I also have a 1993, and I didn't need a scanner to retrieve codes, just a jumper wire to connect one of the terminals on the black connector under the black "ECC TEST" cover to a separate single grey connector, which may be stored in that connector. You can not only retrieve codes while the engine is off but also toggle devices on and off and run tests while the engine runs. Information about all the test procedures can be found by Googleing for "EEC IV" (even though the connector is labelled ECC), and in Mitchell manuals carried by many libraries (a lot better than Haynes or Chilton's, especially for this kind of stuff).
Thanks. I have a code reader that I borrow from time to time, and as far as I can tell, there are no codes in the computer. The problem is that I am told there are proprietary codes that only Ford can read. This comes from a former Ford mechanic years ago. If I am wrong, I do not wish to be barraged for the statement. I am only repeated what I was told.
Also, a friend with the same year car, used this reader, and got none, but at the dealer, they recovered several, and were able to correct his problems. Urban legend, or fact? :-)
I did not know, however, which pins to ground to make the engine light flash codes like I do in my old 84 chevy, so that is good info and I won't always have to borrow my friend's reader :-)
As an aside, in case anyone understands, the reader does a key off, engine off test, with it cold, and then an engine running, warmed up test. I can only assume that the results from the two tests give more info than just the key off, engine off, so how does that relate to just grounding the proper pin and reading the engine light?
I don't know, just wondering.
The junkyards seem to have lots of computers for $50. I might consider replacing it after I track down the ID numbers I would need.
I do appreciate the ideas and the information. Thanks a lot.
MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here.
All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.