Is the 1985 F150 Computerized?
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New User
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Labrador, Canada
Is the 1985 F150 Computerized?
Does a 1985 F150 have a computer? I've read lots here and elsewhere about computers and computer codes, and I've searched every nook and cranny of the '85 F150 I've recently acquired, but I can't find anything that looks likely.
This is probably a dumb question -- and what makes it even worse is the fact that I'm a computer technician by trade
This is probably a dumb question -- and what makes it even worse is the fact that I'm a computer technician by trade
Give me coffee - Or beer!
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Who cares?
Look for sensors. I beleive the computer (if any) can be found behind the passenger side kick panel. If memory serves, the 85's are computer controlled. There should be a data port under the driver's side of the dash board. Good luck!
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Rose City, MI
if it has the module on the distributer then it has the tfi system with a computer under the dash somewhere if it has a vacume advance then it has the duraspark system which is located on the fenderwell.
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2007
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If I can add a question to this thread. I have a 1984 which is carbureted. It has the ignition computer on the driver's side fenderwell, but there's what appears to be a computer under the dash just right of the steering column. What is it?
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Moderator
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From: Virginia
Do you have a vacuum line going to the distributor? If not, then the module on the fender may be the duraspark III module, and the box under the dash the engine computer.
Junior User
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There is a vacuum line to distributor. The truck is an XLT that had A/C and cruise control, would the other computer be a part of one of those? I'm just curious because I've swapped on an older, simpler carb and disconnected almost everything to do with the Emission control systems, but the truck is getting really bad fuel mileage and has no power when the engine is under load and I was wondering if that box under the dash was messing with things still.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
If you have a vacuum line to the distributor, then you do not have computer control. The truck could have had it though, and someone swapped in the older distributor to get rid of it. If that's the case, the computer could be there, but it has no affect on the engine anymore.
Have you checked the timing?
Have you checked the timing?
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: NJ
Make sure you have a normal Duraspark II setup with vaccum advance on the distributor. Ensure your initial timing is set properly (12* initial is a good ballpark starting point) and ensure it is advancing properly (roughly 36*-38* total mechanichal by 3000 RPM). Also ensure the vacuum advance is advancing and the diaphragm is not ruptured (suck on the vaccum line to the distributor to check). Also check your jetting on the carb, ensure you're not excessively rich.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,362
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From: Florence, SC
Even if your truck used a carburetor, it WOULD have a computer in 1985, unless of course your truck came with the 351 H.O. EFI became in option on 302s in 1985.
My 1985 came stock with a 2V feedback carburetor and the TFI ignition, which meant it used the EEC-IV computer. You can tell by the lack of a vacuum advance on the distributer, and the troublesome ignition module attached to the distributor itself. There is a huge mass of wires coming through the firewall to the the computer, which connects to the distributor and various sensors and emissions components. The computer is located under the dashboard to the right of the steering column.
The computer handles ignition timing, air/fuel mix, and emissions. To get rid of the computer, you will have to switch to a non-feedback carb AND the ignition system to make the truck run right.
My 1985 came stock with a 2V feedback carburetor and the TFI ignition, which meant it used the EEC-IV computer. You can tell by the lack of a vacuum advance on the distributer, and the troublesome ignition module attached to the distributor itself. There is a huge mass of wires coming through the firewall to the the computer, which connects to the distributor and various sensors and emissions components. The computer is located under the dashboard to the right of the steering column.
The computer handles ignition timing, air/fuel mix, and emissions. To get rid of the computer, you will have to switch to a non-feedback carb AND the ignition system to make the truck run right.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Northern California
This is not exactly true.
There are the MCU computer systems that work in combination with the Duraspark II ignition system with vacuum advanced distributors.
Here is a rough timeline of the different computer systems that can be found on these trucks. Most of the computers before 1984 come from california, but sence these trucks can migrate from this state, I think it wise to mention them all.
We won't discuss the EEC-I or EEC-II because these were found on cars. The MCU can also be found on the Courier (Later small Ranger Trucks) as well)
- 1981-1983 MCU (Microcomputer control Unit) (mostly California models, some high altitude models) can be found on the 300-I6 and some of the V6s. Controls a Feedback Carb, the thermactor system, the evaporative system, and limited Timing control through the vacuum advance on the Duraspark II. (there is a solenoid that bleeds off vacuum to control timing).
- 1980-1983 (California Models) EEC-III computer system with the dreaded Duraspark III. Found on the V8's and some of the V6's
- 1984-1986 (Federal and California) EEC-IV computer system with TFI-IV ignition system Can be used with Feedback carbs or used with fuel injection.
Hope this makes scence and helps.