Preliminary Checks
Check battery connections. Check starter relay connections. Check alarm/anti-theft devices. Check all fuse links. On A/T models, ensure gearshift is in Park. On M/T models, ensure clutch is fully depressed.
Check for vacuum leaks. Check fuel quality. Check air cleaner/air intake duct.
Check for vacuum leaks. Check fuel quality. Check for restricted air filter/air intake duct. Check wiring harness connectors.
NO START/NORMAL CRANK
Note. Extended cranking, due to no-start condition, can load the exhaust system with raw fuel, which can ruin the catalytic converter after the engine is started. After servicing no-start condition, disconnect secondary air supply, operate engine until surplus fuel is used up, and then reconnect secondary air supply.
Check fuel quality. Check Inertia Fuel Shutoff (IFS) switch. Check alarm/anti-theft devices. Check wiring harness connectors. Check for disconnected or restricted air intake duct. Check fuses and relays.
Check for vacuum leaks. Check throttle linkage operation. Check air intake system. Check throttle body.
Check ignition wiring harness connectors. Check air intake duct. Check for vacuum leaks. Check for cracked or missing cooling fan blades. Check for broken motor mounts. Check air filter.
HIGH IDLE (DIESELS/RUNS ON)
Note. If engine runs on (diesels) after ignition is turned off, check for faulty ignition switch or short to power in IGN RUN circuit. If engine is overheating, go to ENGINE RUNS HOT symptom. If engine runs cold, go to ENGINE RUNS COLD symptom.
Check for vacuum leaks. Check for carbon build-up on throttle plate. Check throttle linkage operation. Check for binding/sticking cruise control chain. Check air intake duct. Check for leaking intake manifold gasket.
- Perform QUICK TEST. See the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC-IV (2.5L)»(ref-23138) article. If code is present, use appropriate CIRCUIT TEST.
- Check idle speed. See IDLE SPEED in «ADJUSTMENTS - 2.5L»(ref-23137) article.
- Check air intake system. Also ensure throttle plate and linkages operate properly.
- Check PCV system.
- Check A/C system operation.
- Ensure engine operates at normal operating temperature.
Check for vacuum leaks. Check Idle Air Control (IAC) solenoid connections.
HESITATES OR STALLS
Note. The PCM is equipped with an over RPM/speed limiting function that will shut off fuel delivery when predetermined speed is exceeded.
Check vacuum hose routing. Check for restricted air filter/air intake duct. Check fuel quality. Check wiring harness connectors. Check ignition wiring.
Check vacuum hose routing. Check for restricted air filter/air intake duct. Check fuel quality. Check wiring harness connectors.
Check vacuum hose routing. Check spark plug wiring for incorrect firing order.
LOSS OF POWER
Note. PCM is equipped with a RPM/overspeed limiting function that will shut off fuel delivery when predetermined speed is exceeded.
Verify symptom is reported under normal driving conditions without excessive load. Check vacuum hose routing. Check for restricted air filter. Check wiring harness connectors. Check for obstructed radiator. Check transmission fluid.
Check vacuum hose routing. Check for restricted air filter. Check fuel quality. Check engine for overheating.
POOR FUEL ECONOMY
Note. Fuel consumption increases drastically in city driving, short-run operation, stop-and-go driving, trailer towing, extended winter warm-up periods, etc. Determine if these factors are the cause of poor fuel mileage before proceeding.
Check for restricted air filter/air intake duct. Check transmission fluid level. Check fuel quality.
EMISSIONS COMPLIANCE
Canada and some states or metropolitan areas in the United States require periodic idle emission tests. All Ford products have been designed to pass these tests. If a Ford product fails an idle Emission test, it is probable that the engine temperature was not warm and stabilized prior to the test or the vehicle had idled excessively long prior to the test. Before starting any services, verify complaints of idle emission test failure by using test procedure of area that failed vehicle.
The following encompasses most of the emissions measurement modes of current state idle test procedures
- Ensure engine is at normal operating temperature and all accessories are turned off.
- Check emissions at idle.
- Operate engine at 2200-2800 RPM.
- Check emissions within 30 seconds.
- Return engine speed to idle.
- Check emissions within 30 seconds.
If any emission component is changed, Keep-Alive Memory (KAM) should be cleared before repeating state emission test procedure. See the TESTS W/CODES - EEC-IV (2.5L) article.
Check for vacuum leaks/blockage. Check wiring harness connectors. Ensure vehicle scheduled maintenance is current.
Check transmission fluid level and condition. Check for transmission leaks. Check wiring harness connectors. Check for vehicle modifications. Check for electronic add-on items. Check for misadjusted shift linkage. Check Transmission Range (TR) sensor adjustment. See ADJUSTMENTS in the TRANSMISSION SERVICING - A/T article in TRANSMISSION SERVICING section.
Note. The following symptom checks are for electronically controlled transmissions only.
Check tachometer relating wiring harness connectors.
Check for external engine oil leaks. Check for proper oil dipstick. Check for proper oil viscosity.
Check coolant level. Check for coolant leaks. Check fan belt. Check radiator fan connectors. Check water/anti-freeze mixture. Check radiator condition. Check for collapsed/restricted radiator hose. Check radiator cap. Check overflow system. Check transmission fluid level (A/T).
Check radiator cooling fan wiring harness.
Black Smoke (Rich Mixture)
- Check for restricted air cleaner/air intake duct.
- Check for restricted fuel return hoses.
- Perform QUICK TEST. See the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC-IV (2.5L)»(ref-23138) article. If code is present, use appropriate CIRCUIT TEST.
- Check fuel pressure. Go to step 2) of CIRCUIT TEST H in the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC-IV (2.5L)»(ref-23138) article.
- Check ignition system. See IGNITION SYSTEMS in the «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC-IV (2.5L)»(ref-23172) article.
- Check fuel delivery system. See FUEL SYSTEM in the «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC-IV (2.5L)»(ref-23172) article.
Blue Smoke (Burning Oil)
- Check PCV system.
- Check engine mechanical condition. Check valve guides, valve stems, valve seals, oil drain passages in cylinder heads (Blue smoke on start-up), piston rings and cylinder bores.
White Smoke (Water In Combustion)
- Check for cylinder head gasket leaks, intake manifold gasket leaks and cracked engine block.
Check fuel system for leaks.
Squeal, Click Or Chirp
- Check for low oil level.
- Check valve train components.
- Check drive belts.
- Check EEC-IV solenoids.
Hiss
- Check for cooling system leaks.
- Check for vacuum leaks.
- Check for loose spark plugs.
- Check for air intake leaks.
- Check for secondary air injection leaks.
- Check for Evaporative Emission (EVAP) system leaks.
Snap
- Perform a visual/audible check of secondary ignition system.
Rap Or Roar
- Check for exhaust leak.
- Check for secondary air injection leaks.
Knock
- Check for worn rod/main bearings.
- Check for loose piston pins.
- Check piston-to-cylinder bore clearance.
- Knock (Detonation) - See SPARK KNOCK symptom.
Perform a visual inspection of A/C system. Check A/C switches. Check fuses.
Check for shorted A/C wiring. Check A/C heater control. Check A/C compressor.
Check if A/C system turns off when A/C system demand switch is turned off. If A/C system stays on, go to A/C SYSTEM ALWAYS ON symptom.
Intermittent Simulation
To reproduce the conditions creating an intermittent fault, use the following methods
- Lightly vibrate component.
- Heat component.
- Wiggle or bend wiring harness.
- Spray component with water.
- Remove/apply vacuum source.
Monitor circuit/component voltage or resistance while simulating intermittent. If engine is running, monitor for self-diagnostic codes. See the TESTS W/CODES - EEC-IV (2.5L) article. Use test results to identify a faulty component or circuit.
Note. For test equipment connection and CONTINUOUS MONITOR MODE test operation, see the TESTS W/CODES - EEC-IV (2.5L) article.