I've been taking all help into consideration.
I have a 1990 van with 460 efi and E4OD.
It was running in my driveway and warming up. After a few minutes, it sounded like it ran out of fuel, because it sputtered and died.
I can't get any codes from the computer (EEC IV) for some reason. I can jumper the fuel pump relay and make the fuel pump work, but still no fire. With key on, no sound from fuel pump. I think the injectors are cut off for fuel through the EEC somehow, since I can squirt gas into the intake and get it to fire and run, somewhat roughly, for a few seconds. (so it's getting spark ok)
Is there something that can be cutting off the fuel to the engine? I checked for fuel to and from the fuel rail while jumpering the fuel pump, and it is plentiful.
I am totally at a loss, and don't know why the computer codes won't read. Is it the EEC that's fried?
Mark

 

You are trying to get the codes by jumping the plug and reading the flashes on the dash?

It sounds to me that the computer is shot or not getting power. You can check the EEC, but I really can't tell you from here how to. According to my book, in reference to the fuel pump coming on with key on, "If not sound is heard, ....EEC-IV power check procedure."

You did replace the EEC relay before, correct?

It could simply be a ground wire or power wire into the computer somewhere, also.

Are you in a humid area where there is alot of rust, etc? These are just ideas.

If you have access to a fax, pm me and I will send you the pages out of my Hanyes Manual on checking the EEC.

 

Did you check for voltage at both the pump and the relay? As a long shot, if somebody were to have walked by and smacked it in just the right spot, they might have set off the shut-off switch, which cuts off the fuel pump.

 

Thanks for all the help!
I actually own a Ford code reader, so I plugged it into the EEC test port under the hood near the battery.
Yes, I tested the voltage at the relay, and it all works out, so it seems to be an EEC related problem.
Hey, if ya wanna send me the fax for the EEC test, that would be swell!
My fax # is 403-257-5755
I will have to load some more paper into it, but can do that pronto!

I am going to try a junkyard EEC as well, as the simplest test. (hoping that the junker is not fried as well! LOL)
Mark

 

Mark,

I will fax the pages I think that you need. It is 7:50am Mountain Time.

Let me know if there is anything else I can help with.

 

Hey Joe! I got home from work and found the fax. Thanks a million! I will be trying to get it going again tomorrow. I think I need a new digital multimeter, as my analog just isn't very accurate anymore...
I will keep ya posted!
Thanks again,
Mark

 

Well here's the post some of you might have been waiting for...
After I exhausted all tests, the final conclusion was in the EEC module itself. I took off the parts covering the processor, and looked at where the harness went through the firewall... Do you think I could see the other end???? NOPE! Even crawling under the van did'nt reveal the connector, and I need to see it to remove that little bolt that holds the two connectors together!
Well, I was almost ready to throw in the towel on this one, when I had a good look at the braided steel ground strap coming from the case of the processor to the dash ground. There is a clip under the plastic support that holds the end of the EEC in place. that clip makes contact between the metal EEC case and the ground strap itself. It looks like this is the only ground to the unit, as all the rest is isolated. Out of a blind hunch, I grabbed a jumper wire and made a connection to chassis ground, and ran it to the case and held it there. I turned the key... VROOM! It took off like a shot! Sounded like it was just running yesterday! When I remove the ground, it stalls. So, I cleaned up the connections, put it all back together, and tested it over again, a few times. I thrn tried the code reader, and it gave me code 11 everytime, all systems go.
All is good in Canada! Thanks for all the help I received!
Mark

 

Electrical problems, one of the simplest things, but one of the hardest to find.

Glad to hear your back on the road.

Anytime Mark.

 

Running great, yes... Back on the road? No. I have a toasted tranny. It is probably the factory E4OD, but looks like the extension housing has been replaced VERY recently. No moving gears at all, and it puked black fluid all over the place when it stopped moving. Maybe someone threw in some brake fluid to help it grip enough on sale day??? I noticed that it was also over filled the day I first saw it. A friend bought it and didn't know to check the color of the dipstick! I bought it from him knowing it was toast.
I heard 1995 saw the last of the internal upgrades to the E4OD, so I hope the shop builds it to the best standards.
Mark