EEC-IV questions

[Lilblueranger]

I’ve got a 1994 ford ranger v6 five speed manual, it’s throwing codes because it’s older than me by 10 years lol. I’m pretty mechanically inclined but I cannot for the life of me figure out how to do a “Key on engine on” test, the cel comes on a second or two after starting. Any advice on how to read the codes while running?

 

[Brain75]

Ford Ranger - Testing EEC-IV Equipped Engines

www.therangerstation.com

 

[gaz]

Codes can be pulled from Key on engine off. You can also use a cheap OBD¹ code reader for either key on engine off or on.

 

[Bgunner]

Codes can be pulled from Key on engine off. You can also use a cheap OBD¹ code reader for either key on engine off or on.

Do they make a cheap code reader for OBD-1? I know they have them for OBD-2 but I haven't come across one for OBD-1, which is what the '94 has.

 

[Brain75]

I've seen a cable that supposedly routes OBD1 to OBD2 scanner, but does that work with a plain ole cheapie or only some expensive models?

https://www.amazon.com/obd1-obd2-adapter-ford/s?k=obd1+to+obd2+adapter+ford

the innova is reasonable at $33, but unless you buy the long cable it would be a 2 person to KOEO or anything else you can't do under the hood solo..

 

[Bgunner]

I've seen a cable that supposedly routes OBD1 to OBD2 scanner, but does that work with a plain ole cheapie or only some expensive models?

https://www.amazon.com/obd1-obd2-adapter-ford/s?k=obd1+to+obd2+adapter+ford

the innova is reasonable at $33, but unless you buy the long cable it would be a 2 person to KOEO or anything else you can't do under the hood solo..

I also have seen the cable converter. I've been wondering if it would work with my older OBD-2 scanner for my '94. If anyone knows please make a comment on what works and what does not work with this cable converter. My thought is that the scanner would need to be able to communicate with OBD-1 but my knowledge is limited with this particular subject.

I saw the innova reader but it is only a reader and doesn't allow live data. For pulling codes I'm sure it works fine but codes only tell half the story in most cases. This is because one sensor can trip many others so live data can be handy to prevent the parts cannon being used.

 

[Brain75]

another comment on the cables (I seriously considered them), amazon listings sell 22 different models (nissan, toyota, gm, lexus, etc) all under one listing and one lump of reviews... 90% of the reviews for nissan and lexus - 13 pin or 22 pin or something are horrible, cause the chinese can't read the pinout on those and get it right or something... but that drags ALL the reviews down, meaning I might find a brand with horrible reviews that works perfectly well on a ford...

I've just been too gun shy to do anything as long as I have no CEL, and it's a "future problem"...

 

[DPDISXR4Ti]

another comment on the cables (I seriously considered them), amazon listings sell 22 different models (nissan, toyota, gm, lexus, etc) all under one listing and one lump of reviews... 90% of the reviews for nissan and lexus

I hate when they list multiple products under one listing and thus the reviews are useless. The only one that seems to be just the Ford EEEC-IV (OBD1) is this one...

Amazon.com

I'm curious how these things work.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I recently bought an Actron CP9690 specifically because it included obd1 to obd2 adapter. I bought it from surplus at Princess Auto for $150. It is discontinued. Bosch bought out Actron several years ago and then shut the doors on Actron. So no updates of any kind, which I didn't know when I bought it. The software in it has a date of mid 2013 so will be fine for anything I own for decades. Google it to see if it serves your needs.
PS: there is an extension cable included that will allow me to plug in and still have it in the engine compartment. Also included are about 6 other adaptors for other popular N.A. makes.

 

[Brain75]

I hate when they list multiple products under one listing and thus the reviews are useless. The only one that seems to be just the Ford EEEC-IV (OBD1) is this one...

Amazon.com

I'm curious how these things work.

funny how you pick the autel.... I am a fan of them, you could definitely tell from all my other posts on code scanners.... and directly from the autel store not a reseller/scalper.
Kinda pricey for "just a cable" and me with a one vehicle use, everything else I have is obd2...

 

[Brain75]

I also found a pinout of the adapter fwiw, no clue if this is accurate, it comes from a chinese vendor of one of these "cheap" cables ($5):

 

[SenorNoob]

My understanding is those cables only work with specific code readers that are OBD1 or 2.

INNOVA 3145 Ford Digital OBD1 Code Reader

Works pretty well tho. I love mine. Soo much easier than counting flashes.

 

[gaz]

I've purchased 3 different OBD1 readers over the years. They originally were in the $50 range but they were it. I've seen them lately for $19 ish. Check garage sales and flee markets; they will sold as nearly useless or RETRO GOLD

 

[rumblecloud]

My understanding is those cables only work with specific code readers that are OBD1 or 2.

INNOVA 3145 Ford Digital OBD1 Code Reader

Works pretty well tho. I love mine. Soo much easier than counting flashes.

Here it is in action It plugs in under the hood on the driver's side. There is a connector just in front of the fuse box. This was purchased from Autozone and was not expensive. I think under $20.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Here it is in action It plugs in under the hood on the driver's side. There is a connector just in front of the fuse box. This was purchased from Autozone and was not expensive. I think under $20.

View attachment 122188

I have that style. Both with and without the led display. Around $20 is what I paid years ago. They come with a book with the code references. My newest one ( Actron cp9690 ) also has info on fixes that have worked for other people, going from most likely to least.