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  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-

ecm?

  • Thread starter Thread starter allballsmustang
  • Start date Start date Aug 12, 2007

allballsmustang

Member
Mar 31, 2005
174
0
16
Lehigh Valley, PA
Aug 12, 2007
#1
  • Aug 12, 2007
  • #1
what kind of problems or signs would be typical of a ecm that isnt working properly??

thanks
jim
 

jrichker

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Aug 12, 2007
#2
  • Aug 12, 2007
  • #2
The computers seldom fail or cause problems. Usually it is a sensor, relay or actuator that causes problems.

Dump the codes and see what the computer says is wrong…Codes may be present in the computer even if the Check Engine light isn’t on.

Here's the link to dump the computer codes with only a jumper wire or paper clip and the check engine light, or test light or voltmeter. I’ve used it for years, and it works great. You watch the flashing test lamp or Check Engine Light and count the flashes.

See http://www.troublecodes.net/Ford/





IF your car is an 86-88 stang, you'll have to use the test lamp or voltmeter method. There is no functional check engine light on the 86-88's except possibly the Cali Mass Air cars.



89 through 95 cars have a working Check Engine light. Watch it instead of using a test lamp.



Codes have different answers if the engine is running from the answers that it has when the engine isn't running. It helps a lot to know if you had the engine running when you ran the test.

Trouble codes are either 2 digit or 3 digit, there are no cars that use both 2 digit codes and 3 digit codes.

For those who are intimidated by all the wires & connections, see http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16153 for what a typical hand scanner looks like. Normal retail price is about $30 or so at AutoZone or Wal-Mart.

Or for a nicer scanner see http://www.midwayautosupply.com/pc-7208-90-equus-digital-ford-code-reader-3145.aspx – It has a 3 digit LCD display so that you don’t have to count flashes or beeps.. Cost is $30.
 

allballsmustang

Member
Mar 31, 2005
174
0
16
Lehigh Valley, PA
Aug 13, 2007
#3
  • Aug 13, 2007
  • #3
i have a good code scanner...but theres no check engine light on when its running? could there be codes and the light isnt lit?
 

ryan218

In just 10 years, I'll be old enough to drive!!!!
Dec 28, 2005
0
1
38
columbus ohio
Aug 13, 2007
#4
  • Aug 13, 2007
  • #4
allballsmustang said:
i have a good code scanner...but theres no check engine light on when its running? could there be codes and the light isnt lit?
Click to expand...

yeah...you light bulb may be burnt out....but be carefull with that connector...i shocked myself with that ******
 

allballsmustang

Member
Mar 31, 2005
174
0
16
Lehigh Valley, PA
Aug 13, 2007
#5
  • Aug 13, 2007
  • #5
well with key on engine off the check engine light works so i know the bulb is not bad...but i dont have any light with the car running?
 
R

r.barn5.0

New Member
May 21, 2006
107
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0
Aug 13, 2007
#6
  • Aug 13, 2007
  • #6
The ECM ground is right next to battery on fender well.
make sure it has good firm conection
 
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