Notices
Bronco II Ford Bronco II

How do I test my Electronic Control Unit/ECA?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 24, 2007 | 07:30 PM
  #1  
LTBeck41's Avatar
LTBeck41
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: South JAX FL
Exclamation How do I test my Electronic Control Unit/ECA?

Chilton's suggests EEC code 89 may mean "ECA problems" about a dozen times and even has electronic control unit in the gossary. But no where do they mention where it is, how to test it or anything about it.

How do I test the ECA down by the glove box on my 87 BII?

I got the 89 code right after replacing the EGR valve assy to clear an 83 code.
 
Reply
Old Nov 24, 2007 | 07:47 PM
  #2  
LTBeck41's Avatar
LTBeck41
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: South JAX FL
PS. I have a code checker that I got from ACTRON. What I need is a way to troubleshoot the ECA itself. Or do I just accept the 89 code and head to the friendly neighborhood parts store?
 
Reply
Old Nov 24, 2007 | 11:27 PM
  #3  
mrshorty's Avatar
mrshorty
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,742
Likes: 2
From: UT
1st thing: If Chilton's 1st diagnostic step is to check the ECA, then I would close the Chiltons and find a different repair manual for diagnosing this. A bad ECA is one possibility, but it is the last possibility I would consider.

Is that 89 a KOEO code (before the separator pulse) or a CM code? I would expect it's a KOEO code, but want to be sure.

My code list indicates that, where an A4LD is involved an 89 indicates a problem in the Converter clutch override (CCO) solenoid circuit. My experience indicates that the computer isn't very sensitive at detecting faults in this circuit. It's either caused by a full open in the circuit or a short to ground. So the first step is to grab a wiring diagram and a multimeter and test the circuit.
 
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2007 | 08:43 AM
  #4  
LTBeck41's Avatar
LTBeck41
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: South JAX FL
89 is a KOEO code.
1. Would CCO problem make the engine run rough and really REALLY idle poorly/barely?
2. Once again, Mr Chilton is a bit vague in telling me where to look for the CCO solenoid. Suggestions on location?
 
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2007 | 10:44 PM
  #5  
mrshorty's Avatar
mrshorty
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,742
Likes: 2
From: UT
The Converter clutch is the mechanism in the torque converter that locks up at highway speed to improve gas mileage for an auto tranny. The solenoid itself will be in the valve body of the transmission. The connector is on the drivers side of the transmission.

An electrical problem in the CCO circuit may or may not contribute to your idle problems. Off the top of my head, I'd say it isn't likely, but not impossible. As I noted, it should be a fairly simple fault to track down with a wiring diagram and a multimeter, so I would probably start there.
 
Reply
Old Nov 30, 2007 | 08:43 PM
  #6  
McQue's Avatar
McQue
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
My code reader book says a code 89 can be:
A4LD - Converter Clutch Override solenoid - Transmissions
AXOD Torque Converter Control solenoid circuit - Transmissions
Exhaust Heat Control (heat riser) solenoid circuit - Solenoids

An Internet site I use also says the same thing...

Since you just replaced the EGR, I would be looking at the 3rd callout..
Exhaust Heat Control (heat riser) solenoid circuit - Solenoids

McQue
 
Reply
Old Dec 2, 2007 | 10:14 AM
  #7  
LTBeck41's Avatar
LTBeck41
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: South JAX FL
I cannot seem to find an exhaust heat control solenoid either in the manual or at any parts supply site (NAPA, etc.) Where might this elusive gizmochy be located?

LTB
PS It idles barely after you sort of force it to stay running for about five minutes.
 
Reply
Old Dec 2, 2007 | 01:50 PM
  #8  
McQue's Avatar
McQue
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
don't know if your vehicle has one but...visit this site...it will help you locate it if you do have one...good generic picture and description...

http://www.motorera.com/dictionary/EX.HTM
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-3

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-5

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
story-9

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Dec 2, 2007 | 02:56 PM
  #9  
87 XLT's Avatar
87 XLT
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,516
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
The lousy idle sounds like a vacuum leak.

Since this all started with an 83 code, are you sure that shiny new EGR valve is closing at idle?
If not thats a major vacuum leak.

I believe the vac hose with the rubber boot is the one that opens the EGR. Try removing it. Does the idle improve?

BTW, I took a quick look at the engine controls wiring diagram in my 87 EVTM & theres no mention of a "heat riser solenoid circuit".

I think heat riser valves went away when carbs did.
 
Reply
Old Dec 3, 2007 | 09:43 AM
  #10  
LTBeck41's Avatar
LTBeck41
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: South JAX FL
I'll get on the vac leak look around this afternoon. Thanks.

When I removed the old EGR I noticed a good deal of greaselike goo in the opening. I cleaned out as much as I could reach with a narrow dental tool. Would it do any damage if i was to blast a shot or two of something like compressed air or carb cleaner back up that tube to clean it out a bit better? I.e. where does the EGR get it's input from?
 
Reply
Old Dec 3, 2007 | 10:02 AM
  #11  
rebocardo's Avatar
rebocardo
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
> I cannot seem to find an exhaust heat control solenoid

I would take that to be the cannister on the exhaust manifold that recirculates heat to the air cleaner duct. Been a while since I had my 1984, which I think had one.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
kevinwheatcroft
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
13
Aug 13, 2016 07:26 AM
1986stepsidef150
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Jul 27, 2014 11:28 PM
inventor
1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis
49
Nov 28, 2013 12:33 PM
cmccul002
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
2
Apr 13, 2008 06:59 AM
gov2mod
1978 - 1996 Big Bronco
5
Nov 8, 2004 08:51 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:00 AM.

story-0
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-30 18:33:59


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-2
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-4
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-6
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-8
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE