Help! CHECK ENGINE came on, tach doesn't work!

[dogfriend]

Im not sure

It looks like there are too many wires going in and coming out. I'm thinking that it is a relay box.

In your second picture, where you circled the box, it looks like the spout connector might be toward the left side. If it is the spout, trace this wire back to the ICM.

The schematic I'm looking at shows only 8 or possibly 9 wires coming from the ICM.

The manual shows the ICM mounted on the radiator support between the battery and radiator.

 

[RandyL712]

Here are some more pics... I don't see it. Wonder if I have to take the darn battery out to see it?

 

[dogfriend]

How many wires are coming out of that box next to the battery? It looks like a bunch to me.

Can you see behind that plastic battery tray that is against the front of the engine compartment? It isn't hiding in there is it?

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiB..._us/0900823d/80/0b/8e/53/0900823d800b8e53.jsp

 

[RandyL712]

I'm thinking - other than the radio presets, anything bad gonne happen if I take out the battery and take a peek? Because I can't see a darn thing behind it.

 

[dogfriend]

Yes, you lose your radio presets, but it won't hurt anything to disconnect the battery.

I think that it is behind the plastic bracket that holds the battery.

Dont get mad if it isnt there though

I dont know where else it would be, the first pictures you posted are of Relay Box #1 according to my manual.

 

[RandyL712]

I'll check tonight when I get home to my tools If it's not there, I'll take a few more pics so we can find that sucker!

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

Randy, the ICM installation instructions say to remove the battery, so it's location should be apparent with the battery out. Good luck.

 

[RandyL712]

I'm hoping!

 

[RandyL712]

Just curious - are there ICM instructions on the net?

 

[dogfriend]

Originally posted by RandyL712
Just curious - are there ICM instructions on the net?

Yes, on the Autozone site which has a copy of the Chilton's manual.

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiB..._us/0900823d/80/0b/8e/53/0900823d800b8e53.jsp

 

[RandyL712]

Terrific, thanks! Just curious - when they show the ICM test on this page (bout halfway down) are they wanting me to fully remove the ICM first? It says:

1. Remove the ICM from the distributor or the front fender apron.

Does that mean to take it out of the car?

 

[dogfriend]

Yes, they want you to take it out for the tests with the DVM.

If you take it to Autozone or another place for testing, they have a tester which will do these tests automatically. If you have a DVM, I would do the tests at home first, then verify it with the test at the store.

 

[RandyL712]

I don't have any sort of tester... I'll probably take it out and drive over to Autozone (in another car ) tonight if I end up finding the darn module!

 

[RandyL712]

After taking the battery out, I did see it. Unfotunately removing it would mean taking out some sort of protection pad that's plastic-riveted to the radiator support, and moving (or trying to) lots of wire harnesses that are right in front of it and don't want to move. We're talking a few hours... Might be worthwhile to just buy a new one and pay Ford to replace it for me. They wanted $125 for diagnostics, I can't imagine it would be much more to just put a different one back after testing

 

[dogfriend]

Let us know what the result is....It might help some one else with the same symptoms in the future.

 

[RandyL712]

Definitely... I wish I could have done this one myself...

 

[RandyL712]

Any idea of the standard labor rate for replacing one of these?

 

[RandyL712]

I appreciate all the help I've received, I'll post results.