Is that really necessary? I was reading Fuel Injection Technical Library » No Codes? about checking the EEC IV wiring, and it doesnt mention using the breakout box. But at the bottom of this link http://www.rothfam.com/svo/reference...ction%2020.pdf

it says probing the 60 pin connector will damage it permanently unless the breakout box is used?

 

I would tend to want to believe the note on that PDF file - that's a FoMoCo shop manual excerpt and if anyone is going to know if damage is caused, Ford would be the ones to know.

Notice it says damage to the connector, not the logic circuits of the computer.

I don't have a breakout box but I sometimes really wish I did. What you can do is insert a straight pin into the wire you're wanting to test, then connect your meter to that (probably with an alligator clip). Use liquid electrical tape to seal the hole.

But I laughed when I looked at the first line of oldfuelinjection.com's page (used to be fordfuelinjection.com but the trademark lawyers made him change it)....

 

I just so happen to have a jumper with alligators clips on the ends. So now I need to find a straight pin. I believe I have one. Will the probe damage the computers pin? I dont see how barely touching those pins can damage the connector but I will believe it too since it is Fords service manual. Thanks for the info.

 

Don't backprobe into the connector you can't really be sure your contacting the wire/terminal. You need to back probe the wires comming from the connector (and you want to check voltage on the various wires with everything plugged-in). The easiest way is to use a piercing probe. This is a sort of spring loaded clamp with one end that attaches to your multimeter and the other end has a spring loaded needle that pierces the wire's insulation. Afterwards you can put a dab of silicone on the hole. If you use a pin get yourself a box od bandaids too.

You do not need a breakout box. It just makes thinks a lot easier.

 

I can't imagine touching a pin of the computer will damage anything, my assumption is that the probes of meters are too thick to fit into the female holes without forcing them and damaging/breaking things in the process.

One of those probes that Bumkin talks about above is ideal! I don't poke wires enough to remember to get one of those things, though.

 

Another thing that would probably help would be a copy of Ford manual "Volume H":

 

I just got one of those about two weeks ago, along with several other factory shop manuals for my 1986 Tempo.

That powertrain/emissions diagnostic thing kicks *** (as do all the factory books) I got the 1986 version because I have a 1993 version for my brother's Taurus, it's over twice as thick as the 1986 version and has all sorts of wondrous information in it.

These factory books rock and are pretty cheap on eBay.