'93 trouble codes

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May 20, 2010 | 01:33 PM

mongo12

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From: Reno, NV

'93 trouble codes

i just got a '93 f150 5.0 and i hooked it up to my reader and it flashed codes 53, 85, 38. I know 53 is the TPS, but what does 85 mean because i found two references about the canister purge and the ECA giving a lean mixture. also 53 comes up as idle tracking switch, what is that? is that the idle bypass? also after the first set of codes the reader goes blank and doesn't repeat codes, is this normal for the truck?

May 20, 2010 | 01:40 PM

DBGrif91

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From: Des Moines

Are you sure those codes are correct? Namely the code 38- there's nothing even listed in my manual for a code 38.

According to my manual 85 is the canister purge solenoid failure, and 53 is TP circuit is above maximum voltage.

As for the reader not repeating the codes, it may just depend on the type of reader you have. Try looking at the troubleshooting section of the owners manual for it, see if it gives you any tips.

May 20, 2010 | 01:50 PM

mongo12

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From: Reno, NV

yeah the reader gives a code 38 and the manual for the reader calls for the Idle tracking switch. thanks for clarifying the 85 code for the purge solenoid.

May 20, 2010 | 02:31 PM

robprime

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From: The Redneck Riviera

I see you read them as 2-digit codes. I made the same mistake on my '92 F150 and got nonsensical readings. Once I figured out that it was giving me 3-digit codes, everything made sense. Don't know if the type of reader makes any difference. I bought an Actron CP9015 for domestic Ford, Linc, Merc. About $30 at Advance. It also has a beeper that makes it much easier for me to listen and write at the same time.

Rob

May 20, 2010 | 02:42 PM

robprime

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From: The Redneck Riviera

If that were the case, you only have a single code - 538. Because the PCM flashes each code or set of codes twice.

538 = InsufficientRPM change during Dynamic Response Test (KOER) (engine running)
or - Invalid cylinder balance test, throttle position movement
or - Invalid cylinder balance test, cylinder identification problems

Was this an engine running test?

May 20, 2010 | 09:05 PM

mongo12

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From: Reno, NV

thanks for the three digit note. i didn't know about it and now i re did the test and got the correct codes.

Feb 24, 2011 | 06:29 PM

jonathan2008

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I also got a code 538 on my '93 F250 AT 4x4, 5.8L. Am I supposed to WOT during the KOER test? If so, where/when do I do that? Also when I start the KOER test I got 4 flashes, then after a while (more then 15 seconds I am sure) I got the fluttering light, then I went into the codes. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I tried looking at other threads but couldn't find the info. Thanks!