Ok. Don't Laugh!
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New User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 15
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From: Springfield USA
Ok. Don't Laugh!
Hey,
I've got a '96 Aerostar 3.0L in great shape with about 93kmi. I plan to keep this thing til it's dead. Got an "engine check" light on and decided it was time to get a code scanner. Got the scanner and went searching for the six sided connector. I can't find the thing! I feel stupid having sat down and studied how to use this thing and can't find the stinking connector. Could someone please humor me and tell me where this thing is hidden?
Thanks,
LD
I've got a '96 Aerostar 3.0L in great shape with about 93kmi. I plan to keep this thing til it's dead. Got an "engine check" light on and decided it was time to get a code scanner. Got the scanner and went searching for the six sided connector. I can't find the thing! I feel stupid having sat down and studied how to use this thing and can't find the stinking connector. Could someone please humor me and tell me where this thing is hidden?
Thanks,
LD
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,907
Likes: 39
From: suburban atlanta
Ok. Don't Laugh!
i * believe* theat the OBD-II connector is more of a parallel pin thingy. You should have OBD-II on a '96. It, by law/design whatever is supposed to be within like 3 feet of the steering wheel. Most are directly under the steering column on the bottom edge of the dash board. About 1.5 in long. If you know Molex, or PC power supply connections, they are similar.
I think the 6-sided connector for A-* is under the hood right near the relays on the in side of the drivers fender, near the brake booster but more near the relays mounted on the side of the fender. That connector is reddish in color and WEIRD shaped. Maybe it is 5 sided?
Good luck
tom
I think the 6-sided connector for A-* is under the hood right near the relays on the in side of the drivers fender, near the brake booster but more near the relays mounted on the side of the fender. That connector is reddish in color and WEIRD shaped. Maybe it is 5 sided?
Good luck
tom
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 107
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Ok. Don't Laugh!
I also have a '96 Aerostar... the previous poster is correct... it is OBD-II. If you're looking for a 6 sided connector, my guess is that you've got a scanner for a earlier ECC-IV system. Bad news: it won't work on your van. ODB-II is much more sophisticated and gives more detailed code information on your van. In addition, it allows you to read (in real time) many of the sensors, mass air flow, temp, etc while the van is running. Also, allows access to van's computer so you can see RPM, EGO operation, etc. And yes, allows you to turn that blasted light off.
The connector is located directly under the steering column at the bottom of the dash. It has a small black plastic cover. Can't miss it.
More bad news: an OBD-II scanner is very expensive, not the 25 bucks for the earlier scanners. Good ones are several hundred dollars.
There are ways around this... there's a guy on the web that sells an interface box and software so you can scan an OBD-II system with your laptop computer. I have one of these and it works great. You can literally hook the laptop up and have someone monitor everything while you drive.
KenP
The connector is located directly under the steering column at the bottom of the dash. It has a small black plastic cover. Can't miss it.
More bad news: an OBD-II scanner is very expensive, not the 25 bucks for the earlier scanners. Good ones are several hundred dollars.
There are ways around this... there's a guy on the web that sells an interface box and software so you can scan an OBD-II system with your laptop computer. I have one of these and it works great. You can literally hook the laptop up and have someone monitor everything while you drive.
KenP
