Check engine light! Help!

[Blake D]

I got a code reader from WM today, Where do I attach it under the hood? I need to know location and what it looks like.
Thanks!

 

[Blake D]

Do i need to look for the single pin connector as well? 94 XLT

 

[MrShorty]

the self-test connector is under the hood, on the passenger wheel well between the power distribution box and the heater fan. the self-test input (the single wire) should be attached to the same "pigtail"

 

[Blake D]

Thank you! I will try this later tonight. Do our vehicles have a "goose test"? I read this may or may not be needed.

 

[MrShorty]

Yes. goose test is part of KOER test. Instructions are on the page I posted previously.

 

[JFK]

I drove the 97XLT last night for over 3 hours in temp from !0° to -2° w/o the wind chill figured in!...BURRR.
Just as got near home I heared a whirring or low music playing like noise.
Today when I started it up the "check engine light" is ON!

Sidebar: Does extreme cold temps affect gas mileage? I usually get about 360 a tankful.I almost ran out of gas at 2am in subzero weather! I was doing an avg 80mph+ for nearly 3hrs and thought I should get great mileage.
I barely got 310 and was praying when I crawled into the only station opened overnight on fumes!

 

[soltero]

I'd also like to buy the code scanner at WM. My X is a 96' 4.0 SOH. I don't live in the U.S. But I can have a friend buy it for me. Can someone tell me the scanner model or any input, so my friend can be sure he is buying the right one.


Thanks.

 

[Positive Vibes]

soltero: Not sure on the code reader for a '96. Mine reads up to '95. Try a search on "code readers". You may need something more than the simple reader I have. Sorry not much help here.

 

[MrShorty]

Sample OBD-2 code reader available from Harbor Freight http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=46030 . Personally haven't had to delve into OBD-2 so I don't know readily available code readers are from other suppliers.

 

[soltero]

thanks: vibes

Mr. Shorty: Does the 96 X have a generic OBDII connector?

 

[MrShorty]

I wouldn't know -- haven't had to delve into OBD-2. I would think it would be "generic" since part of the purpose of requiring the OBD-2 system was to standardize computer diagnostics/emissions system.

 

[Nicaraguense]

Soltero

Everything made after 1996 has the OBDII port set up. A code reader for that could cost around $100 and it still won't give you the specifics a shop or dealerships big computer will. Autozone checks those things free of charge. Natrually we want to try to sell you the corresponding part. But, first of all (and any Ford place will do this) give your Ex the "wiggle test) wiggle all the wire conectors and see if anything is loose, if you have the test done, wiggle the wire harnesses to the corresponding part before you actually buy it.

 

[Nicaraguense]

That is correct

Mr Shorty, that is correct it is a universal system, I love it because I am sick of counting the beeps and flashes on these old cars and half the codes just be false hickups and having to explain every one of them starting with How much does that cost?

 

[soltero]

Thanks for your help amigos, I'll see if I have any luck finding an affordable codescanner.