NO codes being read

[Wayne Ward]

1994 4.0 Auto Ranger 4x4 check engine came on. Son was driving it on a long trip and pulled into an O'Reilly's. They tried to get a code off of it but the employee couldn't get a code. After it cooled off he started it back up and the light went out. He drove the rest of the trip with no issues after a long conversation with me. From his description of the issue, I sent him 2 new O2 sensors to install when he got home. The light has not been back on. Now it is making a funky noise which to me sounds like an exhaust system rattle. ((Cant post the MP4 file here unfortunately)) He purchased a code reading device to see if it was throwing any codes but still got nothing. I'm diagnosing from a distance. Built the truck is for my kids to use while at school in Montana and I'm on the west coast.

-Is there a way to have the truck throw a simple code that he might be able to catch without causing any issues...disconnecting the TPS or something?
-If it can't read codes from the plug under the dash, is there another location to read codes?
-IF and a big IF, would the EEC be having issues if we can't get codes at all?
-Where would folks suggest I find a replacement EEC IF needed? (long shot but thinking ahead just in case)

Thank you
Ward

 

[franklin2]

There is a fuse that may be blown. I am not sure which one it is, it might be the same one that powers the cigar lighter socket. See if you have a blown fuse that powers the OBDII port.

 

[Wayne Ward]

Having it checked now. I actually have a USB socket with and on/off switch installed in the cig light location to turn the socket off. It has a voltage read out on it. Going to have him try the code reader with the USB powered on to see if he gets any codes.

Thanks,
Ward

 

[Wayne Ward]

Using a ANCEL AD310 to read the codes on the ranger and it cant read beyond a certain point. Turning on the power to the cig lighter did not work. This is where it stop and the link fails.

Any idea what might be the issue?
Thank you
WWWard

 

[RonD]

ANCEL AD310 shows up as OBD2 only

1994 Ranger is OBD1, 3 digit codes

OBD1 to OBD2 Cable converters rarely work because the reader must be OBD1 AND OBD2 compatable

You can just use a jumper wire on the OBD1 connector and then use the CEL to get any codes current or in memory

Send your son this video:

You can use a paper clip or any short wire as the jumper
After reading the codes, and writing them down, if you turn off the key the codes will still stay in memory
If you got out and pulled the Jumper wire out, with key still ON, it will Clear ALL codes, then you turn key off
On restart no memory codes or any codes

You should do the Clear Codes once you have written them down, so if CEL comes back on there should only be the one code not several, makes trouble shooting easier
As some memory codes may be older and not relevant

3 digit Ford code list here: https://www.therangerstation.com/te...ble-code-dtc-applications-ford-3-digit-codes/


CEL can come on and then go off on its own, but will have stored a code in memory
CEL only stays on if its an ongoing issue

 

[Wayne Ward]

I had just watched the video earlier this week and was going to ask the group if it worked...thank you. How important is this heat shield? It is rattling and a bit loose. Since he is out of my reach for repairs, told him to take it to a muffle shop to have them fix it. Both tabs are broken on one side. Also told him to get some bailing wire and wrap it up for now.

Thank you
WWWard

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Baling wire or a bunch of hose clamps joined together to make one long hose clamp.

 

[Shran]

You can get giant hose clamps too in the HVAC/duct work section of your local hardware store. That is the best fix for those stupid heat shields.

 

[Wayne Ward]

Thank you