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We're working on an 85 E Series Van and are having trouble pulling the codes. The light doesn't flash but stays lit. I have two wires laying next to the diagnostic port one is green the other is black. I checked the schematic and there is no indication of the color to know which one to jump. It has been 30+ years since I've seen one of these and was wondering if anyone remembers. I didn't see an E-Series forum here but suspect it is very similar to other models.
I initially jumped the black wire in but no change. No flashes.
The light you are seeing is most likely not the check engine light. It's an emissions light that you reset from a module under the dash. I do not know the particulars, but maybe you can do a search and find out more about it. You have a very early system since it's 1985, so it's a little different than the later models. Most early models had no check engine light.
There is a E Series area here https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum128/
But I dont know how much traffic it gets and I would say you are right that the pickup is going to be the same.
Now I dont know how to go pulling codes as my truck, 81 F100, dose not have a computer to pull from, but someone should be by to help.
So you have a 85 E??? what motor / trans and is it doing something it should not or just the light?
If just the light I want to say from reading posts that light dose not mean there is anything wrong but is a reminder to have the system checked over (spend money at dealer).
If that light is on the pickup's, check engine?, I am pretty sure that is what it did unlike on modern cars / trucks.
Then again I could be all wrong and sorry for that. Think as this as a bump to the top.
Dave ----
The right way to reset the Extended Useful Life Sensor per Ford:
To find the module:
It is a little black plastic module behind the dashboard located on a metal bracket between the steering column and the windshield wiper switch. Looks about 1 inch wide, 2 inches tall, and connector on the top. It is solidly mounted to a bracket with a couple of screws, so it can be removed to make things easier.
To see it, you will need to rig the door so that the dome lights/foot lights do not come on - if you don't you will look right into a burning lamp.
Take a flashlight and hand mirror to find it. With the mirror up under dashboard on left side of steering column, shine light into mirror toward the backside of panel.. You should see the module. You will not see any hole or reset label on the side you can see. It is on the side of the module away from the steering column, near the top. I saw what looks like a white blob of paint, says reset under it. My guess is that you punch through the white blob with the Phillips screwdriver. Doesn't look too easy, you may need someone to help with the ignition switch part that follows.
Here are the exact Ford instructions:
Step 1. Turn ignition keyswitch to Off position
Step 2. Lightly push a Phillips screwdriver through the 0.2 inch diameter hole with the sticker labeled "RESET" and lightly press down and hold. Go to Step 3
Step 3. With the screwdriver still pressing down, turn ignition switch to the RUN position. The EMW lamp will then light and should remain lighted for as long as screwdriver is pressed down. Hold the screwdriver down for 5 seconds. Go to Step 4.
Step 4. Remove the screwdriver The lamp should go out in 2 to 5 seconds indicating a reset has occurred.. If not, start over at step 1. Turn the ignition switch to OFF and go to step 5.
Step 5. Turn the ignition to the RUN position. EMW Lamp should go off in 2 to 5 seconds. If not, repeat the procedure.
The book also says that some modules do not have the reset hole, and would need to be replaced. Removing the connector will also turn off the light.
Note that there is also a device called “The Inferred Mileage Sensor” and it is not the same thing as “The Extended Useful Life Sensor” but may be in the same enclosure in some trucks.
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