Anyone familier with code readers?...
I got a Innova code reader of my own yesterday. (Reg. $26CDN at Wall Mart. Half price of everywhere else). I had used an exact same one a couple of weeks ago that was my brothers, so I am familier with the reading of the codes already. I had to replace my TPSensor due to the fact that I lost overdrive (other post) and my brothers code reader brought up a couple of overdrive related codes, pointing to the faulty TPS for one. The overdrive is all OK now, and no other indications of any problems, or should say obvious problems. Runs great.
Anyhow, I am having trouble erasing codes on the van now with my new code reader. I want to erase them so I can check again later to see if the problems are gone. So I follow the directions to erase. Plug the reader in, its set to HOLD and OFF. Turn ignition to ON (engine off) then turn the switch to TEST until the light blinks, then turn to HOLD and turn ignition off, and then remove the reader. I did this a couple of times and the codes still there. So we had to run out a bit this morning. Had a good drive. So then just tested again and all the codes are still there, all the same ones from 2 weeks ago that have never been erased now. I had 53, 95, 39. Well of course its possible the problems still there, so the codes are back. But firstly, if I erase codes, won't I get a blank reading before driving again, so I am starting over? If the codes are still there, how can I tell if they are stuck in there, or that the problems haven't been fixed?
Then when trying to do the engine running test, all I keep getting is the code 538 (after a code 3 for my 6 cylinder engine ID). Code 538 means the revs are all over the place during the test. It seems to do that with the reader connected, rather than idle smooth.
Thanks for any insite.

 

FRIST OF ALL YOU DON'T NEED A CODE READER TO ERASE CODES ON ANY VEICHELE JUST REMOVE THE NEGITIVE TERMANILE FOR APX 1O MIN IN MOST SYSTEMS THIS WILL RESET THE COMPUTER. THE CAR CPU WILL TAKE A SHORT TIME TO RE-ADJUST THE PRAMTERS. AFTER THIS READ THE CODES IF THE SAME CODES RETURN THAN THERE IS A LIGITMIT PROBLEM. CONSULT YOUR SHOP MANUAL FOR FURTHER INFO. A GOOD SORCE OF INFO IS AT WWW.ALLDATA.COM

 

Great suggestion zayante. I shall give that a try. I never thought about the battery. If that erases as you say, then it will get the same codes with an actual problem. Thanks.

 

OK I went and disconnected the battery for a while this morning. Went out after a bit and hooked it up again. Then immediately do the code reader without running the engine first or anything. Those three codes are still there:
53, "TPS above max voltage".
95, "Fuel pump secondary circuit fault".
39, it said cars only, "Auto overdrive not operating properly (transmission failure)".
Like I said I read the codes due to the fact the overdrive was not engaging properly, I replaced the faulty TPSensor and the overdrive has been great since. I assume that took care of codes 53 and 39 (cars only anyway!).
So I am assuming that I am not erasing the darn codes. The instructions with the Innova code reader are simple and do not work from what I can tell.
Does anyone know if you erase the codes, are they supposed to be gone until you go for a drive again? Or will they stay if not fixed, even though you erased them? This is a pain in the behind. The van runs great, and as far as I know I could have been driving around with these codes for years!!

 

I am sorry that this did not work. the other way if your reader wont clear is to ask a shop and ask them to cler your codes. they will charge a fee. My orginal soultion has worked on several vechiles. Just for you info I have a EZ-LINK PRO PACK this unit works great but cosfrom $364.00 to $499.00 and is very simple to use. I also have an optional feture that prints a great report on the data retrived from the CPU.

 

Still won't erase on my '94 3.0L ! So much for having it sorted this weekend. I don't know why it won't work according to the instructions, or disconnecting the battery for a long time too. Its stuck in memory.

 

I have a last sugestion try contacting ford via EMAIL with your info besure to give them all the information: make, model, year and vech vin# with this info they may be able to answer your question. I hope you get some answers that will help you with this problem. it may be that the CPU you have keeps a history I not sure why but stranger things have happened. Good luck.