I just got a 1996 F-159 Eddie Bauer? I have little experience with anything newer than an 1980 ford, I have a 1979 F-150 and 1973 F-250 highboy but this is the newest pickup i have ever had any Ideas, tips, ect...

I will post a couple pics when i get the pickup home and some of the ones i already have if i can find out how to upload them.

 

This is the only pic i have right now.

 

best tip i can give you is learn how to pull the codes ... it's really very easy, no special tool required, and is almost indispensable when trouble-shooting a rough-running or non-starting engine.

 

I have a little plug in code runner somewhere i never really use it lol i will have to find it, thanks for the tip.

 

Not so sure the code reader will work. A 96' half ton truck is OBDII instead of OBDI like most other OBS trucks. Should be a solid truck for you though. The 96's are sort of the cream of the crop for OBS Fords.

 

I have a couple of basic questions: What does OBDII, OBDI, and OBS mean? Also, where does one learn to "read codes" if not from one of those plug-in code readers?

 

OBS = Old Body Style
OBD1 = On Board Diagnostics 1
OBD2 = On Board Diagnostics 2 (1996 and newer, except for the F250 and F350 federal emissions trucks, they never got it)

OBD2 code readers are fairly cheap and plentiful, the more you spend the more you get - Live datastream, enhanced OBD2 for imports, etc. It's the only way to get codes on an OBD2 vehicle. OBD1 can either be done using a different style code reader, or by counting the number of times the check engine light flashes when in diagnostic mode. This is a good write up on how to do the latter:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...an-eec-iv.html

 

I got a 96 OBD2 truck also, if you need pics of specific parts just ask. There are a few differences hardware-wise... only for the engine controls though. Rest of the truck is the same as the older ones.

OBD2 is nice because you can get aftermarket gauges that will read data direct from the computer (plugs right into the data port under the dash)... that's how I monitor my transmission temp. Also you can get a programmer and have your way with the computer... make it ignore the fact that you have no cats, stuff like that.

 

Thanks for all the great stuff I just got the pickup in the shop and I'm working on it changing all fluids and stuff what do you guys run how much ect....

 

What engine & trans do you have in that truck?

5W-30 oil with either a Motorcraft FL-1A or FL-820S filter, the 5.8 takes the FL-820S and the 5.0 takes the FL-1A.

I have full synthetic 75W-90 gear oil in the rear.
Auto trans I have Valvoline ATF. Make sure to change the filter too if an auto. The E4OD is a monster and takes 16.7 quarts if you drain the torque converter.

Coolant, don't remember how much or what brand I put in, thinking 3 or 4 gallons with the HD tow package though.

Power steering just takes ATF.

Brakes, DOT3. Just get all the old crap out so your brake lines don't rot from the inside.

Sorry I didn't see your questions about my post, but looks like others took care of ya.

OBDII is pretty cool, once had a Ford code reader from a dealer for a test drive (dad was a Ford tech). Tells you how long the injectors are held open, all the sensor voltages, engine load, etc. I didn't realize I could read the trans temp though, thanks for that tip Dixie460.

 

I think it is a 4.9l inline 6 with a five speed Manuel I have some pics on my album I only have my phone right now so I'm having trouble uploading all my pics

 

Also where is the OBD2 plug in is, and thanks for all the help

 

Under the dash, just right of the ashtray.

 

Hey dose anyone know what steering columns would fit my pickup