Pulling OBD Codes

[Bear]

Grandson's 2005 V6 Stang and he got a trouble code of throttle position sensor (bucking surging) I assume he has condensation in fuel (never fillsl tank over 1/4), do codes come up automatically or can we pull them using something like key coding (as opposed to a scanner)? Also do we clear dodes by disconnecting negative battery cable?

[Blue)(Fusion]

You do need a scanner to read the OBD-II codes. Usually local auto parts stores can read codes for free.

They can clear them with the scanner or you can pull the negative battery cable for a few minutes - but this will also reset the learned fuel trims, shifts (if auto), etc.

[Bear]

Took her to Advance but because the CEL was no longer on they could not pull cores, I thought codes were stored regardless of the light.

[Blue)(Fusion]

Nope, not always. It depends on the code. If an EVAP code came up, but after a certain number of subsequent starts with the test passing, it can be cleared.

Another thing to consider is that those generic scanners can not always pull codes from the airbag, ABS, or transmission systems. Sometimes other Ford specific ECU codes may not even show up as I've found. I use a laptop program which can read any of the above codes and log PID data, but it's a waste of money if you don't really need it.