Computer won't comunicate
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Posting Guru
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From: Baltimore
Computer won't comunicate
1987 Ranger and the computer will not communicate. I'm trying to check for codes because of a rough idle and stumble when starting out from a stop. Check engine works but won't flash when using a jumper accross the data link. Used a OTC scanner but it only times out and comes up "no data". Any suggestions where to go from here?
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: SoCal
My 87 Ranger is not equipped with a check engine light. As far as I know the 88 was the first year to have it.
On trucks that are cursed with the ABS option the test port looks the same i'm told.
If you're plugged into the correct test port & the scanner battery isnt dead, it should work.
On trucks that are cursed with the ABS option the test port looks the same i'm told.
If you're plugged into the correct test port & the scanner battery isnt dead, it should work.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Baltimore
My 87 Ranger is not equipped with a check engine light. As far as I know the 88 was the first year to have it.
On trucks that are cursed with the ABS option the test port looks the same i'm told.
If you're plugged into the correct test port & the scanner battery isnt dead, it should work.
On trucks that are cursed with the ABS option the test port looks the same i'm told.
If you're plugged into the correct test port & the scanner battery isnt dead, it should work.
I'll double check the fuses. The lighter works. I used it to power the scanner.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: SoCal
The emiss light & a check engine light are 2 different things. The emiss light comes on every 60K miles to let you know it's time to service the emmisions system. See page 22 in your owners manual.
Strangely enough my 87 does'nt have the emiss warning lamp. Probably because of different emmisions laws here in Cal.
The location you mentioned for the self test connector is correct & if you are connecting the 6 wire & the single wire connector to your scanner you should be able to pull the
codes.
The trucks computer/ECM is powered up, the truck would'nt run if it was'nt
What I would do is turn the ignition on & ground pin 6 in the self test connector. The fuel pumps should run.
Strangely enough my 87 does'nt have the emiss warning lamp. Probably because of different emmisions laws here in Cal.
The location you mentioned for the self test connector is correct & if you are connecting the 6 wire & the single wire connector to your scanner you should be able to pull the
codes.
The trucks computer/ECM is powered up, the truck would'nt run if it was'nt
What I would do is turn the ignition on & ground pin 6 in the self test connector. The fuel pumps should run.
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Posting Guru
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From: Baltimore
If they run is everything OK and if they don't run what should I do next? The stumble is more annoying than the rough idle but I think both problems are related. You have to ride the clutch when taking off or it will stumble and stall. Sometimes everything works right and the truck runs great. For some strange reason it seems to run best in hot weather. You name and I've done it but nothing seems to have any effect. Thinking maybe a bad sensor but they test good. Do you know why Ford wants the EGR valve replaced at 60K?
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,516
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From: SoCal
Forcing the fuel pumps to run is just a way to check the wire between the self test connector & the pump relay. If theres a break in that wire the pumps wont run and there might be a break in the other wires. You can do that test or not.
I have 240,000 miles on my 87 & have never replaced the EGR & always pass Cal emmisions. I have no idea why Ford would want 60K changes.
You really need to get the trouble codes from this thing. Can you try a different scanner on it?
If you cant get the codes, testing fuel pressure is very simple. You might get lucky & find low pressure.
I have 240,000 miles on my 87 & have never replaced the EGR & always pass Cal emmisions. I have no idea why Ford would want 60K changes.
You really need to get the trouble codes from this thing. Can you try a different scanner on it?
If you cant get the codes, testing fuel pressure is very simple. You might get lucky & find low pressure.
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From: Baltimore
I'm confident the scanner is good. Borrowed it from cousin's repair shop. He bought a new one because the OTC couldn't be upgraded. I'll try to get another, and a gauge for a fuel pressure check. Thanks for the help.
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