1996 E350, 351 engine, auto trans.

The OBDII port will not communicate with the computer. My shop has tried, and I have tried with both my scanners.

I'm trying to run down a sometimes on, sometimes off CEL, and it would sure be nice to have diagnostics.

Any ideas on what the cause and cure might be?

 

Does that model year have OBD-II---thought that was from '97 forward only?

If not I'll assume you've checked the fuse protecting the DLC? Those have been known to blow due an overload on the power point connection located typically somewhere on the dash---at least from '97 forward.


HTH

 

Yes, it has it. I've used it before. OBDII was required on all vehicles starting in '96.

Didn't know about the fuse. Can you tell me where it's located?

 

It will be listed in the fuse chart which can be found in the owners manuals----I don't have any printed or digital files on that year.

You can also search AutoZone for their free schematics----the fuse location and amp rating will be part of that too. My '97 schematic shows a 20 amp fuse located in slot #23 of the Central Junction Box aka "inside fuse block".

HTH

 

Thanks much! I'll check that out.

 

Not all in 1996 have OBDII depending on the GVW rating. My E-SuperDuty has an OBDII port under the steering column that is pretty much useless, but has an OBDI port behind the left headlight that works.

 

should be the same fuse as the cig lighter. a lot of times phone chargers'll blow em.

 

Well, the fuse checks out okay.

Any other things to look at?

 

Your truck is not OBD2, look under the hood for the OBD1 EEC Test connector behind the left headlight. Ford did not put OBD2 on any HD truck with the old Windsor or big block motors.

 

Well, I'm pretty sure we've gotten readings from it in the past, and the DLC is there. I'll look for a connector behind the left headlight, but...

 

Well, you're right. I found the test connector behind the left headlight. I must have mis-remembered getting readings from the OBDII port in years past.

Why on earth Ford would put an OBDII connector in a vehicle that does not work is beyond me. I suspect it involves lawyers!

I have an OBDI adaptor for my scanner, so maybe I can get some readings out of that.


Thanks for the help, gentlemen!

 

I believe that there is a limited amount of data available at the OBDII port, but it requires a scanner that only Ford service depts. had.