Computer Codes
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: North West Florida
Computer Codes
If your computer collects a fault code shouldn't the emissions light on the dash come on? Meaning there is no reason to check for codes if the dash light isn't on. And my high idle problem, vacuum leak. Not IAC. And while I'm at it, power door locks, where can I get parts like the little clip that holds the door lock cylinder to the button linkage?
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,742
Likes: 2
From: UT
Two things.
1) Ford didn't start putting a functional "check engine light" into BII's until '88 (maybe a few late '87's have it, too). In the earlier models, the ECA doesn't connect to any lights on the dash to communicate with the driver. In these cases, the only way to see if there are any trouble codes stored is to pull codes (manuals call this the "quick test")
2) I have gotten trouble codes out of my Explorer (which has a functional CEL) even though the CEL didn't light up. Also, the CEL only comes on while the fault is present. If the fault goes away, the CEL goes out, and a code is stored in continuous memory for 40-80 startup cycles.
In short, I wouldn't conclude that the absence of an emissions light means that running the quick test will yield all pass codes. And, it's so easy to do, that it just makes sense to pull the codes and see if anything shows up. If you need instructions, I like www.dalidesign.com/hbook/eectest.html
1) Ford didn't start putting a functional "check engine light" into BII's until '88 (maybe a few late '87's have it, too). In the earlier models, the ECA doesn't connect to any lights on the dash to communicate with the driver. In these cases, the only way to see if there are any trouble codes stored is to pull codes (manuals call this the "quick test")
2) I have gotten trouble codes out of my Explorer (which has a functional CEL) even though the CEL didn't light up. Also, the CEL only comes on while the fault is present. If the fault goes away, the CEL goes out, and a code is stored in continuous memory for 40-80 startup cycles.
In short, I wouldn't conclude that the absence of an emissions light means that running the quick test will yield all pass codes. And, it's so easy to do, that it just makes sense to pull the codes and see if anything shows up. If you need instructions, I like www.dalidesign.com/hbook/eectest.html
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Bigrigtim84
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
6
Feb 21, 2013 10:31 PM
rckrwlr
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
5
Dec 14, 2008 07:09 PM
