INTRODUCTION
The following diagnostic steps will help prevent overlooking a simple problem. This is also where to begin diagnosis for a no-start condition.
The first step in diagnosing any driveability problem is verifying the customer's complaint with a test drive under the conditions the problem reportedly occurred.
Before entering self-diagnostics, perform a careful and complete visual inspection. Most engine control problems result from mechanical breakdowns, poor electrical connections or damaged/misrouted vacuum hoses. Before condemning the computerized system, perform each test listed in this article.
Note. Perform all voltage tests with a Digital Volt-Ohmmeter (DVOM) with a minimum 10-megohm input impedance, unless stated otherwise in test procedure.
VISUAL INSPECTION
Visually inspect all electrical wiring, looking for chafed, stretched, cut or pinched wiring. Ensure electrical connectors fit tightly and are not corroded. Ensure vacuum hoses are properly routed and are not pinched or cut. See VACUUM DIAGRAMS article in this section to verify routing and connections (if necessary). Inspect air induction system for possible vacuum leaks.
Compression
Check engine mechanical condition with a compression gauge, vacuum gauge, or an engine analyzer. See engine analyzer manual for specific instructions. Compression pressures are considered within specification if the lowest reading cylinder is within 75 percent of the highest reading cylinder.
| WARNING | DO NOT use ignition switch during compression tests on fuel injected vehicles. Use a remote starter to crank engine. Fuel injectors on many models are triggered by ignition switch during cranking mode, which can create a fire hazard or contaminate the engine's oiling system. |
Exhaust System Backpressure
The exhaust system can be checked with a vacuum or pressure gauge. If using a pressure gauge, remove O2 sensor or air injection check valve (if equipped). Connect a 0-5 psi pressure gauge and run engine at 2500 RPM. If exhaust system backpressure is greater than 2 psi, exhaust system or catalytic converter is plugged.
If using a vacuum gauge, connect vacuum gauge hose to intake manifold vacuum port. Start engine. Observe vacuum gauge. Open throttle part way and hold steady. If vacuum gauge reading slowly drops after stabilizing, check exhaust system for restriction.
PRELIMINARY CHECKS
Check that the following systems and components are in good condition and operating properly before diagnosing problems in fuel injection system
- Check battery and charging system condition.
- Check all wiring and vacuum connections.
- Check air cleaner and ducting.
- Check state of tune.
- Check fuel delivery system.
- Check cooling system.
- Check inertia fuel shutoff switch.
- Check for hydrostatic lock (liquid in cylinder).
- Check fuel tank contents and fuel gauge accuracy.
- Check for dirt, water or other contamination in fuel.
- Check fuel lines and fittings for leaks.
- Check fuel delivery system for proper pressure and volume.
- Check for inoperative fuel injectors.
- Check for improperly installed electronic equipment such as CB radio, cellular telephone or stereo.
FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE
- Remove fuel cap to release fuel tank pressure. Remove relief valve cap. Relief valve is located on fuel supply manifold. Using Fuel Pressure Gauge (T80L-9974-B), release fuel pressure from relief valve (Schrader valve).
- If fuel pressure gauge is not available, disconnect electrical connector to IFS switch. For IFS switch location, see INERTIA FUEL SHUTOFF (IFS) SWITCH location table under INERTIA FUEL SHUTOFF (IFS) SWITCH. Crank engine for 15 seconds to reduce system pressure.
FUEL PRESSURE
| WARNING | ALWAYS relieve fuel pressure before disconnecting any fuel injection-related component. DO NOT allow fuel to contact engine or electrical components. See FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE. |
Note. For fuel pressure specifications, see FUEL PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS article.
Scheme 99
- Release fuel pressure. Install fuel pressure gauge. Connect a jumper wire between fuel pump test terminal at the Data Link Connector (DLC) and ground. (Scheme 99) Turn ignition on, but DO NOT start engine. This activates the fuel pump.
- Measure and record Key On, Engine Off (KOEO) fuel pressure. Start engine. Measure and record Key On, Engine Running (KOER) fuel pressure. For fuel pressure specifications, see «FUEL PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS»(/ford/crown-victoria/i-1992-1997/remont/specifications/#fuel-pressure-specifications) article. Turn ignition off and monitor fuel pressure for one minute. Fuel pressure should not drop more than 5 psi (34 kPa).
- If fuel pressure is within specification, test is complete. If fuel pressure is not within specification, check fuel filter and lines for restriction(s). Repair or replace as necessary. If fuel pressure is still not within specification, install fuel pressure gauge (if removed). CAUTION: Inspect fuel system for leaks or damage before testing fuel pump.
- Start engine and observe fuel pressure gauge. Gently squeeze fuel return hose. If fuel pressure increases while squeezing fuel return hose, replace fuel pressure regulator. If fuel pressure does not change while squeezing fuel return hose, check for plugged fuel inlet strainer or defective fuel pump. Repair as necessary. NOTE: For additional fuel system testing information, proceed to appropriate SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article. See the following menu. On EEC-IV & EEC-V equipped models, see appropriate TESTS W/CODES article for diagnostic procedure of PCM controlled fuel pump circuits. Refer to the following menu: «TESTS W/CODES - EEC-IV (5.0L)»(ref-22906) (for Mustang) «TESTS W/CODES - EEC-V (4.6L)»(ref-22907) (for Cougar & Thunderbird) «TESTS W/CODES - EEC-IV (4.6L)»(/ford/crown-victoria/i-1992-1997/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-tests-wcodes-eec-iv-46l) (all other 4.6L) «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC-IV (5.0L)»(ref-22932) (for Mustang) «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC-V»(ref-22914) (for Cougar & Thunderbird 4.6L) «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC-IV (4.6L)»(/ford/crown-victoria/i-1992-1997/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-systemcomponent-tests-eec-iv-46l) (all other 4.6L)
Models With EEC-V
- Visually inspect fuel system including fuel lines, connections, injectors and electrical connections. Ensure Inertia Fuel Shutoff (IFS) switch is not tripped. Check condition of battery and fuses. Ensure fuel level in tank is sufficient.
- Turn ignition off. Release fuel pressure. Install fuel pressure gauge. Start engine and increase engine speed to 2500 RPM. If engine will not start, cycle ignition switch several times. Record fuel pressure. For fuel pressure specifications, see «FUEL PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS»(/ford/crown-victoria/i-1992-1997/remont/specifications/#fuel-pressure-specifications) article. If fuel pressure is as specified, go to next step. If fuel pressure is not as specified, proceed to appropriate SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article. Refer to the following menu: «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC-IV (5.0L)»(ref-22932) (for Mustang) «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC-V»(ref-22914) (for Cougar & Thunderbird 4.6L) «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC-IV (4.6L)»(/ford/crown-victoria/i-1992-1997/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-systemcomponent-tests-eec-iv-46l) (all other 4.6L)
- With fuel pressure gauge still installed, cycle ignition switch on and off several times. Record fuel pressure. If fuel pressure is at least 25 psi (172 kPa) after one minute with key off, system is capable of maintaining fuel pressure. If fuel pressure is not at least 25 psi after one minute with key off, test fuel injectors for leakage. See «FUEL INJECTORS»(/ford/crown-victoria/i-1992-1997/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-basic-testing-v8) .
Fuel Injector Check
- Connect tachometer to engine. Run engine at idle. Disconnect and reconnect injectors individually. When disconnected, each injector should cause a momentary drop in engine speed of at least 100 RPM. Engine RPM drop should only be momentary as Powertrain Control Unit (PCM) will attempt to re-establish correct idle RPM.
- Replace any injectors that do not cause sufficient drop in engine speed. When test is complete, check idle speed. Refer to emission control specifications on decal in engine compartment. See «IDLE SPEED & IGNITION TIMING»(/ford/crown-victoria/i-1992-1997/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-basic-testing-v8__idle-speed-ignition-timing) .
Fuel Injector Resistance
Disconnect injector harness connectors. Using digital ohmmeter, measure resistance between injector terminals. If resistance is not 11-19 ohms, replace injector.
Note. For additional testing and information, see FUEL SYSTEM in appropriate SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article. Refer to the following menu
- «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC-IV (5.0L)»(ref-22932) (for Mustang)
- «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC-V»(ref-22914) (for Cougar & Thunderbird 4.6L)
- «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC-IV (4.6L)»(/ford/crown-victoria/i-1992-1997/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-systemcomponent-tests-eec-iv-46l) (all other 4.6L)
INERTIA FUEL SHUTOFF (IFS) SWITCH
- If IFS switch is tripped, engine cannot be restarted until switch is manually reset. To reset IFS switch, depress switch button. For IFS switch location, see INERTIA FUEL SHUTOFF (IFS) SWITCH LOCATION table. INERTIA FUEL SHUTOFF (IFS) SWITCH LOCATION Application Location Mark VIII Left Front Of Trunk Mustang Lower Left Rear Of Trunk All Others In Trunk On Left Hinge Support Or Behind Trim Panel
- To test inertia switch, turn ignition off. Remove inertia switch. Shake inertia switch to force switch into tripped position (switch open).Measure resistance between appropriate inertia switch terminals. See WIRING DIAGRAMS section. Continuity should be not present between terminals with switch tripped and present when reset.
IGNITION CHECKS
Note. If an ignition failure occurs, ignition system may operate with limited ability using Failure Mode Effects Management (FMEM). When this occurs, trouble codes should be present, engine may be hard to start and dwell and timing will not change.
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE
| Application | Primary (Ohms) | Secondary (Ohms) |
|---|---|---|
| Distributorless Systems | (1) | (1) ** |
| Distributor Systems | 0.8-1.6 | 8000-11,500 |
| (1) Resistance values are not available. For testing, refer to appropriate I - SYS/COMP TESTS article as listed following this table. | ||
| (1) | Resistance values are not available. For testing, refer to appropriate I - SYS/COMP TESTS article as listed following this table. |
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE
- «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC-IV (5.0L)»(ref-22932) (for Mustang)
- «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC-V»(ref-22914) (for Cougar & Thunderbird 4.6L)
- «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC-IV (4.6L)»(/ford/crown-victoria/i-1992-1997/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-systemcomponent-tests-eec-iv-46l) (all other 4.6L)
Spark Check
- Check the EI (high data rate) system (formerly Electronic Distributorless Ignition System - EDIS) for fault codes and repair if necessary. See QUICK TEST in appropriate TESTS W/CODES article listed below. If no fault codes are present, check ignition system wiring harness connectors for corrosion and tight fit. (Scheme 100), or 3. Clean or repair connectors as necessary. «TESTS W/CODES - EEC-IV (5.0L)»(ref-22906) (for Mustang) «TESTS W/CODES - EEC-V (4.6L)»(ref-22907) (for Cougar & Thunderbird 4.6L) «TESTS W/CODES - EEC-IV (4.6L)»(/ford/crown-victoria/i-1992-1997/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-tests-wcodes-eec-iv-46l) (all other 4.6L)
- If wiring and connectors are okay, use Neon Bulb Spark Tester (D89P-6666-A) to check for spark at each spark plug wire while cranking engine. If spark is strong and consistent at each spark plug (one spark per crankshaft revolution), ignition system is okay. If spark is not present, proceed to IGNITION SYSTEMS in appropriate I - SYS/COMP TESTS article. Refer to the following menu: «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC-IV (5.0L)»(ref-22932) (for Mustang) «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC-V»(ref-22914) (for Cougar & Thunderbird 4.6L) «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC-IV (4.6L)»(/ford/crown-victoria/i-1992-1997/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-systemcomponent-tests-eec-iv-46l) (all other 4.6L)
Scheme 100
Scheme 101
- Check the DI system (formerly Thick Film Ignition-IV (TFI-IV) system) for fault codes and repair if necessary. See QUICK TEST in appropriate TESTS W/CODES article listed below. If no fault codes are retrieved, check ignition system wiring harness connectors for damage, corrosion and tight fit. (Scheme 102) «TESTS W/CODES - EEC-IV (5.0L)»(ref-22906) (for Mustang) «TESTS W/CODES - EEC-V (4.6L)»(ref-22907) (for Cougar & Thunderbird 4.6L) «TESTS W/CODES - EEC-IV (4.6L)»(/ford/crown-victoria/i-1992-1997/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-tests-wcodes-eec-iv-46l) (all other 4.6L)
- If no fault codes are retrieved and vehicle starts, problem is intermittent, go to appropriate TESTS W/O CODES article listed below. If no fault codes are retrieved and vehicle is a no-start, connect a high-output spark tester between ignition coil wire and engine ground. Check for spark at coil wire while cranking engine. A consistent Blue spark should be present. «TESTS W/O CODES - EEC-IV (5.0L)»(ref-22934) (for Mustang) «TESTS W/O CODES - EEC-IV (4.6L)»(/ford/crown-victoria/i-1992-1997/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-tests-wo-codes-eec-iv-46l) (for Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis, Mark VII & Town Car) «TESTS W/O CODES - EEC-V (4.6L)»(ref-22936) (for Cougar & Thunderbird 4.6L)
- If spark is present, go to step 4). If no spark is present, remove distributor cap and crank engine to ensure distributor rotates. If okay, check resistance of coil secondary wire. Resistance should be less than 7000 ohms per foot. Service coil wire if necessary and retest. If spark is not present, proceed to appropriate I - SYS/COMP TESTS article listed below or the appropriate TESTS W/O CODES article in this section listed above. «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC-IV (5.0L)»(ref-22932) (for Mustang) «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC-V»(ref-22914) (for Cougar & Thunderbird 4.6L) «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC-IV (4.6L)»(/ford/crown-victoria/i-1992-1997/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-systemcomponent-tests-eec-iv-46l) (all other 4.6L)
- On all models, if a consistent Blue spark is present at coil wire during cranking, inspect distributor cap and rotor for cracks or carbon tracking. Service as necessary and test spark output at spark plugs. If spark is present at spark plugs and engine will not start, go to appropriate TESTS W/O CODES article listed in the previous paragraph.
Scheme 102
IDLE SPEED & IGNITION TIMING
Ensure idle speed and ignition timing are set to specification. For adjustment procedures, see ADJUSTMENTS - V8 article.
IGNITION TIMING
Note. Ignition timing is not adjustable on models with Electronic Ignition (low or high data rate).
| Application | Degrees BTDC @ RPM |
|---|---|
| 4.6L | (1) (2) 10 |
| 5.0L | (1) 10 |
| (1) Disconnect single in-line SPOUT connector or remove shorting bar from double wire SPOUT connector. (2) Timing not adjustable. | |
| (1) | Disconnect single in-line SPOUT connector or remove shorting bar from double wire SPOUT connector. |
| (2) | Timing not adjustable. |
BASE IGNITION TIMING
IDLE SPEED
Engine idle RPM is fixed and cannot be changed by standard adjustments. A scan tool must be used because control strategy and idle speed is controlled by Powertrain Control Unit (PCM). See IDLE SPEED in ADJUSTMENTS - V8 article.
| Model | RPM |
|---|---|
| 4.6L | (1) ** |
| 5.0L | 625-725 |
| (1) Information is not available, refer to underhood label. | |
| (1) | Information is not available, refer to underhood label. |
IDLE SPEED SPECIFICATIONS
IDLE MIXTURE ADJUSTMENT
Note. Idle mixture is not adjustable. If idle mixture is incorrect, see appropriate TESTS W/CODES article listed below.
- «TESTS W/CODES - EEC-IV (5.0L)»(ref-22906) (for Mustang)
- «TESTS W/CODES - EEC-V (4.6L)»(ref-22907) (for Cougar & Thunderbird 4.6L)
- «TESTS W/CODES - EEC-IV (4.6L)»(/ford/crown-victoria/i-1992-1997/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-tests-wcodes-eec-iv-46l) (all other 4.6L)
THROTTLE POSITION (TP) SENSOR ADJUSTMENT
Note. For TP sensor adjustment procedures, see ADJUSTMENTS - V8 article.
SUMMARY
If no faults were found while performing BASIC DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES, proceed to appropriate TESTS W/CODES article listed below. If no hard codes are found in self-diagnostics, proceed to appropriate TESTS W/O CODES article in this section also listed below for diagnosis by symptom (i.e., ROUGH IDLE, NO START, etc.) or intermittent diagnostic procedures.
- «TESTS W/CODES - EEC-IV (5.0L)»(ref-22906) (for Mustang)
- «TESTS W/CODES - EEC-V (4.6L)»(ref-22907) (for Cougar & Thunderbird 4.6L)
- «TESTS W/CODES - EEC-IV (4.6L)»(/ford/crown-victoria/i-1992-1997/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-tests-wcodes-eec-iv-46l) (all other 4.6L)
- «TESTS W/O CODES - EEC-IV (5.0L)»(ref-22934) (for Mustang)
- «TESTS W/O CODES - EEC-IV (4.6L)»(/ford/crown-victoria/i-1992-1997/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-tests-wo-codes-eec-iv-46l) (for Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis, Mark VII & Town Car)
- «TESTS W/O CODES - EEC-V (4.6L)»(ref-22936) (for Cougar & Thunderbird 4.6L)