10 Best Ford Scan Tools 2025 in the United States

The TOPDON ArtiDiag Pro is a versatile and powerful scan tool well-suited for car owners and home technicians who want to diagnose and maintain their vehicles, including many Ford models. It supports over 100 brands and covers 2023-2024 models, ensuring broad compatibility. Its standout feature is advanced ECU coding, allowing you to unlock hidden functions and customize settings for brands like VW and Benz, though some coding features are limited for certain makes.

The tool’s bidirectional control lets you test specific vehicle parts like lights and locks to quickly find issues, which saves diagnostic time. It offers 35+ service functions such as oil resets, brake system management, and steering angle calibration, which help handle about 90% of common repair and maintenance tasks. The 7-inch high-resolution screen and multilingual interface make it user-friendly, though it might feel a bit technical if you’ve never used a scan tool before.

It stores data internally with a decent 32GB memory, and updates are free for two years but require a paid subscription afterward. A minor drawback is the removal of certain vehicle adapters, like for Chrysler, so checking compatibility before buying is important. Customer support is responsive and available by phone, which adds peace of mind. This makes the TOPDON ArtiDiag Pro a great choice for users wanting a comprehensive diagnostic tool that covers many systems and services, especially if you don’t mind investing time learning its capabilities and budgeting for future updates.

The Ancel AD310 OBD II Scanner is a popular choice for those looking to diagnose check engine lights and read error codes for vehicles from 1996 onwards. One of its key strengths is its compatibility with multiple OBDII protocols which makes it suitable for a wide range of cars, including both domestic and foreign models. Its ease of use is another highlight; you don’t need to be a mechanic to operate it effectively—just plug it into your car's OBDII port and you’re good to go. The scanner provides quick and accurate results, allowing users to read and clear diagnostic trouble codes, view live data, and check vehicle information without needing a power source beyond the car itself.

In terms of design, the AD310 is sturdy and compact, with a 2.5-foot cable that ensures durability while in use. It’s lightweight, making it portable and easy to store, which is great for DIY car enthusiasts or those who want a handy tool for home use. The display is large and clear, making it easy to read results on the go.

There are a few limitations to consider. While it excels at reading engine codes, it may not offer the full range of advanced diagnostic features found in pricier models, such as ABS or airbag system diagnostics. Additionally, the data storage is somewhat limited, as it does not save historical data for extensive analysis, which could be a drawback for more serious users. Lastly, while the user interface is straightforward, it might be too basic for those looking for more sophisticated functionalities.

The Bosch Mastertech II is a versatile scan tool designed for professional use with a wide range of vehicles, including Ford and five other major OEMs such as GM and Toyota. Its primary strength lies in broad compatibility and validation by top manufacturers, ensuring effectiveness for OEM reprogramming and diagnostics. The tool supports both wired and wireless connections, enhancing convenience when used with a PC and reducing cable clutter.

The user interface is pre-configured to help users get started quickly, though it requires a PC that meets specific OE software requirements, which might be somewhat technical for beginners. Data connectivity is robust, featuring WiFi adapters and USB cables for updates and setup, keeping the tool up to date with new vehicle models. Additionally, Bosch supports the Right to Repair initiative, providing users with greater control over vehicle repairs without vendor restrictions.

Weighing approximately 2.5 pounds, the unit is somewhat bulky compared to simpler handheld scan tools. It holds a decent 4-star rating from users, reflecting reliable performance but potentially a learning curve. This scan tool is well-suited for professional mechanics or serious DIYers who require comprehensive access to multiple car brands, including Ford, especially when reprogramming capabilities are essential. Casual users might find it more complex than basic code readers.