trying to figure out OBD-2 stuff.. help!

[boilermakerfan]

I've had Alex Peper's scan tool for a few years now, and have not really used it to its fullest. Now I'm trying to figure out what the heck is going on with my X, and I can't really figure out what the info is telling me. If I look at just the error code that pops up, I get a:
P0420 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)

I think that lots of info on what this may be exists on this board, so I'm not particularly asking about that code. I was poking around the tool a bit more, and ran the "On-Board Monitoring Test for Non-Continuously Monitored Systems". This is where I start to get confused. For the following IDs, the test fails:
$10 CATRAT1 (max value allowed, 0.7, I'm reading 1.0)
$25 EVAPRISEL4 (min value 2.00, I'm reading -64.00)
$51 MIS7B (max 1.80, I'm reading 100.00)
$52 MISMONMIN (max 0, I'm reading 5540)

Any ideas on what those codes mean? I'm assuming they are related to the Po420, but I'm curious what they mean specifically.

Also, I ran an enhanced test of the "emission-Related Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Codes", and got the follow errors:
P1703 BSOOSTR (brake switch out of self test range)
P1780 TCS(O/DC)COOSTR (Transmission COntrol Switch (o/d cancel) cirucit out of self test range)
Again, any ideas on these codes? This test was pretty cool. I said 'go' and it started revving the engine and running tests!

What is octane adjust? Is this calibrating the engine to run for a certain octane? Not sure, just saw something about it when poking around the tool.

Finally, can anyone recommend a good OBD-2 book? Anything Ford or Explorer specific? Has anyone written documentation or a "how to" for Alex Peper's tool? I have a feeling that it can be fairly powerful, IF you know what to look for.

Anyways, TIA for any help!
-Andy

 

[mrboyle]

Originally posted by boilermakerfan
Also, I ran an enhanced test of the "emission-Related Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Codes", and got the follow errors:
P1703 BSOOSTR (brake switch out of self test range)
P1780 TCS(O/DC)COOSTR (Transmission COntrol Switch (o/d cancel) cirucit out of self test range)
Again, any ideas on these codes? This test was pretty cool. I said 'go' and it started revving the engine and running tests!

These codes are set due to the scanner's inability to request that you cycle the brake switch (push the pedal) and cycle the overdrive switch at a certain time during the self test. They don't mean anything.

What is octane adjust? Is this calibrating the engine to run for a certain octane? Not sure, just saw something about it when poking around the tool.

Octane adjust is a function in the ECM that alters the programing to compensate for low octane. It is not something that someone should rely on to save money by running cheap gas, it is an emergency or "limp" mode that allows the engine to perform like normal untill proper octane gas can be run.

I can't help you on the first codes, since I have never seen the code initials before.

 

[dogfriend]

http://www.bentleypublishers.com/author.htm?who=Charles_O._Probst,_SAE


This person wrote a really good book for the EEC-IV systems, but unfortunately he passed away. I was hoping that he might update the book to cover OBD II. I've been looking for something like this book for awhile but haven't found anything.

You might want to check one of the CD service manuals Dead Link Removed

It will list DTC codes, but I don't think that there will be enough detail to decipher the $ ids that you are getting

 

[boilermakerfan]

Yah, I got a CD service manual, but I'm still trying to figure it out as well. I think its like the scan tool; tons of information, IF you know how to get to it! So I've been plugging away looking at the CD, and found the codes, but didn't see the ones that I was looking for. Maybe its just a difference in the way the scan tool reports them, and they are called something else by ford? Just a thought. With work, women (woman I should say) and the rest of life, I just haven't had enough time to try and figure it all out on my own. Thanks for the advice so far!
-Andy

 

[dogfriend]

You can still probably use the information on how the engine control system works from the book http://www.bentleypublishers.com/product.htm?code=GFF9

They have used copies at Amazon for about $12 or you might find it in the library since it has been out for a while.

I also have this book Dead Link Removed

It has been updated to include info on OBD II, but that section is brief and not as good as first book. It does list codes, though.

 

[laynlow]

Originally posted by boilermakerfan
Yah, I got a CD service manual, but I'm still trying to figure it out as well. I think its like the scan tool; tons of information, IF you know how to get to it! So I've been plugging away looking at the CD, and found the codes, but didn't see the ones that I was looking for. Maybe its just a difference in the way the scan tool reports them, and they are called something else by ford? Just a thought. With work, women (woman I should say) and the rest of life, I just haven't had enough time to try and figure it all out on my own. Thanks for the advice so far!
-Andy

This is the text relating to that code in the service manual:

FOR MISFIRE DETECTION MONITOR DTCS

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) P0420 and P0421 indicate that bank 1 catalyst system efficiency is below the acceptable threshold.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) P0430 and P0431 indicate that bank 2 catalyst system efficiency is below the acceptable threshold.

NOTE 1: Complete the spark timing check in Quick Test before proceeding with this test step. Spark timing retarded below specification can increase exhaust gas temperature and decrease catalyst efficiency over time.

NOTE 2: Be sure customer has not:

(1) Refueled vehicle with leaded gasoline.

(2) Noticed high vehicle oil consumption.

NOTE 3: If entering this Pinpoint Test for symptoms only, go immediately to «HF5».

NOTE 4: Internal deterioration of a catalytic converter is usually caused by abnormal engine operation upstream of the catalyst. Events that can produce higher than normal temperatures in the catalyst are particularly suspect. For example, misfiring can cause higher than normal catalyst operating temperatures.

Possible causes:

-- Use of leaded fuel.

-- Oil contamination.

-- Cylinder misfiring.

-- Damaged HO2S.

-- Damaged ECT sensor.

-- Downstream HO2S wires improperly connected.

-- Fuel pressure too high.

-- Damaged exhaust system pipe.

-- Damaged exhaust manifold.

-- Damaged muffler/tailpipe assembly.

-- Damaged catalytic converter.

l Key on, engine off.

l Retrieve and record all Continuous Memory DTCs (MIL and non-MIL).

l Were any of the following Misfire Detection Monitor DTCs recorded: P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305, P0306, P0307 and P0308?

Yes
GO to Section 4A, «Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Charts», to address the Misfire Detection Monitor DTCs.

No
GO to «HF2».

 

[dogfriend]

ouch

 

[Robert]

boilermakerfan - Where did you get an d how much was Alex's OBD-II scan tool?

 

[dogfriend]

I saw this on another thread. I'm thinking about a scan tool, but I'm not sure which one yet. http://www.obd-2.com/

 

[dogfriend]

I found another book on OBD II from a link I followed at http://www.obd-2.com/

Dead Link Removed

I may get this later; I just bought some software from Amazon and I need to let my credit card recover first

Apparently there is another book also Dead Link Removed