Drivetrain Help with Check Engine Light after Transmission Swap - 1990 Mustang LX 5.0

jglass3

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Oct 12, 2020
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I recently replaced the AOD in my '90 Mustang 7-Up with a Borg Warner T-5 (NEO Mustang kit). The car is stock with exceptions of an off-road H-Pipe (retained O2 sensors), deletion of thermactor air pump, and deletion of EGR. I also removed the 2.73 axle and replaced with a 3.73 (very steep for a manual trans. for street use). I did not replace the AOD powertrain control module. After the swap, Everything Works...Halleluiah...but now I have a check engine light (did not have a check engine light before the swap). Ran OBD-1 KOEO test and came up with a number of codes. After clearing codes, I got 22-O, 23-O, 34-O and 85-O, plus 15-C. Because of code 22, I replaced the BAP sensor, cleared codes and retested. I got 24-O,85-O, 22-O, 23-O, 34-O plus 22-C, 35-C, 51-C, 53-C and 54-C. Hard to believe because the car runs and drives well, however, hot restarts are a little tough and the engine cranks fast and needs a little accelerator to restart plus the car can stall easily when letting off the accelerator just above idle with the clutch engaged.

On the humorous side, I am a retired former Ford engineer. After Ford came out with Star testers and breakout boxes, I decided it was time to retire!:D Any thoughts on how to attack? Will a manual trans. powertrain control module help? Is it just coincidence that I now have a check engine light after the swap or something that someone else has run into?
 
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You should swap to a manual ECU anyway, but more in that in a bit.

the trans swap itself should have generated all those codes. These cars are pretty “transmission dumb” and don’t have any electronics controlling the trans or interacting with the ECU other than a few minor circuits. For all those codes to randomly come on makes me wonder if a harness got yanked out or damaged.


as for the ECU, the proper way to do the trans swap is to include the ECU in the swap as well due to the way Ford integrated a nuetral sensing circuit into the ECU. It’s wired in parallel with the clutch switch and tells the ECU the manual trans is in nuetral by way of the clutch being pressed in, or the shifter in nuetral. This helps with hanging idle when stopped, or rolling to a stop.

plenty of people lesve the auto ECU, but you may get a hanging idle here and there that can be annoying.

to do the swap, you need the manual ECU, the transmission harness (or add two wires for the NGS running to the drivers kick panel, and to repin the o2 harness for the manual ECU. The last step is critical otherwise the ECU can be damaged.
 
Thanks Mustang5L5! It just so happens that the NSS that came with the T-5 swap was defective. NEO mustang offered to send a replacement and I turned them down and said that I just wouldn't connect it. I thought all it did was to make it so the car would only start in neutral. I did connect the NSS harness to the clutch switch along with the starter interlock connector (starter interlock works great), but the NSS switch on the transmission isn't connected. Does that sound like the first path I need to go down?
 
It won’t make a difference with regards to your current issues.

basically, if you are ever clutch out in nuetral and notice a hanging idle, kick the clutch in. If it drops, you’ll want to look into making the NGS functional.

as for your current cel, it’s either one hell of a coincidence, or a wire got disconnected/damaged.

for instance, 85 is the charcoal canister. Did you remove it, or is it still on and hooked up?
Code 34 is EGR related. Did you remove it?
 
Thanks to both Mustang 5L5 and Blown88GT! An update: I crawled under my Foxbody and found that I DID connect the NSS on the T-5 when I was doing the swap! Glad I did because it would have been impossible to get to now without disassembling the entire car! I checked and there is no change in idle speed when in neutral whether or not the clutch is depressed...and the idle speed is totally acceptable (fast idle when first started dropping down to a low speed idle after several moments). I think the NSS is actually doing what it is supposed to plus I think I would have gotten a code 67 if it was not working properly. I have removed the EGR valve but have not touched the evap. system. The car would be totally acceptable except for the check engine light (half tempted to remove the bulb). Would any of the codes that I listed cause a CIL or is it possible that any one of the codes can result in a CIL. Extinguishing the CIL is really all I'm looking to do. Again, thanks for both of your thoughts! With what I've learned, before I would convert an AOD to a T-5, I would sell the AOD car and buy a T-5 car!
 
I think we are getting off track chasing the NGS issue. I do believe it’s unrelated.

I did this swap in my car and didn’t have any issues. I ran the aod ECU for many years without issue, and eventually changed to the manual ECU. Car ran great, although I did have the hanging idle issue (which has been fixed)


if you pulled the EGR off, that alone would cause the cel. Did you buy the resistor pack meant to turn off the cel?
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-...0001&campid=5335821607&icep_item=293035966461
 
Yes, I purchased and installed the resistor pack from LMR. I did that back when I was running an AOD. There was no CEL before or after pulling the EGR.
How to clear codes.
Clearing the codes by pressing a button on the scan tool or disconnecting the test jumper used to start the code dump does not erase the “learned settings”. All it does is erase the stored codes in memory.

You must clear the codes anytime you replace any sensor. The following tells you how and is different from the method above
Clear the computer codes by disconnecting the battery negative terminal and turn the headlights on. Turn the headlights off and reconnect the all sensors including the MAF and anything else you may have disconnected. Then reconnect the battery negative cable.. This clears all spurious codes may have been generated while troubleshooting problems. It also clears the adaptive settings that the computer "learns" as it operates. Clearing the codes does not fix the code problems, it just gives you a clean slate to start recording what the computer sees happening.

Run the car for at least 30 minutes of driving and dump the codes again to assure that you have fixed the code problem or sensor problem. This is necessary for the computer to relearn the adaptive settings that the computer uses for proper operation. The engine may run rough at first, but should smooth out as it runs for the 15-20 minute learning period.
 
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Clear the codes, drive it around getting it up to temp and drive it at steady speed for a while also stop and go traffic, note when/if cel comes on, run codes again to see what it gives.
Thanks General Karthief! This past weekend I did exactly what you have asked. When I first start the car, the CEL comes on about 3 seconds after the car starts and stays illuminated under every driving condition and at idle. I drove city and highway (60 mph steady state for about 25 miles). When I returned home and checked codes, on KOEO, I pulled 22-O, 23-O, 34-O and 85-O plus 15-C. I replaced the BAP sensor with a brand new one and there were no change in codes. Without doing anything else, today I warmed up the car and pulled the following codes:(KOEO): 24-O, 85-O, 22-O, 23-O and 34-O plus 22-C, 35-C, 51-C, 53-C and 54-C. It actually pulled the codes in that order (out of numerical sequence), naturally, with a 10 between the O-codes and C-codes. If you're the "General Karthief", I'm going to leave this thing parked in the street tonight with the key in the ignition for you! :D
 
How to clear codes.
Clearing the codes by pressing a button on the scan tool or disconnecting the test jumper used to start the code dump does not erase the “learned settings”. All it does is erase the stored codes in memory.

You must clear the codes anytime you replace any sensor. The following tells you how and is different from the method above
Clear the computer codes by disconnecting the battery negative terminal and turn the headlights on. Turn the headlights off and reconnect the all sensors including the MAF and anything else you may have disconnected. Then reconnect the battery negative cable.. This clears all spurious codes may have been generated while troubleshooting problems. It also clears the adaptive settings that the computer "learns" as it operates. Clearing the codes does not fix the code problems, it just gives you a clean slate to start recording what the computer sees happening.

Run the car for at least 30 minutes of driving and dump the codes again to assure that you have fixed the code problem or sensor problem. This is necessary for the computer to relearn the adaptive settings that the computer uses for proper operation. The engine may run rough at first, but should smooth out as it runs for the 15-20 minute learning period.
Thanks jrichker! I'm actually looking forward to getting out to the garage tomorrow morning and giving your method a try! The car runs and drives so perfect, I can't imagine that I have all those problems. If I'm in "limp Home" mode, I'm loving it because the performance is great and the gas mileage seems just fine. I'll disconnect the BAP sensor that I replaced, disconnect the negative cable and turn on the headlights, turn them off, reconnect the battery, drive the car for at least 30 minutes (will love that), dump the codes and see what happens. Thanks again!
 
Thanks General Karthief! This past weekend I did exactly what you have asked. When I first start the car, the CEL comes on about 3 seconds after the car starts and stays illuminated under every driving condition and at idle. I drove city and highway (60 mph steady state for about 25 miles). When I returned home and checked codes, on KOEO, I pulled 22-O, 23-O, 34-O and 85-O plus 15-C. I replaced the BAP sensor with a brand new one and there were no change in codes. Without doing anything else, today I warmed up the car and pulled the following codes:(KOEO): 24-O, 85-O, 22-O, 23-O and 34-O plus 22-C, 35-C, 51-C, 53-C and 54-C. It actually pulled the codes in that order (out of numerical sequence), naturally, with a 10 between the O-codes and C-codes. If you're the "General Karthief", I'm going to leave this thing parked in the street tonight with the key in the ignition for you! :D
The 'dump truck' is low on fuel and besides I have enough projects around here.
Clear the codes like jrichker suggested,
You seem to have several sensors showing voltages out of range, I would check the connections at the black and white connectors, the tps and the iac sensor. While you are hanging around the 'dog house' check your voltage at idle and cruise rpms, also your grounds, the one between the battery and the solenoid, and the cylindrical connector below it. I'm leaning toward a connectivity issue.
 
24-O Air Intake Sensor out of range
85-O Canister Purge (charcoal canister)
22-O MAP sensor out of range
23-O TPS idle voltage too high
34-O EGR position sensor voltage too high


22-C, MAP sensor
35-C, Engine RPM too low to properly test EGR
51-C, Engine coolant temp sensor too high
53-C Throttle position sensor too high
54-C Air Intake temp sensor too high


Looks like you have a few issues to deal with. Not all of these trip the CEL Out of the 100 or so possible codes, I believe only 10-12 trip the light. I do not have my list as to which ones do. Usually 34 is an automatic CEL, but the resistor pack should take care of that. I think code 35 is what's preventing it however.

I'd start with a base idle reset. Unplug the IAC, and adjust the throttle stop screw to bring idle down as low as you possible can to maintain a consistent, reliable idle just above stalling. Once you establish that "low idle", shut the engine off and disconnect the battery for 30 min. Plug the IAC back in, hook the battery up and restart. Let it idle for 2 min, and then turn all the accessories on and let idle another 2 min. This will try and make the ECU relearn idle strategy and how to control the RPM properly.

You may want to check TPS voltage as well. Acceptable range at idle is 0.5 - 1.25 volts.

Wouldn't hurt to resistance check the IAT and ECT sensors as well. Do that when the engine is cold. There's a chart around here listing the values at various temps. This will tell you if the sensors are good. Or post the values here and we can look it up.
 
The 'dump truck' is low on fuel and besides I have enough projects around here.
Clear the codes like jrichker suggested,
You seem to have several sensors showing voltages out of range, I would check the connections at the black and white connectors, the tps and the iac sensor. While you are hanging around the 'dog house' check your voltage at idle and cruise rpms, also your grounds, the one between the battery and the solenoid, and the cylindrical connector below it. I'm leaning toward a connectivity issue.
General karthief, nailed it - the sensor out of range high is due to a missing signal ground white/black wire.

If you don't own a Multimeter or DVM or don't know how to properly use the one you have, you will need some one on one help from someone who knows how to correctly use your meter.

Troubleshooting loss of signal ground on pin 46 for 86-90 model 5.0 Mustangs.

Revised Sep-22-2019 to add back probing the connections to test the TPS voltages

A fault in the TPS circuit where the voltage goes above. 4.3 volts at idle can shut off the injectors.

TPS adjustment:
You need to do the testing with the TPS sensor plugged in as it would normally be when the engine is running. Use some safety pins to probe the connector from the back side to make contact with the wires,

Wire colors & functions:
Orange/white = 5 volt VREF from the computer
Dark Green/lt green = TPS output to computer
Black/white = Signal ground from computer

Always use the Dark green/lt green & Black/white wires to set the TPS base voltage; anywhere from.5 to 1.0 volt is OK
Do the test with the ignition switch in the Run position without the engine running.

Use the Orange/white & Black white wires to verify the TPS has the correct 5 volts source from the computer.

Adjusting the TPS fails to resolve the problem:
If the adjustment does not work to get the voltage below 1 volt, you probably have a bad signal ground. The black/white wire is computer pin 46 and is signal ground for many things. If it burns up inside the computer you get multiple faults and cannot pull codes.


Disconnect the positive battery cable to insure correct results when measuring the resistance of grounds. The small voltage drop that is often in a circuit can cause erroneous readings. Since the computer and several other things still draw current even with the ignition switch in the Off position, this is a necessary step.

Check the black/white wire resistance. Connect one ohmmeter lead to the black/white wire on the TPS and one lead to the negative post on the battery. You should see less than 1.5 Ω; more than that indicates a problem. Always take resistance measurements with the circuit powered off.

Check the resistance of the black/white signal ground on the MAP/BARO sensor on the firewall behind the upper intake manifold. The resistance should be less than 1.5 Ω If the resistance value of the black/white signal ground on the MAP/BARO is1.5 Ω and the TPS is higher or doesn't read at all, then there is a problem in the engine mounted fuel injection harness or the 10 pin connector


Clean the 10 pin salt & pepper shaker connectors.
Diagram courtesy of Tmoss & Stang&2birds
TPS_IAB_Pic.jpg


See the graphic for the 10 pin connector circuit layout.
68512.jpg

The injector power pin is the VPWR pin in the black 10 pin connector. [/b]


How it is supposed to work:
The black/white wire (computer pin 46) is signal ground for the computer. It provides a dedicated ground for the EGR, Baro, ACT, ECT, & TPS sensors as well as the ground to put the computer into self test mode. Since it is a dedicated ground, it passes through the computer on its way to the computer main power ground that terminates at the battery pigtail ground. It should read less than 1.5 Ω when measured from anyplace on the engine harness with the battery pigtail ground as the other reference point for the ohmmeter probe. What sometimes happens is that it gets jumpered to power which either burns up the wiring or burns the trace off the pc board inside the computer. That trace connects pins 46 to pins 40 & 60, which are power ground for the computer.

See http://www.stangnet.com/mustang-forums/749974-computer-issue.html#post7490537 for Joel5.0’s fix for the computer internal signal ground.

How to test the wiring:

Disconnect the positive battery cable to insure correct results when measuring the resistance of grounds. The small voltage drop that often in a circuit can cause erroneous readings. Since the computer and several other things still draw current even with the ignition switch in the Off position, this is a necessary step.

With the power off, measure the resistance between the computer test ground (black/white wire) on the self-test connector and battery ground. You should see less than 1.5 Ω

attachments\58312\


If that check fails, remove the passenger side kick panel and disconnect the computer connector. There is a 10 MM bolt that holds it in place. Measure the resistance between the black/white wire and pin 46: it should be less than 1.5 ohms. More than 1.5 ohms is a wiring problem. If it reads 1.5 ohms or less, then the computer is suspect. On the computer, measure the resistance between pin 46 and pins 40 & 60: it should be less than 1.5 ohms. More than that and the computer’s internal ground has failed, and the computer needs to be repaired or replaced.

Measure the resistance between the black/white wire on each of the following sensors: TPS, ECT, ACT and EGR. If you find one that is greater than 1.5 Ω, measure between that sensor and pin #1 of the white 10 pin connectors. Pin #1 is the center pin and is labeled sig-rtrn on the diagram

See the following website for some help from Tmoss (diagram designer) & Stang&2Birds (website host) for help on 88-95 wiring http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/ Everyone should bookmark this site.

Ignition switch wiring

Fuel, alternator, A/C and ignition wiring

Complete computer, actuator & sensor wiring diagram for 88-91 Mass Air Mustangs

Complete computer, actuator & sensor wiring diagram for 91-93 Mass Air Mustangs

Vacuum diagram 89-93 Mustangs

HVAC vacuum diagram

TFI module differences & pinout

Fuse box layout
 
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You have lost a signal return circuit in your computer sounds like. This means all your sensor voltages will be high. Take a MM and set to Volts, turn key on and measure voltage at green wire on TPS. If this voltage is 4V or higher with throttle closed, then open throttle up while watching meter, it will probably go down, indicating the pcm has a fried signal return circuit. Good luck.
 
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Wow! You guys have given me some great info and I'm excited to get out to the garage tomorrow to resume troubleshooting. A few updates from today's troubleshooting. First, everything works......everything, except the CEL stays illuminated. I decided to search the under dash and kick panel areas to make sure I did not forget any connectors after swapping to the T-5. I found three unconnected connectors. Unfortunately, one was for the rear window defogger (convertible, not equipped), the second was for the electric cooling fan for when the AC is turned on (2.3L's only) and the third was for the clutch/starter interlock (2.3L version). So, it appears all connectors that need to be connected are connected;

Remember, I did not have a CEL before the transmission swap, but I understand that I jiggled a lot of wires when I pulled the dash to replace pedal assys., etc. I did disconnect the battery, turn on the headlights, reconnect the battery and took the car on a 1/2 hour cruise at all speeds. When I returned home, I did an OBD ! code check for KOEO and got the following codes: 23-R, 34-R, 85-R, 22-R and 51-R. Note that I got "R" codes while running the test with the engine turned off and ignition on. Since I thought this was kinda funky, I turned off the ignition and tester, then turned them back on. This time, I got 23-O, 34-O, 85-O and 22-O. For continuous codes, I got 22-C, 35-C, 51-C and 53-C. The only thing I have replaced is the BAP sensor, but no improvement and I would rather not be a "parts hanger", especially if it turns out to be nothing more than a ground, etc.

One other item that might be worthwhile mentioning: To get my brand new OBD I tester to link to the ECU, I had to ground the single diagnostic lead to the negative post of the battery and the ground terminal of the tester as well. Otherwise the tester does not produce codes. Maybe this will trigger someone's memory of a similar situation.

Tomorrow, it's back out to the garage to take some readings with my VOM as suggested by NXCoupe, JRichker and all the others. Great to have a group of Foxbody enthusiasts to provide help when troubleshooting problems. Thanks to each of you and I hope that sometime I can return the favor!
 
That really makes a lot of sense and what I'm really going to look for. I do remember an eyelet ground wire that was fastened to one of the bolts that attached the bell housing to the engine...and I remember that it was pretty grungy. That's the first place I'm going to look. Growing up in the 60's, I don't remember this sort of thing...but then again, my '66 Mustang never ran like this Foxbody! Thanks for your continued advice and for boosting my confidence!
 
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Wow! You guys have given me some great info and I'm excited to get out to the garage tomorrow to resume troubleshooting. A few updates from today's troubleshooting. First, everything works......everything, except the CEL stays illuminated. I decided to search the under dash and kick panel areas to make sure I did not forget any connectors after swapping to the T-5. I found three unconnected connectors. Unfortunately, one was for the rear window defogger (convertible, not equipped), the second was for the electric cooling fan for when the AC is turned on (2.3L's only) and the third was for the clutch/starter interlock (2.3L version). So, it appears all connectors that need to be connected are connected;

Remember, I did not have a CEL before the transmission swap, but I understand that I jiggled a lot of wires when I pulled the dash to replace pedal assys., etc. I did disconnect the battery, turn on the headlights, reconnect the battery and took the car on a 1/2 hour cruise at all speeds. When I returned home, I did an OBD ! code check for KOEO and got the following codes: 23-R, 34-R, 85-R, 22-R and 51-R. Note that I got "R" codes while running the test with the engine turned off and ignition on. Since I thought this was kinda funky, I turned off the ignition and tester, then turned them back on. This time, I got 23-O, 34-O, 85-O and 22-O. For continuous codes, I got 22-C, 35-C, 51-C and 53-C. The only thing I have replaced is the BAP sensor, but no improvement and I would rather not be a "parts hanger", especially if it turns out to be nothing more than a ground, etc.

One other item that might be worthwhile mentioning: To get my brand new OBD I tester to link to the ECU, I had to ground the single diagnostic lead to the negative post of the battery and the ground terminal of the tester as well. Otherwise the tester does not produce codes. Maybe this will trigger someone's memory of a similar situation.

Tomorrow, it's back out to the garage to take some readings with my VOM as suggested by NXCoupe, JRichker and all the others. Great to have a group of Foxbody enthusiasts to provide help when troubleshooting problems. Thanks to each of you and I hope that sometime I can return the favor!


MAP/BARO sensor operation and code 22

Revised 24 Oct 2018 add warning about trying to measure the MAP/BARO sensor output with a common multimeter.

On a Speed Density car, the MAP/BARO sensor is connected to the intake manifold and acts to sense the manifold pressure. Lower vacuum inside the intake manifold when combined with more throttle opening measured by the TPS means more airflow through the engine. As airflow increases, fuel flow through the injectors needs to increase to keep the air/fuel ratio where it needs to be. When manifold vacuum increases, the engine is either decelerating or idling, and it needs to reduce the fuel flow through the injectors.

On a Mass Air car, the MAP/BARO sensor vents to open air and actually senses the barometric pressure due to changes in weather and altitude. Its purpose is to set a baseline for the computer to know the barometric pressure. As barometric pressure decreases, it leans out the fuel flow to compensate for less oxygen in the air. When the barometric pressure rises, it increases to add fuel since there is more oxygen in the air. The fuel requirements decrease as altitude increases, since the atmospheric pressure decreases.

Disconnecting the wiring connector from the MAP or BARO sensor will set code 22..

Misconnecting the BARO sensor to vacuum on a Mass Air car will cause the computer to lean out the fuel mixture.

Code 22 or 126 MAP (vacuum) or BARO signal out of range. The MAP or BARO sensor is pretty much the same sensor for both Mass Air & Speed Density cars. The main difference is where it is connected. Mass Air cars vent it to the atmosphere, while Speed Density cars connect it to the intake manifold vacuum. Its purpose is to help set a baseline for the air/fuel mixture by sensing changes in barometric pressure. The MAP or BAP sensor puts out a 5 volt square wave that changes frequency with variations in atmospheric pressure. The base is 154 HZ at 29.92" of mercury - dry sunny day at sea level, about 68-72 degrees. You need an oscilloscope or frequency meter to measure it. There a very few DVM’s with a price tag under $40 that will measure frequency, but there are some out there.

Map sensor wiring:
black/white - ground
orange/white or +5 volts power
white/red signal out.

Measure the +5 volt supply using the orange/white and black/white wires
Measure the signal using the black/white and white/red wires.

The MAP/BARO sensor is mounted on the firewall behind the upper manifold on 86-93 Mustangs.

The Baro or MAP sensor can only be tested using a real frequency meter. The sensor output is a square wave which cannot be accurately measured with a common multimeter. Run the test key on, engine off.. The noise from the ignition system will likely upset the frequency meter. I used a 10 x oscilloscope probe connected from the frequency meter to the MAP/BAP to reduce the jitter in the meter's readout. And oscilloscope is very useful if you have access to one or know of someone who does. With an oscilloscope, you can see the waveform and amplitude.

If it is defective, your air/fuel ratio will be off and the car’s performance & emissions will suffer

Some basic checks you can make to be sure that the sensor is getting power & ground:
Note that all resistance tests must be done with power off. Measuring resistance with a circuit powered on will give false readings and possibly damage the meter.
Check the resistance between the black/white wire on the MAP/BARO sensor and then the black/white wire on the EGR and the same wire on the TPS. It should be less than 1 ohm. Next check the resistance between the black/white wire and the negative battery cable. It should be less than 1.5 ohm.

The following power on check requires you to turn the ignition switch to the Run position.
Use a DVM to check for 5 volts on the orange/white wire. If it is missing, look for +5 volts at the orange/white wire on the TPS or EGR sensors. Use the black/white wire for the ground for the DVM.

a9x-series-computer-connector-wire-side-view-gif.gif


eec-iv-computer-connector-for-5-0-mustang-gif.gif





Code 23 - Throttle sensor out of range or throttle set too high - TPS needs to be reset to below 1.2 volts at idle. Keep in mind that when you turn the idle screw to set the idle speed, you change the TPS setting. [/b]


You'll need a Digital Voltmeter (DVM) to do the job.

Wire colors & functions:
Orange/white = 5 volt VREF from the computer
Dark Green/lt green = TPS output to computer
Black/white = Signal ground from computer

Always use the Dark Green/lt green & Black/white wires to set the TPS base voltage.

Do the test with the ignition switch in the Run position without the engine running.

Use the Orange/white & Black white wires to verify the TPS has the correct 5 volts source from the computer.

When you installed the sensor make sure you place it on the peg right and then tighten it down properly. Loosen the back screw a tiny bit so the sensor can pivot and loosen the front screw enough so you can move it just a little in very small increments. I wouldn’t try to adjust it using marks. Set it at .6.v-.9 v.

1. Always adjust the TPS and Idle with the engine at operating temp. Dive it around for a bit if you can and get it nice and warm.

2. When you probe the leads of the TPS, do not use an engine ground, put the ground probe into the lead of the TPS. You should be connecting both meter probes to the TPS and not one to the TPS and the other to ground.

If setting the TPS doesn’t fix the problem, then you may have wiring problems.
With the power off, measure the resistance between the black/white wire and battery ground. You should see less than 2 ohms. Check the same black /white wire on the TPS and MAP/Baro sensor. More than 1 ohm there and the wire is probably broken in the harness between the engine and the computer. The 10 pin connectors pass the black/white wire back to the computer, and can cause problems.

See the following website for some help from Tmoss (diagram designer) & Stang&2Birds (website host)

http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/88-91eecPinout.gif

See the graphic for the 10 pin connector circuit layout.
68512.jpg



Code 34 Or 334 - EGR voltage above closed limit –

Revised 26-Sep-2011 to add EGR cleaning and movement test for pintle when vacuum is applied to diaphragm

Failed sensor, carbon between EGR pintle valve and seat holding the valve off its seat. Remove the EGR valve and clean it with carbon remover. Prior to re-installing see if you can blow air through the flange side of the EGR by mouth. If it leaks, there is carbon stuck on the pintle valve seat clean or, replace the EGR valve ($85-$95).

Recommended procedure for cleaning the EGR:
Conventional cleaning methods like throttle body cleaner aren’t very effective. The best method is a soak type cleaner used for carburetors. If you are into fixing motorcycles, jet skis, snowmobiles or anything else with a small carburetor, you probably have used the one gallon soak cleaners like Gunk or Berryman. One of the two should be available at your local auto parts store for $22-$29. There is a basket to set the parts in while they are soaking. Soak the metal body in the carb cleaner overnight. Don’t immerse the diaphragm side, since the carb cleaner may damage the diaphragm. If you get any of the carb cleaner on the diaphragm, rinse it off with water immediately. Rinse the part off with water and blow it dry with compressed air. Once it has dried, try blowing through the either hole and it should block the air flow. Do not put parts with water on them or in them in the carb cleaner. If you do, it will weaken the carb cleaner and it won’t clean as effectively.

Gunk Dip type carb & parts soaker:
21hb0QWbOeL._SL500_AA300_.jpg



If you have a handy vacuum source, apply it to the diaphragm and watch to see if the pintle moves freely. Try blowing air through either side and make sure it flows when the pintle retracts and blocks when the pintle is seated. If it does not, replace the EGR.


If the blow by test passes, and you have replaced the sensor, then you have electrical ground problems. Check the resistance between the black/white wire on the MAP/BARO sensor and then the black/white wire on the EGR and the same wire on the TPS. It should be less than 1.5 ohm. Next check the resistance between the black/white wire and the negative battery post. It should be less than 1.5 ohm.

Note that all resistance tests must be done with power off. Measuring resistance with a circuit powered on will give false readings and possibly damage the meter.

Let’s put on our Inspector Gadget propeller head beanies and think about how this works:
The EGR sensor is a variable resistor with ground on one leg and Vref (5 volts) on the other. Its’ resistance ranges from 4000 to 5500 Ohms measured between Vref & ground, depending on the sensor. The center connection of the variable resistor is the slider that moves in response to the amount of vacuum applied. The slider has some minimum value of resistance greater than 100 ohms so that the computer always sees a voltage present at its’ input. If the value was 0 ohms, there would be no voltage output. Then the computer would not be able to distinguish between a properly functioning sensor and one that had a broken wire or bad connection. The EGR I have in hand reads 700 Ohms between the slider (EPV) and ground (SIG RTN) at rest with no vacuum applied. The EGR valve or sensor may cause the voltage to be above closed limits due to the manufacturing tolerances that cause the EGR sensor to rest at a higher position than it should.

The following sensors are connected to the white 10 pin connector (salt & pepper engine harness connectors)
attachments\49009


This will affect idle quality by diluting the intake air charge


Code 51 Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor signal is/was too high -

[color= blue]Revised 6-Apr-2017 to add diagrams and resistance check for ECT wiring.[/color]

Possible bad ECT sensor or wiring. Possible missing signal ground – black/wire broken or bad connection. With the power off, measure the resistance between the black/white wire and battery ground. You should see less than 1 ohm. Check the same black /white wire on the TPS and MAP sensor. More than 1 ohm there and the wire is probably broken in the harness between the engine and the computer. The 10 pin connectors pass the black/white wire back to the computer, and can cause problems.

The computer Engine Coolant Temperature sensor has absolutely nothing to do with the temperature gauge. They are different animals. The ECT sensor is normally located it the passenger side front of the engine in the water feed tubes for the heater. It has two wires that connect by a weathertight plastic connector.

The water temperature sender for the temp gauge is located in the driver's side lower intake manifold. It has a single wire that connects by a push on connector on the temp sender.


If you have replaced the ECT sensor and are still having ECT like problem symptoms, check the ECT wiring .


a9x-series-computer-connector-wire-side-view-gif.gif


eec-iv-computer-connector-for-5-0-mustang-gif.gif


See the graphic for the 10 pin connector circuit layout.
salt-pepper-10-pin-connectors-65-jpg.jpg


Check the resistance of the green wire on the ECT connector to the green wire on pin 7 of the computer connector. You should see less that 1 Ω (ohm)

Use Pin 46 on the computer for ground for both ECT & ACT tests to get most accurate readings.

Pin 7 on the computer - ECT signal in. At 176 degrees F it should be .80 volts

Pin 25 on the computer - ACT signal in. At 50 degrees F it should be 3.5 volts. It is a good number if the ACT is mounted in the inlet airbox. If it is mounted in the lower intake manifold, the voltage readings will be lower because of the heat transfer.

50 degrees F = 3.52 v
68 degrees F = 3.02 v
86 degrees F = 2.62 v
104 degrees F = 2.16 v
122 degrees F = 1.72 v
140 degrees F = 1.35 v
158 degrees F = 1.04 v
176 degrees F = .80 v
194 degrees F = .61
212 degrees F = .47 v
230 degrees F = .36 v
248 degrees F = .28 v

Ohms measures at the computer with the computer disconnected, or at the sensor with the sensor disconnected.

50 degrees F = 58.75 K ohms
68 degrees F = 37.30 K ohms
86 degrees F = 27.27 K ohms
104 degrees F = 16.15 K ohms
122 degrees F = 10.97 K ohms
140 degrees F = 7.60 K ohms
158 degrees F = 5.37 K ohms
176 degrees F = 3.84 K ohms
194 degrees F = 2.80 K ohms
212 degrees F = 2.07 K ohms
230 degrees F = 1.55 K ohms
248 degrees F = 1.18 k ohms


The code 85 is an odd duck and can be put off until you get the current string of codes resolved. I am including it for sake of completeness.

Code 85 CANP solenoid - The Carbon Canister solenoid is inoperative or missing.

Revised 11 –Jan_2015 to add warning about vacuum leaks due to deteriorated hose or missing caps on vacuum lines when the solenoid is removed.

Check vacuum lines for leaks and cracks. Check electrical wiring for loose connections, damaged wiring and insulation. Check solenoid valve operation by grounding the gray/yellow wire to the solenoid and blowing through it.
The computer provides the ground for the solenoid. The red wire to the solenoid is always energized any time the ignition switch is in the run position.

If you disconnected the carbon canister and failed to properly cap the vacuum line coming from under the upper intake manifold, you will have problems. You will also have problems if the remaining hose coming from under the upper intake manifold or caps for the vacuum line are sucking air.

Charcoal canister plumbing - one 3/8" tube from the bottom of the upper manifold to the rubber hose. Rubber hose connects to one side of the canister solenoid valve. Other side of the solenoid valve connects to one side of the canister. The other side of the canister connects to a rubber hose that connects to a line that goes all the way back to the gas tank. There is an electrical connector coming from the passenger side injector harness near #1 injector that plugs into the canister solenoid valve. It's purpose is to vent the gas tank. The solenoid valve opens at cruse to provide some extra fuel. The canister is normally mounted on the passenger side frame rail near the smog pump pulley.

Connecting the gas tank vent line directly to the intake manifold will result in fuel vapor being constantly sucked into the intake manifold. There is unmetered fuel that the computer cannot adjust for. The result is poor idle and poor fuel economy.

attachments\58191


It does not weigh but a pound or so and helps richen up the cruse mixture. It draws no HP & keeps the car from smelling like gasoline in a closed garage. So with all these good things and no bad ones, why not hook it up & use it?


The purge valve solenoid connector is a dangling wire that is near the ECT sensor and oil filler on the passenger side rocker cover. The actual solenoid valve is down next to the carbon canister. There is about 12"-16" of wire that runs parallel to the canister vent hose that comes off the bottom side of the upper intake manifold. That hose connects one port of the solenoid valve; the other port connects to the carbon canister.

The purge valve solenoid should be available at your local auto parts store.

Purge valve solenoid:
smp-cp402_df_xl.jpg



The carbon canister is normally mounted on the passenger side frame rail near the smog pump pulley.
Carbon Canister:
903_AIRTEX%20_pct_2F%20WELLS_7310014_1.jpg


All the codes except the code 85 point to an open circuit on the sensor signal ground circuit. The fact that you had to jumper the computer diagnostic input wire directly to battery ground to get the codes to dump confirms this diagnosis,

If you don't own a Multimeter or DVM or don't know how to properly use the one you have, you will need some one on one help from someone who knows how to correctly use your meter.

Troubleshooting loss of signal ground on pin 46 for 86-90 model 5.0 Mustangs.

Revised Sep-22-2019 to add back probing the connections to test the TPS voltages

A fault in the TPS circuit where the voltage goes above. 4.3 volts at idle can shut off the injectors.

TPS adjustment:
You need to do the testing with the TPS sensor plugged in as it would normally be when the engine is running. Use some safety pins to probe the connector from the back side to make contact with the wires,

Wire colors & functions:
Orange/white = 5 volt VREF from the computer
Dark Green/lt green = TPS output to computer
Black/white = Signal ground from computer

Always use the Dark green/lt green & Black/white wires to set the TPS base voltage; anywhere from.5 to 1.0 volt is OK
Do the test with the ignition switch in the Run position without the engine running.

Use the Orange/white & Black white wires to verify the TPS has the correct 5 volts source from the computer.

Adjusting the TPS fails to resolve the problem:
If the adjustment does not work to get the voltage below 1 volt, you probably have a bad signal ground. The black/white wire is computer pin 46 and is signal ground for many things. If it burns up inside the computer you get multiple faults and cannot pull codes.


Disconnect the positive battery cable to insure correct results when measuring the resistance of grounds. The small voltage drop that is often in a circuit can cause erroneous readings. Since the computer and several other things still draw current even with the ignition switch in the Off position, this is a necessary step.

Check the black/white wire resistance. Connect one ohmmeter lead to the black/white wire on the TPS and one lead to the negative post on the battery. You should see less than 1.5 Ω; more than that indicates a problem. Always take resistance measurements with the circuit powered off.

Check the resistance of the black/white signal ground on the MAP/BARO sensor on the firewall behind the upper intake manifold. The resistance should be less than 1.5 Ω If the resistance value of the black/white signal ground on the MAP/BARO is1.5 Ω and the TPS is higher or doesn't read at all, then there is a problem in the engine mounted fuel injection harness or the 10 pin connector


Clean the 10 pin salt & pepper shaker connectors.
Diagram courtesy of Tmoss & Stang&2birds
TPS_IAB_Pic.jpg


See the graphic for the 10 pin connector circuit layout.
68512.jpg

The injector power pin is the VPWR pin in the black 10 pin connector. [/b]


How it is supposed to work:
The black/white wire (computer pin 46) is signal ground for the computer. It provides a dedicated ground for the EGR, Baro, ACT, ECT, & TPS sensors as well as the ground to put the computer into self test mode. Since it is a dedicated ground, it passes through the computer on its way to the computer main power ground that terminates at the battery pigtail ground. It should read less than 1.5 Ω when measured from anyplace on the engine harness with the battery pigtail ground as the other reference point for the ohmmeter probe. What sometimes happens is that it gets jumpered to power which either burns up the wiring or burns the trace off the pc board inside the computer. That trace connects pins 46 to pins 40 & 60, which are power ground for the computer.

See the pictures below for help finding and fixing the burnt computer trace.

hash-146a243133771eeba54f17b17d721b1f-jpg.jpg


The fix is some careful soldering of a small jumper wire across the burnt section of copper trace.

20160325_234845-jpg.553347


How to test the wiring:

Disconnect the positive battery cable to insure correct results when measuring the resistance of grounds. The small voltage drop that often in a circuit can cause erroneous readings. Since the computer and several other things still draw current even with the ignition switch in the Off position, this is a necessary step.

With the power off, measure the resistance between the computer test ground (black/white wire) on the self-test connector and battery ground. You should see less than 1.5 Ω

attachments\58312\


If that check fails, remove the passenger side kick panel and disconnect the computer connector. There is a 10 MM bolt that holds it in place. Measure the resistance between the black/white wire and pin 46: it should be less than 1.5 ohms. More than 1.5 ohms is a wiring problem. If it reads 1.5 ohms or less, then the computer is suspect. On the computer, measure the resistance between pin 46 and pins 40 & 60: it should be less than 1.5 ohms. More than that and the computer’s internal ground has failed, and the computer needs to be repaired or replaced.

Measure the resistance between the black/white wire on each of the following sensors: TPS, ECT, ACT and EGR. If you find one that is greater than 1.5 Ω, measure between that sensor and pin #1 of the white 10 pin connectors. Pin #1 is the center pin and is labeled sig-rtrn on the diagram


The possible cause for an open circuit and the burned signal ground trace in the computer is a mismatch between the O2 sensor wiring harness and the computer.

@Mustang5L5 please provide a sanity/clarity check to insure that I didn't miss anything in the O2 sensor harness modification


O2 Sensor harness interchange and modification


Originally Posted by 302EFI [/b]

Revised 16-Oct-2011 to add O2 sensor harness warnings
The wires for the 02's and low oil did not change throughout the years, they are all in the same place.
The main ones you need to worry about are (on the harness end (ECU) that plugs into the 02 plug) is:
\- 1. Lightblue / yellow
- 2. White / Purple
- 3. Purple / Yellow
The White/Purple & Purple/Yellow gets looped for a automatic ECU
The Purple/Yellow & Lightblue/Yellow for a manual ECU

Not all wires are shown for clarity and simplicity
attachments\664193\



See http://forums.corral.net/forums/gen...manual-auto-differences-year-differences.html for more O2 sensor wiring harness info

Basic premise to use with transmission swaps:
Only run a 5 speed trans O2 harness with an A9L. Do not run an Auto O2 sensor harness with an A9L. Doing so will damage the computer’s internal signal ground.
Only run an Auto trans O2 sensor harness with an A9P in a car that has an Auto trans. Using a 5 speed trans O2 sensor harness with an Auto trans will cause no crank problems.
See http://www.stangnet.com/mustang-forums/749974-computer-issue.html#post7490537 for Joel5.0’s fix to the computer internal signal ground.
The 4 cylinder O2 harness uses 4 wire O2 sensors. It probably won’t work correctly without modifying it.





See the following website for some help from Tmoss (diagram designer) & Stang&2Birds (website host) for help on 88-95 wiring; http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/ Everyone should bookmark this site.[/b]

TFI module wiring for 94-95 Mustang GT
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/Mustang-94-95-IgnitionControlModule.gif

Complete computer, actuator & sensor wiring diagram for 94-95 Mustangs

Complete computer, actuator & sensor wiring diagram for 91-93 Mass Air Mustangs

Complete computer, actuator & sensor wiring diagram for 88-90 Mass Air Mustangs

5.0 wiring diagram for Fuel Injectors, Sensors, and Actuators

Main body EFI wiring harness

Ignition switch wiring

O2 sensor wiring harness

Vacuum diagram 89-93 Mustangs

HVAC vacuum diagram

TFI module differences & pin out

Fuse box layout

Mustang 5.0 Lights and Radio schematic, by TMoss:
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/mustangFoxLights-Radio_diag.gif

87-92 power window wiring

93 power window wiring

T5 Cutaway showing T5 internal parts

Visual comparison of the Ford Fuel Injectors, picture by TMoss:

Convertible top motor wiring http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/mustang88VertTopMotorCkt.gif

Engine mounted fuel injector harness

Location of the TPS, IAB, and the 10-pin connectors on a 5.0, picture by TMoss:

Starter circuit

Alternator diagram for 94-95 Mustangs.
 

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