code reader problem

[kr8zstang]

I purchased the $30 innova code reader that has the lcd display. When i try to read the codes, i get nothing. The display indicates that it has a link with the computer and the test is in progress, but i never get any codes. The display just shows 000. When the test starts, i hear a relay click and it sounds like the fuel pump comes on and then nothing else. Anyone have any experience with these? Any ideas?

 

[HISSIN50]

I would try to yank codes with a jumper wire or test light to see if it is the code reader.

If you still have issues, this link might be helpful.

Good luck.

 

[jrichker]

With the power off, measure the resistance between the computer test ground (black/white wire) on the self test connector and battery ground. You should see less than 1.5 ohms.

If that checks good, remove the passenger side kick panel and disconnect the computer connector. There is a 10 MM bolt that holds it in place. Measure the resistance between the STI computer self test connector (red/white wire) and pin 48 on the computer main connector.

Diagram courtesy of Tmoss & Stang&2birds

See the following website for some help from Tmoss (diagram designer) & Stang&2Birds (website host) for help on 88-95 wiring http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine

The following is a view from the computer side of the computer connector.

 

[vristang]

My code reader is an AutoXray unit so this may not apply.

Sometimes I have forgotten to have the key in the correct position, which will cause problems.

Also, if the batteries are getting low it can cause some weird display issues, and return a message of "vehicle not responding." In this instance I had to pull the batteries and let the code reader sit overnight to reset. Put in fresh batteries in the morning, and it worked like a charm.

Just a couple other things to check if the above 2 posts, don't work. Those 2 are bright dudes.

 

[kr8zstang]

Thanks for the info and advice. I did check the test ground to battery ground resistance, looks good. I was hoping it might be something simple but i'm sure it's some crazy wiring issue, this stang has been a mess. I need more time in my life!!! Next stang i buy will have to be totally stock, i don't want to deal with someone elses mess again. Maybe i should just slap on a carb and forget it.

 

[kpack5982]

I couldn't figure out when I had the car running why I wasn't seeing anything at the test light, but low and behold a simple solution came to me. Don't know if you got the problem fixed but if you relay a jumper wire and fire the car up, you can sit in the car and the computer will test things. Keep an eye on the check engine light. Right from startup the check engine light will blink like 4 times I think then it will idle up and down 2 times and then when the idle is back about normal the check engine light will blink count the number of times it blinks repeatedly and mark it down then wait 2 seconds and the next number of that code will blink out. Wait 4 seconds and the first number of the next code will come and 2 secs for the next digit and so on and so forth. The codes repeat themselves after it goes through the whole set. Prolly wrote all that for no reason, but I had problems getting codes and better to be too detailed than leaving it too open

Oh and don't think you're the only one who has thought about going carb, during my intake swap I had all kinds of problems, but it's all worth it in the end