Hello,

New to the site but have been looking through it for a couple of days trying to find an answer to a problem (big) I have but haven't seen anything.

I have a 1985 F250 4x4 with 5.0 EFI and auto trans.

First I will say this truck used to belong to my father (passed away a few years ago) so I have not driven it. It has been moved around the property a few times (hasn't been licensed since '11) and was driven to its current location. Tried to start it the other day to move it but it won't start. Started checking things on my own first, then started checking this site for help after getting no where. After reading "greystreak92"s post about using the computer codes, I figured I should do it.

Have checked a few things, such as fuel pumps (works but not sure if pressure is good, this one does not have the Schrader valve), spark (seems good) and injectors with noid light (had to use the GM PFI light as it was the only one that would fit into socket) but didn't get anything.

Would rather diagnose than throw parts at it so hoping for some help here. (tried calling the local parts center, including Ford dealership, for prices and availability on a new brain box but was told by all I don't have enough info or numbers aren't good).

I have the Red Haynes manual for 1980-1991 pick-ups and Broncos and "Ford 1985 Truck Shop Manual's but not the Engine/Emissions Diagnosis Manual.

First tried to get a code read by using test lights and then a VOM. No joy. Started digging around, hoping my father had a reader, and found one! (actron III Code Scanner CP9015). This is not working either. The code light (?) comes on as soon as the instrument is plugged in. Doesn't matter whether the key is turned on or not (had the hold button on, then switched it off). The big red test connector only has wires in spots 2 (2 black/w) 4 (white) and 6 (tan). The Haynes manual only lists the three wires but doen't give placement and the colors are not consistent with what I have.

Any help is greatly appreciated! As of right now, can't say I'm much of an "Enthusiast". Frustrated is a better prefix.

 

Can't offer anything helpful, but I can say I experienced the same thing with my son's 86 F150. Unfortunately, the engine is out of his truck right now or I could try again to read codes. What I do know is apparently the early EFI trucks did not have CEL, so you have to use a meter or test light at the diagnostic connector. My code reader for EECIV did not work either. We were able to diagnose any problems with a fair bit of luck and an EVTM, so I have not put a lot of effort into finding why codes cannot be read.

Never seen a 5.0 EFI without the Schrader valve on the fuel rail, don't know what to say about that. The engine is batch fire, so there are only two injector signals. You should be able to probe the engine connector with a standard test light.

Like any other engine, you need fuel, ignition, and compression to run. Find out which one is missing.

 

Some of the early efi trucks like these did not have the test port on the fuel rail. You will find a lot of differences in the early efi systems, it seems they were in the process of working things out when they went to market.

 

I took a quick look at the manual for your tester and it appears that the light can be On or Off when you first connect it (it doesn't matter). Here is a link to the manual. http://www.actron.com/publish/2004/0...lish_16153.pdf

 

try cleaning the eec IV connector and the single seperate wire connector at the passenger side. if it still will not communicate with your reader, replace the pcm and try again, or look up the wiring diagram schematic to see if the wires pluged into the connector are in the right slots. remember that you can only run 1 set of KOER tests per key cycle, if it still fails get a breakout box and install it between the pcm and wiring harness under the dash and check the wiring for continuity. best luck