SYMPTOMS DIAGNOSIS
Symptom checks cannot be used properly unless problem occurs while vehicle is being tested. To reduce diagnostic time, ensure steps in BASIC TESTING and G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES articles in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section were performed before diagnosing a symptom. Symptom checks are listed in order of probability, ease of accomplishment, and accessibility. Symptoms available for diagnosis are as follows.
- No Crank
- Hard Start/Long Crank
- Stalls After Start
- No Start/Normal Crank
- Slow Return To Idle
- Rough Idle
- High Idle (Diesels/Runs On)
- Low Idle (Stalls On Deceleration)
- Hesitates Or Stalls
- Surge (On Acceleration Or Cruise)
- Backfires
- Loss Of Power
- Spark Knock
- Poor Fuel Economy
- Emissions Compliance
- Warning Indicator Lights
- Improper Transmission Shift
- High Oil Consumption
- Engine Runs Hot
- Engine Runs Cold
- Exhaust Smoke
- Gas Smell
- Engine Noise
- Vibration
- Climate Control (Lack Of Cooling)
- Climate Control (A/C Always On)
Symptom Checks
Check the following items
- Check starter relay.
- Check starter circuit.
- Check charging circuit.
- Check for seized/hydro-locked engine (leaking injectors).
- Check for defective flywheel.
- Perform QUICK TEST. See G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section. If code is present, perform appropriate CIRCUIT TEST.
- Check ignition switch.
- Check transmission linkage adjustment.
- On models with distributor ignition, check for short to ground in starter wire.
Check the following items
- Perform QUICK TEST. See G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section. If code is present, perform appropriate CIRCUIT TEST.
- Check ignition system. See IGNITION SYSTEMS in I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check fuel delivery system. See FUEL SYSTEM in I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check cooling system for overheating (hard hot start only).
- Check PCV system.
- Check Evaporative Emission (EVAP) system. See I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- On 2.3L Mustang, check for spark. See step 25) of CIRCUIT TEST NB in G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check starting system.
- On Mark VIII, check high speed fuel pump operation. See indicated step 15 of CIRCUIT TEST XB in G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check EGR system. See I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check for contaminated MAF sensor.
Check the following items
- Perform QUICK TEST and check for codes. See G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section. If fault codes are present, perform appropriate CIRCUIT TEST.
- Check power to MAP/BARO sensor. See step 3) of CIRCUIT TEST S in G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check Idle Air Control (IAC). See step 1) of CIRCUIT TEST S in G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check idle speed. See IDLE SPEED in ADJUSTMENTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check ignition system. See IGNITION SYSTEMS in I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- If engine stalls during parking maneuvers, check Power Steering Pressure (PSP) switch operation. See step 3) of CIRCUIT TEST FF in G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- If engine stalls during transmission engagement, check transmission solenoids. Go to CIRCUIT TEST TC in G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- On Probe 2.0L M/T, if engine stalls because of low fast idle (cold engine), go to step 25) of CIRCUIT TEST KE in G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section. If engine has low idle or stalls with blower motor on, go to step 10) of CIRCUIT TEST FE. If engine has low idle or stalls with daytime running lights on, go to step 20) of CIRCUIT TEST FE. If engine has low idle or stalls with headlights on, go to step 30) of CIRCUIT TEST FE. If engine has low idle or stalls with rear window defroster on, go to step 40) of CIRCUIT TEST FE.
- Check for restricted exhaust system.
- Check for restricted air intake duct.
- Check EGR system. See I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check engine compression. Check engine mechanical condition. Check camshaft and valve train components.
- Ensure transmission is functioning properly.
Check the following items
- Perform QUICK TEST. See G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section. If code is present, perform appropriate CIRCUIT TEST.
- Check ignition system. On models with Distributor Ignition (DI), perform CIRCUIT TEST AA. See G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section. On 3.8L SC, 3.0L SHO, 3.2L SHO, and 2.3L OHC, perform CIRCUIT TEST AB. On all other models, perform CIRCUIT TEST AC.
- Check for restricted exhaust system.
- Check engine compression. Check engine mechanical condition. Check intake manifold, manifold gasket, camshaft and valves.
Check the following items
- Perform QUICK TEST. See G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section. If code is present, perform appropriate CIRCUIT TEST.
- Check for throttle body contamination. Check for carbon build-up around throttle plate.
Check the following items
- Perform QUICK TEST. See G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section. If code is present, perform appropriate CIRCUIT TEST.
- Check ignition system. See IGNITION SYSTEMS in I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check idle speed. See IDLE SPEED in ADJUSTMENTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check fuel pump. See FUEL SYSTEM in G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check PCV system.
- Ensure engine operates at normal operating temperature.
- Check EGR system. See I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check engine compression. Check engine mechanical condition. Check intake manifold, manifold gasket, camshaft and valves.
- Check secondary air injection. See I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check air intake system. Also, ensure throttle plate and linkages operate properly.
- Check Evaporative Emission (EVAP) system. See I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check charging system.
- Check exhaust system.
- On 3.0L SHO and 3.2L SHO, check Intake Manifold Runner Control (IMRC). See step 6) in CIRCUIT TEST KT under G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
Check the following items
- Perform QUICK TEST. See G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section. If code is present, perform appropriate CIRCUIT TEST.
- Check idle speed. See IDLE SPEED in ADJUSTMENTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- On A/T models with overdrive, check transmission solenoids. See CIRCUIT TEST TC in G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check EGR system. See I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Low idle exists with A/C on, go to step 30) of CIRCUIT TEST KM in G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- On Probe 2.0L M/T, if engine has low idle or stalls when engine is cold (no fast idle), go to step 25) of CIRCUIT TEST KE in G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section. If engine has low idle or stalls with daytime running lights on, go to step 20) of CIRCUIT TEST FE. If engine has low idle or stalls with blower motor on, go to step 10) of CIRCUIT TEST FE. If engine has low idle or stalls with headlights on, go to step 30) of CIRCUIT TEST FE. If engine has low idle or stalls with rear window defroster on, go to step 40) of CIRCUIT TEST FE.
Check the following items
- Perform QUICK TEST. See G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section. If code is present, perform appropriate CIRCUIT TEST.
- Check power to MAP/BARO sensor. See step 3) of CIRCUIT TEST S in G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check ignition system. See IGNITION SYSTEMS in I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check idle speed. See IDLE SPEED in ADJUSTMENTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check PCV system.
- Ensure driveline and transmission are functioning properly.
- Check air intake system. Also, ensure throttle plate and linkages operate properly.
- Check fuel delivery system. See FUEL SYSTEM in I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check for restricted exhaust system.
- Check EGR system. See I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check fuel delivery system. See FUEL SYSTEM in I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check engine compression. Check engine mechanical condition. Check intake manifold, manifold gasket, camshaft and valves.
Check the following items
- Perform QUICK TEST. See G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section. If code is present, perform appropriate CIRCUIT TEST.
- Check power to MAP/BARO sensor. See step 3) of CIRCUIT TEST S in G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check ignition system. See IGNITION SYSTEMS in I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check idle speed. See IDLE SPEED in ADJUSTMENTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check PCV system.
- If surge occurs with A/C on, check A/C clutch operation.
- Check Evaporative Emission (EVAP) system. See I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check secondary air injection. See I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Ensure engine operates at normal operating temperature.
- Ensure transmission operates properly.
- Check for restricted exhaust system.
- On 3.8L SC, ensure supercharger is functioning properly. See AIR INDUCTION SYSTEMS in I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check air intake system. Also, ensure throttle plate and linkages operate properly.
- Check fuel delivery system. See FUEL SYSTEM in I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check engine compression. Check engine mechanical condition. Check intake manifold, manifold gasket, camshaft and valves.
- Check Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) heater. On all except Taurus Flex Fuel models, go to step 21) of CIRCUIT TEST H in G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section. On Taurus Flex Fuel models, go to step 15) of CIRCUIT TEST HB.
- Ensure cruise control system is functioning properly.
Check the following items
- Check ignition system. See IGNITION SYSTEMS in I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Perform QUICK TEST. See G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section. If code is present, perform appropriate CIRCUIT TEST.
- Check secondary air injection. See I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check engine compression. Check engine mechanical condition. Check intake manifold, manifold gasket, camshaft and valves.
- Check for restricted exhaust system.
- Check fuel delivery system. See FUEL SYSTEM in I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
Check the following items
- Perform QUICK TEST. See G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section. If code is present, perform appropriate CIRCUIT TEST.
- Check power to MAP/BARO sensor. See step 3) of CIRCUIT TEST S in G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check ignition system. See IGNITION SYSTEMS in I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check fuel delivery system. See FUEL SYSTEM in I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check for restricted exhaust system.
- Ensure engine operates at normal operating temperature.
- Check air intake system. Also, ensure throttle plate and linkages operate properly.
- On 3.0L SHO and 3.2L SHO, check Intake Manifold Runner Control (IMRC). See step 6) of CIRCUIT TEST KT in G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check engine compression. Check engine mechanical condition. Check intake manifold, manifold gasket, camshaft and valves.
- Ensure transmission is functioning properly.
- On 3.8L SC, ensure supercharger operates properly. See AIR INDUCTION SYSTEMS in I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check for binding/dragging brakes.
- Check EGR system. See I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Ensure A/C turns off during Wide Open Throttle (WOT). On all models except Mark VIII, if A/C does not turn off during WOT, go to CLIMATE CONTROL (LACK OF COOLING) symptom.
- On Mark VIII, check high speed fuel pump operation. See step of CIRCUIT TEST XB in G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
Check the following items
- Perform QUICK TEST. See G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section. If code is present, perform appropriate CIRCUIT TEST.
- Check cooling system for overheating. If cooling system is overheating, go to ENGINE RUNS HOT symptom.
- Check base timing. See ADJUSTMENTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Perform QUICK TEST. See G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section. If code is present, perform appropriate CIRCUIT TEST.
- Check engine compression. Check engine mechanical condition. Check intake manifold, manifold gasket, camshaft and valves.
- Check fuel delivery system. See FUEL SYSTEM in I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check EGR system. See I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check PCV system.
- Check secondary air injection. See I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Ensure transmission is functioning properly.
- Check oil quality.
Check the following items
- Perform QUICK TEST. See G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section. If code is present, perform appropriate CIRCUIT TEST.
- Check fuel delivery system. See FUEL SYSTEM in I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check ignition system. See IGNITION SYSTEMS in I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check for restricted exhaust system.
- Ensure engine operates at normal operating temperature.
- Check EGR system. See I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Ensure transmission operates properly.
- Check secondary air injection. See I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check PCV system.
- Check for dragging brakes.
- Check for contaminated Mass Airflow (MAF) sensor.
Check the following items
- Perform QUICK TEST. See G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section. If code is present, perform appropriate CIRCUIT TEST.
- Check ignition system. See IGNITION SYSTEMS in I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check power to MAP/BARO sensor. See step 3) of CIRCUIT TEST S in G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check idle speed. See IDLE SPEED in ADJUSTMENTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check PCV system.
- Check Evaporative Emission (EVAP) system. See I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check secondary air injection. See I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check for restricted exhaust system.
- Check EGR system. See I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- On Mark VIII, check Intake Manifold Runner Control (IMRC). See step 6) of CIRCUIT TEST KT in G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Ensure engine operates at normal operating temperature.
- Check engine compression. Check engine mechanical condition. Check intake manifold, manifold gasket, camshaft and valves.
- Check PCV system.
Check the following items
- On all models check if Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) or shift indicator light is on, perform QUICK TEST. See G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section. If code is present, perform appropriate CIRCUIT TEST.
- If MIL never comes on, go to step 4) of CIRCUIT TEST ML in G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- On Continental, if Data Communications Link (DLC) light is on, go to step 25) of CIRCUIT TEST ML in G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
Check the following items
- Perform QUICK TEST. See G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section. If code is present, perform appropriate CIRCUIT TEST.
- On Escort and Tracer, if transmission stays in 3rd gear with shift selector in "D" or OD, go to step 9) of CIRCUIT TEST TD in G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
Check the following items
- Check PCV system.
- Check engine mechanical condition. Check valves, valve guides, valve stem oil seals, intake manifold gaskets, cylinder head oil drain passages and piston rings.
Check the following items
- Perform QUICK TEST. See G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section. If code is present, perform appropriate CIRCUIT TEST.
- Check radiator cooling fan operation (if equipped). Start engine. Turn A/C on. Cooling fan should be on.
- Check base timing. See ADJUSTMENTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check gauges/senders.
- Check for brake drag.
- Check transmission for overheating.
- Check for core sand in engine block.
- Check for internal cylinder block and cylinder head leaks.
Check the following items
- Check if radiator cooling fan runs continuously.
- Perform QUICK TEST. See G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section. If code is present, perform appropriate CIRCUIT TEST.
- Check cooling system operation.
- Check temperature gauge and sender.
Check the following items
- Check fuel delivery system. See FUEL SYSTEM in I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Check Evaporative Emission (EVAP) system. See I - EEC-IV SYS/COMP TESTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
- Perform QUICK TEST. See G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section. If code is present, perform appropriate CIRCUIT TEST.
- Perform QUICK TEST. See G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section. If code is present, perform appropriate CIRCUIT TEST.
- Check voltage at A/C clutch.
- Connect A/C manifold gauges and perform A/C system function test.
Check the following items
- Ensure voltage does not exist at A/C clutch with A/C switch off.
- Perform QUICK TEST. See G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section. If code is present, perform appropriate CIRCUIT TEST.
INTERMITTENT PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS
Intermittent fault testing requires duplicating circuit or component failure to identify the problem. These procedures may lead to the computer setting a fault code (on some systems), which may help in diagnosis.
If problem vehicle does not produce fault codes, monitor voltage or resistance using a DVOM while attempting to reproduce conditions causing intermittent fault. A status change on DVOM indicates a fault has been located.
Use a DVOM to pinpoint faults. When monitoring voltage, ensure ignition switch is in ON position or engine is running. Ensure ignition switch is in OFF position or negative battery cable is disconnected when monitoring circuit resistance. Status changes on DVOM during test procedures indicate area of fault.
Continuous Monitor Mode (Wiggle Test)
In this mode, the technician can attempt to re-create an intermittent fault while monitoring the system. This mode, also called the wiggle test, may be used in Key On Engine Off (KOEO) and Key On Engine Running (KOER) self-test modes. See CIRCUIT TESTS in G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section for instructions on the use of this procedure to identify intermittent faults in specific circuits or components.
KOEO Wiggle Test
Connect test equipment. See G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section. Turn ignition on. Activate self-test using jumper lead or diagnostic tester. Wait 10 seconds, and then deactivate and reactivate self-test to enter wiggle test. Tap, move and wiggle the suspected sensor and/or harness area. If a fault is detected, a code may be stored in memory and indicated at the diagnostic tester or scan tool. Record or retrieve code, and perform CIRCUIT TEST indicated in G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
KOER Wiggle Test
Connect test equipment. See G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section. Turn ignition off, and wait 10 seconds. Start engine. Activate self-test using jumper lead or diagnostic tester. Wait 10 seconds, and then deactivate and reactivate self-test to enter wiggle test. DO NOT turn engine off. Tap, move and wiggle the suspected sensor and/or harness area. If a fault is detected, a code may be stored in memory and indicated at the diagnostic tester or scan tool. Record or retrieve code, and perform CIRCUIT TEST indicated in G - EEC-IV TESTS W/CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.