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1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Self test connector not working?

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Old Aug 2, 2024 | 09:54 AM
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Self test connector not working?

I have a 1990 F-150 with the 4.9 and recently got a rough idle and a check engine light. I tried to use the self test connector with a paper clip, but no matter what I try it doesn't seem to work. I'm debating buying a code reader. Any suggestions?
 
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Old Aug 2, 2024 | 10:54 AM
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Great reader for cheap. I've had mine for over 2 years and never lets me down.
 
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Old Aug 2, 2024 | 11:05 AM
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Which pin(s) are you using to ground the STI connector?
 
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Old Aug 2, 2024 | 11:15 AM
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Originally Posted by rla2005
Which pin(s) are you using to ground the STI connector?
I'm bridging the outer grey connector with the inner ecc pin
 
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Old Aug 2, 2024 | 11:25 AM
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Try grounding the grey connector (STI) directly to the battery negative. Seen a few instances where Signal Return (Pin 2) on the self test connector is open.

For reference:
 
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Old Aug 2, 2024 | 11:35 AM
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Originally Posted by OBSession05
https://www.amazon.com/INNOVA-3145-F...s%2C155&sr=8-5
Great reader for cheap. I've had mine for over 2 years and never lets me down.
thanks, probably going to get the wires too since im working on it myself lol
 
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Old Aug 2, 2024 | 11:37 AM
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Does the check engine light light up when you turn the key to RUN?
 
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Old Aug 2, 2024 | 11:46 AM
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Originally Posted by My4Fordtrucks
Does the check engine light light up when you turn the key to RUN?
yep, it lights up just doesn't do the self test
 
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Old Aug 2, 2024 | 12:07 PM
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If you cannot get the computer to go into display mode with a jumper lead, a code reader is not going to work either. Start with using a known good ground (battery negative is the best choice) then jumper the gray/grey STI connector to it.
 
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