# Diagnostic tool

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/diagnostic-tool/81950>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [October 25, 2013, 11:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/diagnostic-tool/81950 "2013-10-25T23:14:48Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 6\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![emdee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/71c47a/32.png) [@emdee](https://community.cartalk.com/u/emdee)\
**Post date:** [October 25, 2013, 11:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/diagnostic-tool/81950/1 "2013-10-25T23:14:48Z")

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I have just borrowed a diagnostic tool from someone to tell me what is wrong with my 2004 Ford Taurus. When I plugged it in it said link error. When I tried to turn the car on with it plugged in it said turn the car off and wait 10 seconds. I tried it and it still says link error. Idk what to do. Suggestions?

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**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\
**Post date:** [October 25, 2013, 11:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/diagnostic-tool/81950/2 "2013-10-25T23:20:39Z")

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Usually when you get a Link Error or Cannot Communicate With Vehicle points to a problem with the computer.

If possible, drive the vehicle to a parts store that pulls codes for free, and see if their code reader comes up with the same error message.

Tester

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**Author:** ![emdee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/71c47a/32.png) [@emdee](https://community.cartalk.com/u/emdee)\
**Post date:** [October 25, 2013, 11:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/diagnostic-tool/81950/3 "2013-10-25T23:32:40Z")

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I cant drive it right now. There is something wrong with my transmission. I’m just not sure what. Should I borrow a different diagnostic?

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**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\
**Post date:** [October 25, 2013, 11:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/diagnostic-tool/81950/4 "2013-10-25T23:35:19Z")

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If possible, yes.

You want to confirm if there’s a problem with the scanner or the vehicle computer.

Tester

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**Author:** ![emdee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/71c47a/32.png) [@emdee](https://community.cartalk.com/u/emdee)\
**Post date:** [October 25, 2013, 11:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/diagnostic-tool/81950/5 "2013-10-25T23:36:17Z")

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Ok, thanks. I will make some calls and find another one.

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**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\
**Post date:** [October 26, 2013, 8:27am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/diagnostic-tool/81950/6 "2013-10-26T08:27:04Z")

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@emdee

If the 16pin DLC does not have power (I believe the cigarette lighter fuse and the DLC are on the same circuit, for example), you may very well get an error message when attempting to communicate with the pcm