmission temperature and boost pressure without the need for installing physical gauges. While you might still need dedicated gauges for parameters like Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) and fuel pressure, TorquePro covers many other parameters that diesel truck owners find useful.
While more comprehensive diagnostic systems like AutoEnginuity are available, the combination of an Android device, ForScan, and TorquePro offers a convenient and cost-effective solution for many 2013 F350 diesel owners. The advantage of using your smartphone is its portability – you likely always have it with you, making it much quicker to check codes or monitor sensors compared to using a laptop-based system.
Regardless of the OBD2 tool you choose, remember to always pull and clear diagnostic trouble codes with the engine turned off. This precaution can help prevent potential issues that may arise when the system attempts to retrieve the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) using a potentially unsupported PID while the engine is running.
