PROCEDURES FOR READING FORD FLASH CODES 1. Start with the ignition off.

The engine should also be at normal operating temperature. 2. On pre-OBD

II models (prior to 1995/96), locate the diagnostic connector and

self-test pigtail connector (usually in the engine compartment). Connect

a jumper wire from the self-test pigtail connector to the signal return

terminal on the diagnostic conenctor. CAUTION: Refer to a shop manual for

the proper terminal location if you do not know which terminal to use.

Jumping the wrong terminal may damage the computer system! 3. Turn the

ignition switch ON (but do not start the engine). The Check Engine light

should now start to flash. Count the flashes to determine the code

number. Ford provides several types of codes: * KEY ON/ENGINE OFF CODES

-- These are the first codes displayed and only reveal malfunctions that

are currently present (hard faults). A Code 11 (flash, flash, pause)

indicates "system pass" (no problems found). If there are any problems,

the code numbers will be displayed in numerical sequence. Next comes a

separator code (a single flash preceeded and followed by a long 6 to 9

second pause). This will be followed by any other codes that are in the

computer's memory as a result of intermittent or previous faults. If none

are present, you'll see a code 11 again. * ENGINE RUNNING CODES -- These

are codes that are generated while the engine is running. To check for

running codes, start the engine while the system is still in the

diagnostic mode. To do the engine running test, the engine should be run

at fast idle (1500 rpm) for about 2 minutes so the oxygen sensor has time

to warm up. Turn the engine off, wait 10 seconds then restart it. The

first engine running code to appear is an engine identification code (20,

30 or 40), followed by a single pulse. Within 15 seconds after this, snap

the throttle wide open then allow it to return to idle (this is Ford's

"goose test"). If there are no faults, you will see a code 11 again. If

there are faults, the code numbers will be displayed in sequence.

ALTERNATIVE ANALOG VOLTMETER PROCEDURE Ford codes can also be read by

connecting an analog voltmeter to the diagnostic connector. The positive

voltmeter test lead should go to the battery, and the negative test lead

should be inserted into the proper diagnostic connector terminal. (NOTE:

the selt-test input connector must also be jumpted to the signal return

terminal on the diagnostic connector, too, the same as before). When the

ignition is turned ON, the needle on the voltmeter will jump to indicate

pulses just like flashes of the Check Engine light,. By counting the

sweeps of the voltmeter needle, you can determine the code numbers.

LINCOLN CONTINENTAL When the self-test pigtail connector is jumped to the

self-test connector, fault codes can be read through the Message Center

on the instrument panel. Copyright 2000 Carley Automotive Software

Answered by merlin2021 (expert)
18,145 answers provided