How to read flash codes?

[KB]

Hey all, first time Ranger owner, well actually first time Ford owner here. I need some help with my newest project. The truck is surging at idle, then after I hit the gas a couple times it idles ok. When I start out in 1st it lacks power and will die pretty easily, (yes I know how to drive a manual). Even in 4Lo it dies under any load. It sat for about a year so I drained the gas, put 93 in it and fuel injector cleaner, and new plugs and battery. Real basic stuff. I've read the How-to on this site several times and when I go out to read the codes, I don't really know which codes are which. I can't figure out where one code ends and the other one begins. If I post a video of the test could someone else look at it and tell me what flashes are what? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

go for it. we can look at it for you

but its simple to figure out- flash.....flash flash.....flash flash flash= 123

 

[sfwjesse]

i bought the scanner for 30 bucks....but really what i got was a good book that explains it and a cheesy box with light that does the same thing your check engine light does...flashes the code at you. The book made it worth it i guess....because it was ford specific. Its at autozone.

Basically theres a key on engine off test and an engine running test. Theres an opening code of like 111, then it goes into the problem codes. Some fords use 2 number codes...some use 3. there are slight pauses between numbers, and long pauses between codes, and real long pauses as seperators....

But yea...read up on it...googe pulls up a million tutorials...or buy the scanner and book.

 

[KB]

Yeah I wasn't sure if I should be seeing 2 digit or 3 digit codes and how long these pauses should be. I have to go play water baloons with my three year old but I will get around to recording it in a few hours. Thanks all.

 

[Psychopete]

Yeah I wasn't sure if I should be seeing 2 digit or 3 digit codes and how long these pauses should be.

3

 

[KB]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bp7pmKe_H4

If this upload doesn't work then I will re-do it.

Also, does it repeat the codes? It looked like I got 1 5 7 on the running test, but it looked like it showed it twice.

 

[KB]

Figured it out. Code was 157 = MAF. Pulled the maf sensor off and there was a piece of trash plugging up the pickup tube. I pulled it out with a pair of needle nose pliers and it runs fine with no check engine light. Sorry to waste anybody's time. Thanks all.

 

[Earl43P]

Not a waste of time, whatsoever.

Thank you for posting the conclusion!

A lot of people don't bother and we never know what fixed it. Your experience may help someone else.