1992 Ranger still not right

[franklin2]

They had some built in testing, but that is about it. The only way to really check what is going on is to use what they called a "break out box". You plugged the large computer plug into this box, and then the box had a plug that plugged back into the computer. It gave you spots where you could check the inputs and outputs with a voltmeter while running the engine. That was your "scanner" back then. They can be very difficult to find problems sometimes.

 

[2 bronco 11s]

They had some built in testing, but that is about it. The only way to really check what is going on is to use what they called a "break out box". You plugged the large computer plug into this box, and then the box had a plug that plugged back into the computer. It gave you spots where you could check the inputs and outputs with a voltmeter while running the engine. That was your "scanner" back then. They can be very difficult to find problems sometimes.

This one plugs in to plugs out side and the lighter socket or battery just like a snap on computer I have access to . I have never done the output test on it. But it controls all actuators ?? By itself . I found two wires on the eec relay plug that are turning green . Should have a new plug in the morning. Got a used eec coming in the morning . It has a cordone in it now . They aren’t what they use to be so I’ve heard. Thanks

 

[2 bronco 11s]

For those who don’t realize the difference between code reader and a Computer. Code readers take imfo from the EEC . A Computer once all the imfo is put in pertaining to a specific vehicle does not . It gets its imfo directly from sensors , relays and switches. It knows what everything is doing , even though Ford will not let us see it. This is why the idle will increase and decrease depending on what the Computer is testing . So basically the Computer bypasses something in the EEC. Thus no codes and engine runs correctly till the EEC is given complete control back . Computer unplugged . 2nd Cardone EEC JUNK . One more thing Parts Geek WILL Not Honor warranty because I have a different email address .

 

[franklin2]

For those who don’t realize the difference between code reader and a Computer. Code readers take imfo from the EEC . A Computer once all the imfo is put in pertaining to a specific vehicle does not . It gets its imfo directly from sensors , relays and switches. It knows what everything is doing , even though Ford will not let us see it. This is why the idle will increase and decrease depending on what the Computer is testing . So basically the Computer bypasses something in the EEC. Thus no codes and engine runs correctly till the EEC is given complete control back . Computer unplugged . 2nd Cardone EEC JUNK . One more thing Parts Geek WILL Not Honor warranty because I have a different email address .

Replace the word "Computer" with the word "scanner" and you would be close. Sorry to say, if you think that thing you have hooked to the EECIV system is a "computer " or "scanner", you are very wrong about that. There are no computers or scanners that can talk to the old EECIV system and get real time data from sensors and such like a scanner will on the later units.

 

[2 bronco 11s]

Per what manufacture says . It ran normal with this hooked up. It controlled idle speed found no codes , unhooked and it ran awful . Back to 6 codes . Bought a EEC from a junk yard and it’s sitting in my drive now . I agree about hooking to the EEC , it went around it . My oringinal question was what does this bypass . IMO it bypasses the output from the EEC . Because everything was working but the EEC wasn’t processing it .

 

[franklin2]

It does not bypass the output of the EEC. It puts the EEC into a diagnostic mode, just like a jumper and testlight would.

Here are a couple of pages from a book I have that describes how it works. You can see in the second page he describes how the engine computer (he calls it the ECA) advances the timing to 20 degrees and locks it there for the rest of the testng. This could possibly be part of the reason why your engine is running better, if the ECA is advancing and locking the timing. When it's running bad you might want to put a timing light on it and see if the timing is stable.

 

[2 bronco 11s]

The rpms increase but during the test it wil drop and go back up several times . Timing is correct . Drops back to an idle when tests are completed . Still runs correct. I get the codes if there is any . Only code for the boo test . My error. I erase codes , engine still idles . I turn off unhook and restarted and it’s back to where it was , rich , stalling code reader says , tps , coolant , map sensor , Iac . and a few more . Before I remembered I had this system , I found new ones of these from motorcraft and put in . Ran good with Pro Link plugged in with all truck info put in it . Test again , same results with code reader . Grandson picked up a used EEC for me , installed and it’s all go . Also you had a hard time just trying to move it back and forth unless the pro link was plugged in . This has been a nightmare. I’m 68 had several Fords with this system , never like this . Thanks

 

[franklin2]

Does it still run bad with the spout unplugged? Like you said, it will be a 10 BTDC, but the computer will have no control over it. If it still runs bad, I would put the timing light back on it, and with the spout unplugged the timing should be steady at 10. If it's bouncing around and running bad, I would start suspecting the TFI module, or the wiring to it. The wiring to the TFI should have shielding on some of it. Make sure the shielding at the end of the harness is not touching any bare wires and is not touching ground. The shielding should only be grounded on the ECA side of the harness. If for some reason this shielding is poor or missing, the high voltage ignition can interfere with the small signals on the SPOUT and PIP that control the timing.

 

[2 bronco 11s]

That is basically where it started . Another Cardone product . I had an extra known good distributor, cured the timing problem but not the rest .Now I have another with a new ford module on it . They are known for modules going bad . How did the codes disappear with the Pro Ling plugged in on KOER and runs? Put the used ECM in and it’s OK for now !! I am one who just likes to know why. I thank you for the added imfo though . It is just not making any sense .