How do you run codes on a fox body?

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I just bought a scanner from Peb Boys for $20

It plugged in to a connector on the drivers side by the firewall. I forget the exact sequence, but the instructions were really clear. There is a way to to it with a light bulb and some wire too if you want.
 
You can search in here under the username

Jrichker

and find his posts where he provides info and links.

Or if you wait, he will probably post that very info on this thread later today.

Good luck.
 
Dump the codes and see what the computer says is wrong…

Here's the link to dump the computer codes with only a jumper wire or paper clip and the check engine light, or test light or voltmeter. I’ve used it for years, and it works great.

See http://www.troublecodes.net/Ford/
OR
See http://www.mustangworks.com/articles/electronics/eec-iv_codes.html

IF your car is an 86-88 stang, you'll have to use the test lamp or voltmeter method. There is no functional check engine light on the 86-88's except possibly the Cali Mass Air cars.

Codes have different answers if the engine is running from the answers that it has when the engine isn't running. It helps a lot to know if you had the engine running when you ran the test.

Trouble codes are either 2 digit or 3 digit, there are no cars that use both 2 digit codes and 3 digit codes.

For those who are intimidated by all the wires & connections, see http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16153 for what a typical hand scanner looks like. Normal retail price is about $30 or so at AutoZone or Walmart.

Or for a nicer scanner see http://www.midwayautosupply.com/detailedproductdescription.asp?3829 – It has a 3 digit LCD display so that you don’t have to count flashes or beeps.. Cost is $35.
 
Puzzle time . . . while it has been a while, I have used the method referred to in this thread previously but I am having trouble getting it to work now. I hook the jumper lead up as described and hook the analog meter up to the battery and the output pin but when the meter is hooked up it reads 12 volts as soon as it is connected (don't remeber this happening before). Anyway, I go to the KOEO tests and the needle never moves off of 12 volts (no sweeping). Anyone have an idea as to why.

The symptom the cars is exhibiting is when I push in the clutch to downshift and come to a stop in either hunts for idle or usually shuts off.

The car is a 1991 5.0 with a recently swapped out used engine and I did have to replace the computer when I did that.

Thanks
 
More pictures...

forddlc.gif


Use either one of the bottom 2 pictures and the Check Engine LIght

OR

Use the upper LH and a test light.