Automatic Ride Control: Diagnosis Ford Thunderbird X

TEST EQUIPMENT

To diagnose and test ARC system, use Rotunda Super Star II (007-00019 or 007-00028) or Star Tester (007-00017). A DVOM (volt-ohmmeter) and Rotunda EEC-IV 60-pin Breakout Box (014-00322) are also required.

For diagnostic purposes, see TROUBLE CODES and QUICK TESTS & CIRCUIT DIAGNOSTIC TESTS. For wiring diagram and ARC and EEC-IV control module pin identification (Scheme 2)

Scheme 2

TROUBLE CODES

ARC TROUBLE CODES (1) , (2)

Entering Diagnostics

1. Turn ignition off. Turn off headlights, parking lights and automatic headlight on (Autolamp) system. Place ride control switch in AUTO position. DO NOT move ride control switch during test. Locate ARC/EVO diagnostic test connector, near right front shock tower. see scheme 1
2. Connect Super Star II Tester (007-00019 or 007-00028) or Star Tester (007-00017) to ARC/EVO diagnostic test connector. Put tester in HOLD position. Turn tester on, and put it in TEST position. NOTE: If using Super Star II tester, ensure mode switch is in EEC-IV/MCU mode and not in MECS mode, otherwise invalid codes will be displayed. Also, DO NOT move ride selector switch during test.
3. Start engine. Within 20 seconds of starting engine, switch Star tester from TEST mode to HOLD mode and back to TEST mode within 5 seconds.
4. ARC/EVO module will run through self-test procedure and will (1) send error codes to Star Tester and (2) flash error codes on FIRM RIDE light. FIRM RIDE light will blink same codes twice, once every 9 seconds. See TROUBLE CODES under TESTING & DIAGNOSIS.

QUICK TEST A2

Note. TEST A2 and TEST A3 may be repeated several times and in any order to ensure proper diagnosis. If ignition switch or ride control switch is inadvertently moved during test, go to TEST A4 or restart TEST A1.

Preparation For Testing

1. Turn ignition off. Ensure ride control switch is in AUTO position. Turn ignition switch to RUN position. Leave engine off. Wait until FIRM RIDE light turns off (approximately 4 seconds).
2. If FIRM RIDE light comes on for 4 seconds and then goes out, proceed to TEST A5. If light comes on and stays on while in AUTO position, proceed to TEST D5. If light comes on for 4 seconds and then flashes a code, record trouble code, and proceed to TROUBLE CODES under TESTING & DIAGNOSIS.

QUICK TEST A5

Note. TEST A5 and TEST A6 may be performed in any order and as many times as desired to ensure satisfactory results.

Preparation For Actuator Rotation Test

1. Remove problem actuators from top of shock towers. DO NOT disconnect harness connectors. See ACTUATORS under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
2. Turn ignition switch to RUN position, and wait 5 seconds. Place ride control switch in AUTO position. Record position, "S" (soft) or "H" (hard), of control tube on bottom of actuator.
3. Place ride control switch in FIRM position, and wait 5 seconds. Record control tube position on bottom of actuator. If actuator rotated from "S" (soft) to "H" (hard) position, proceed to TEST B8. If actuator did not rotate, proceed to TEST B7. If actuator rotated from "H" to "S", wiring circuits at actuator are reversed. Repair wiring as necessary.

Actuator Rotation Test

1. Turn ignition off. Disconnect and remove problem actuator. Disconnect a known good actuator, and connect harness connector to problem actuator. Turn ignition on. Place ride control switch to AUTO position, and record control tube position of problem actuator.
2. Place ride control switch in FIRM position, and check control tube position of problem actuator. If control tube does not move, replace actuator. If control tube rotates, check wiring at problem actuator's original position for short or open circuit.

Quick Test

Perform TEST A1 under QUICK TESTS. If all 4 actuator codes are displayed again, replace SOFT RIDE relay.

HARD RIDE Relay Test

1. Ensure ignition is off. Open trunk, and lower module package tray behind left side of back seat. Disconnect ARC module 60-pin connector. Turn ignition on. At ARC module 60-pin connector, connect a jumper wire between pins No. 11 and 60 for 2 seconds. Relay should energize.
2. Locate harness side of ARC module 60-pin connector. Check resistance between pins No. 46 and 19, 46 and 25, 46 and 7, and 46 and 10 using DVOM. (Scheme 2)
3. If resistance of any circuit is greater than 1000 ohms, circuit's position switch is open. If resistance of any circuit is less than 10 ohms, circuit's position switch is closed. If all 4 switches are open, go to TEST B21. If all 4 switches are closed, HARD RIDE relay is faulty; go to TEST B22.

SOFT RIDE Relay Test

1. At ARC module 60-pin connector, connect a jumper wire between pins No. 12 and 60 for 2 seconds. Relay should energize.
2. Locate harness side of ARC module 60-pin connector. Check resistance between pins No. 46 and 19, 46 and 25, 46 and 7, and 46 and 10 using DVOM. (Scheme 2)
3. If resistance of any circuit is greater than 1000 ohms, circuit's position switch is open. If resistance of any circuit is less than 10 ohms, circuit's position switch is closed. If all 4 switches are open, SOFT RIDE relay is faulty; proceed to TEST B22. If all 4 switches are closed, replace ARC module.

Verify ARC/EVO diagnostic test connector (located at right front shock tower) is clean and corrosion-free. Repeat attempt to enter diagnostics; see TEST A1 under QUICK TESTS. Ensure Star tester switch positions and procedures are followed. If second attempt to enter diagnostics is successful, proceed to TEST A2. If second attempt fails, proceed to TEST D2.

Testing Signal Return Wire Continuity

1. At ARC/EVO diagnostic test connector (located at right front shock tower), check for obvious damage to signal return Gray/Red wire, diagnostic Yellow/Black wire and Star Tester Dark Blue wire. If wires are damaged, repair as necessary.
2. Using DVOM, check continuity of Yellow/Black wire to a chassis ground. If continuity does not exist, repair open in Yellow/Black wire (circuit No. 837) to pin No. 46 of ARC module. If no problems exist, proceed to TEST D3.

Checking Diagnostic Circuit For Short To Ground

1. Turn ignition off. Open trunk, and lower module package tray behind left side of back seat. Disconnect ARC module 60-pin connector. Ensure Gray/Red wire (circuit No. 844) is securely attached to pin No. 30 at ARC module 60-pin connector.
2. Using DVOM, check resistance from pin No. 30 to pin No. 60. If resistance is greater than 1000 ohms, proceed to TEST D4. If resistance is less than 10 ohms, repair short to ground in circuit No. 844. Also check for short to ground in White/Purple wire (circuit No. 209).

Checking Diagnostic Circuit Resistance

1. Connect Star Tester to ARC/EVO diagnostic test connector, located at right front shock tower. Using DVOM, check resistance between pins No. 30 and 46 at ARC module 60-pin connector. Check and record resistance with tester button depressed and released.
2. If resistance is greater than 1000 ohms in both tester button positions, repair open in Gray/Red wire (circuit No. 844) or repair poor contact at diagnostic test connector. If resistance is greater than 1000 ohms when button is released and less than 10 ohms when button is depressed, replace ARC module. If resistance is always less than 10 ohms, check Star Tester for malfunction.

Testing Steering Sensor Signals

1. At ARC module 60-pin connector, connect jumper wire between pins No. 46 and 60. Start engine. Using analog (needle-type) ohmmeter set to 1000-ohm scale, check resistance between pins No. 45 and 60 and pins No. 24 and 60.
2. Slowly rotate steering wheel while performing both checks. Needle should vary between high and low resistance for every 9 degrees of steering wheel rotation. If meter needle does not react as specified for either circuits, proceed to TEST D13. If needle operation is okay, replace ARC module.