94 ranger check engine light

[bnichols04]

my check engine light comes on now and then but when it is on the engine is running fine and seems like nothing is wrong. the light will not go out until i turn off my truck and start it back up. how can i see what code is coming up. it does not have obd. i have a obd 2 scan tool can i buy a cable so it will work with what i have?

 

[MAKG]

See the tech library. It DOES have OBD. Just not OBD-II.

All you need is a paper clip (though I prefer a jumper wire with two 1/4 inch spades).

And then a DVOM to follow up.

 

[bnichols04]

where is the connector located?

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

under the hood, drivers fender. its the same basic shape as the OBDII connector on your scan tool. there should also be a single loose connecter somewhere near the main big one thatd youll need to locate as well.

 

[bnichols04]

would it be possible to get a adapter that converts my OBD 2 scanner so that it will plug into the OBD 1 connector?

 

[MAKG]

Probably. Check E-bay.

But it's only worth it if that really is a scanner. OBD-I code readers are cheaper than OBD-II code readers (but still ridiculously expensive for something that can be done with a 5 cent paper clip).

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

IIRC, only ford star testers are capable of reading the fast codes from EEC-IV (your truck)...so there would be basically no advantage to getting an adaptor for your scanner.

check the write-up in the tech library for pulling codes, its very simple and only takes a minute.

 

[nitrofan1]

OBD II uses 4 digit codes, OBD I uses 2 digit codes. Unless you have a high end scanner (Snap-On ETC.....) it won't read it. In 1995 most cars sold in the US went to the generic OBD II system so the aftermarket repair shops could diagnose codes. As of 1996 any & all cars sold in the US must use it. Most scanners that read both OBD I & II cost well over $500. SunPro makes a ford only scanner that will plug any 76 to 94 models and read the codes. The one drawback is unless the light is on as you scan for codes it may not show anything wrong.

 

[bnichols04]

ok thanks for the help i will go with the paper clip route then