Preliminary Checks
Check battery connections. Check starter relay. Check alarm/anti-theft devices. Check fuses and fusible links. Check all electrical loads (headlights, radio, etc.). 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 (octane, winter/summer grade fuel, methanol, etc.). Check air intake system and air cleaner for leaks and/or restrictions.
Check for vacuum leaks. Check fuel quality (octane, winter/summer grade fuel, methanol, etc.). Check air intake system and air cleaner for leaks and/or restrictions. 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.
Note. For fuel pressure specifications, see FUEL PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS article.
Check Inertia Fuel Shutoff (IFS) switch. Check fuel pressure and quality (octane, winter/summer grade fuel, methanol, etc.). 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. Check air intake system. Check throttle body.
Check ignition and 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 for contaminated air filter.
FAST 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 (OVERHEATING) 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 speed (cruise) control chain. Check air intake duct. Check for leaking intake manifold gasket.
Check for vacuum leaks. Check Idle Air Control (IAC) solenoid connections.
HESITATES OR STALLS
Note. The Powertrain Control Module (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 (octane, winter/summer grade fuel, methanol, etc.). Check ignition and wiring harness connectors.
Check vacuum hose routing. Check for restricted air filter/air intake duct. Check fuel quality (octane, winter/summer grade fuel, methanol, etc.). Check wiring harness connectors.
Check vacuum hose routing. Check spark plug wiring for incorrect firing order.
LOSS OF POWER
Note. The PCM is equipped with an RPM/speed limiting function that will shut off fuel delivery when predetermined speed is exceeded.
Verify symptom occurs under normal driving conditions without engine being under excessive load conditions. 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 (octane, winter/summer grade fuel, methanol, etc.).
POOR FUEL ECONOMY
Note. Fuel consumption increases during 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 economy before proceeding with diagnostic procedure.
Check for restricted air filter/air intake duct. Check transmission fluid level. Check fuel quality (octane, winter/summer grade fuel, methanol, etc.).
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 vehicle fails idle emission test, it is probable that engine temperature was not warm and stabilized prior to the test, or vehicle had idled excessively for long period 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. To clear KAM, disconnect negative battery cable for at least 5 minutes.
Check for vacuum leaks/blockage. Check wiring harness connectors for clean, tight fit. Ensure vehicle scheduled maintenance is current. Check secondary air injection pump belt.
Determine which warning indicator lights are used in vehicle.
Preliminary Check
Check transmission fluid level and condition.
Note. The following symptom checks are for electronically controlled transmissions only.
Check for external engine oil leaks. Check for proper oil dipstick. Check for proper oil viscosity.
Black Smoke (Rich Mixture)
Perform the following
- Check for restricted air cleaner/air intake duct.
- Check for restricted fuel return hoses.
- Check ignition system. See IGNITION SYSTEMS in the «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - 7.5L EEC-IV»(ref-23717) article.
- Check fuel delivery system. See FUEL SYSTEM in the «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - 7.5L EEC-IV»(ref-23717) article.
- Check fuel control circuit. See CIRCUIT TEST H, step 2) in the «TESTS W/CODES - 7.5L EEC-IV»(ref-23602) article.
Blue Smoke (Burning Oil)
Perform the following
- Check PCV system. See EMISSION SYSTEMS & SUB-SYSTEMS in the «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - 7.5L EEC-IV»(ref-23717) article.
- 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)
Perform the following
- Check engine mechanical condition. Check for cylinder head and intake manifold gasket leaks. Check for cracked/porous cylinder head and engine block.
Check fuel system for leaks.
Squeal, Click Or Chirp
Perform the following
- Check drive belts.
- Check EEC-IV solenoids.
- Check for low oil level.
- Check valve train components.
Hiss
Perform the following
- Check for cooling system leaks.
- Check for vacuum leaks.
- Check for loose spark plugs.
- Check for air intake leaks.
- Check for air injection leaks.
- Check for Fuel Evaporation (EVAP) system leaks.
Snap
Perform the following
- Perform a visual/audible check of secondary ignition system.
Rap Or Roar
Perform the following
- Check for exhaust leak.
- Check for air injection leaks.
Knock
Perform the following
- Check for worn connecting rod/main bearings.
- Check for loose piston pins.
- Check piston-to-cylinder bore clearance.
- Knock (detonation); see SPARK KNOCK.
Check for shorted A/C wiring. Check A/C-heater control panel. Check A/C compressor.
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 - 7.5L EEC-IV article. Use test results to identify a faulty component or circuit.
Note. For test equipment connection and continuous monitor mode test operation, see CONTINUOUS MONITOR MODE (WIGGLE TEST) in the TESTS W/CODES - 7.5L EEC-IV article.