Howdy,

Came across a breakout box and I couldn't find exactly what their purpose is. Anyone know or use one? From what I've seen they're very expensive and might be useful to have. Any input would be great. Thank you for your time.

 

I've had one for a couple years now. Great gadget, concept is pretty useful, but I have yet to find an occasion where I need one.

 

It is useful to diagnose problems. It allows you to measure voltage and resistance in the EEC circuits.

 

Would it be used to tell you if a computer was bad? Does it test the electrical system throughout the vehicle? It might be worth my while then to go after this tool. It's currently on an Auction and no one has touched it. I think I work enough on my 94 and the occasional EEC vehicle I come across I could get use out of it. Thanks for the replies.

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What it does is give you access to measure all the connections to the EECIV ECM. It does not do any diagnostics on its own and you must use an appropriate meter to measure single points of connection to the ECM. A good schematic and some troubleshooting know how is also required. All said, buy it if the price is reasonable. It does not take up a lot of room and the day you need one, you will be glad to have it.

 

Thanks! I appreciate the explanation as to what it exactly does. I was having trouble online finding what exactly it's job was.

 

The breakout boxes just breaks out the wiring so you can test individual pins in the processor without back probing components or connectors
Try accessing an O2 sensor connector these days with a DVOM
I have a 60 pin breakout box but bever use it (well, almost never) There are instances when it is cost effective for time to get it out and use it
Thought I sold it years ago but found it again in my garage the other day
Some H manual tests are easier with the breakout box installed
H is the fuel control section of the PCED
When reading through the pinpoint tests the breakout box install is usually step 2 or 3

 

Thought I'd update the thread. Got it for 5 bucks so it cost more in gas to go get it than the thing actually cost lol. Seems to be decent quality and everything looks to be there.

 

I recently purchased one [couple weeks ago]. It's for a Mazda but I guess their tool works for the Fords. The cable wire is flat and those that do this for a living will appreciate that. Easier to get past the door or window.

You can do a lot of testing with the meters in the car, while driving, using the breakout box. Sure, it's against the law to do that and you will get a ticket, but many times it's the only way to find out the real problem without loading the parts cannon. All too often, 'techs' diagnosis, is just throwing parts at it until the problem is fixed. Nothing frustrates me more than that. My clients expect me to know what is wrong and why. OBD1 is just too prehistoric to get data from a laptop screen.

I purchased this tool because I have some issues with a very intermittent E4OD issue and would love to see the signals going in and out of the ECU vs just throwing sensors and solenoids at it. It's cheap and I suspect it will be rarely used but it will be nice to know fact when it comes to loading the shotgun.

 

I doubt I will use mine very much but I like a lot of 80's and 90's Fords so I figured it would be worth my time to get one. My mechanic buddy said I will be thankful I have one if I ever have to diagnose a computer and if he's saying that along with many others then I'm glad I got it. I plan on trying to get a foxbody someday and I'm sure I'll have to work on many more EEC Fords, it seems these old fords are getting to the point the computers are failing more than not. Looking back at it I wish I had it when my 94 was having multiple issues along the powertrain.

 

Dang! You all but stole it!

I've been casually looking for one, but the prices people want for them...

Great score!

 

Keep an eye out at auctions. People would be amazed what you could find that goes for nothing. According to the guy who picked that up for me said the sellers didn't even know what it was.

 

I have this exact one I'd be willing to sell if your interested.

 

Heck, yeah!

I'll shoot you a PM right now.

Thanks!

 

So, since I'm a new member it won't let me receive or send pm's. You can email me. Bboger85@gmail.com