automotive tool needed for diagnosis

[Beverly Riverwood]

Hi, auto folk. My son, who wishes to fix my 2000 Ford 150, that quit VERY unexpectedly two days ago, needs to borrow a car repair tool called a "code scanner." People have told us that there is a protective device in the truck that shuts it down if there is a bad scene happening in the engine, and that we may not be looking at a really serious problem if we can find out what is actually going on there without tearing a huge complicated engine down first. That's actually given us some hope although it's hard to believe. The disabled truck is at my house right now and would have to be dragged out to a shop IF we even had the money to start repairing it at the going shop rates.
Like many people, I am still unemployed, but have a job offer for a position that starts in March. However, it's in Novato and begins at 6:30 each morning, so I will definitely need a truck to even get to work. If we can find out what's wrong, then we can go about fixing it the right way and then I can finally go to work again. (I was laid off in July). We are walking on the edge of foreclosure, and have no funds until AFTER I have worked for two weeks.

So you can see, we are really in need of help from some community member who may have this tool or know where to borrow one and be willing to loan it or rent it for a day or so - or an hour - however long it is needed.

Thanks for reading and considering this. I've heard that help is often seven phone calls away! I'm hoping it will take just one email! Thanks.

Bev email: [email protected]