Reading codes with a volt meter

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Sep 14, 2004 | 09:03 PM

mike L

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Fleet Mechanic

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From: va

Reading codes with a volt meter

What will the neadle do once i turn the key to run? Lets say my codes are 41, 83. Rapid sweeps, then four sweeps, 1/2 sec., then one sweep, then 2 sec. then eight sweeps, two secs., then three sweeps, then six sec. then starts over? Does that sound right? www.fordfuelinjection.com

Sep 20, 2004 | 06:19 PM

Motorhead351

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would be easier if you just watch the check engine light.

Sep 20, 2004 | 08:13 PM

HardScrabble

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It works just like the CEL, only it sweeps instead of blinks.

Search, there are a bazillion threads on this topic.

Sep 20, 2004 | 10:02 PM

EPNCSU2006

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From: Concord, NC

Mike that sounds right to me. I take it you finally got the test to work?

Motorhead, the check engine light does not work in '87 trucks - it's not hooked up for some reason.

Sep 21, 2004 | 08:21 AM

Motorhead351

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OH, no mention of year in post or gallery, so it was a shot in the dark. Sounds about right then if its an 87.

Sep 21, 2004 | 08:42 AM

pfogle

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From: Oak Harbor, OH

Mine was, I'd just make sure you've got a good bulb.

Sep 21, 2004 | 09:35 AM

EPNCSU2006

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From: Concord, NC

Sorry about that motorhead, Mike's had a couple other threads already, so that's how I knew. pfogle, there wasn't a bulb in the socket on my truck, and no wire in the harness connected to that bulb socket either. It wasn't that someone took it out or the bulb was burned out, it just flat wasn't wired up for some reason. Everyone I've talked to with an 87 has had the same thing.

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Sep 21, 2004 | 11:03 AM

mike L

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Fleet Mechanic

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From: va

Not able to read codes

Thanks guys, 1987 f150 4.9 No never got codes. I was wounding how to read the sweeps, if i got it to work. i think i damaged something when i tried to do a self test. All was ok then i think i touched a wire to the frame then i heard a click then i could not get anymore codes. I think i have a blown head gasket too. I think ill sell it for parts or buy a 1989 and transfer parts to it. You think i could red codes with a reader if i could not get any readings with a self test?