Preliminary Checkout, Equipment, and Notes
CHECKOUT^ Visually inspect the engine compartment to ensure all vacuum hoses and spark plugs wires are properly routed and securely connected.
^ Examine all wiring harnesses and connectors for insulation damage, burned, overheated, loose, or broken conditions. Check sensor shield connector. Make sure ICM mounting screws are clean and tight.
^ Be certain the battery is fully charged.
^ All accessories should be off during diagnosis.
EQUIPMENT (REQUIRED)
^ EI (High Data Rate) diagnostic cable (Rotunda 007-00059, or equivalent)
^ Spark tester, neon bulb type (OTC Part# D89P-6666-A, or equivalent) or scan tool (Rotunda Part# 007-00500).
^ Volt-Ohmmeter (Rotunda Part# 007-00001, or equivalent)
^ Remote starter switch
^ 2 EEC-IV breakout boxes (Rotunda Part# T83L-50-EEC-IV, or equivalent)
^ Spark tester, gap type (Ford Part# D81P-6666-A, or equivalent)
^ EI tachometer adapter (Rotunda Part# 007-00061, or equivalent)
^ Inductive timing light, EI compatible
^ 12 volt test lamp
EQUIPMENT (RECOMMENDED)
^ EI Module Tester (DMT) (Rotunda Part# 007-00071) This tester contains 12 LEDs, 12 test jacks, and a built-in interface cable that allows the tester to monitor all DIS module signals.
^ EI/Coil Sensor Tester (CST) (Rotunda Part# 007-00072) This tester is similar to the DIS Module Tester, except it allows monitoring of signals at the sensor and coils.
NOTES
^ When making measurements on a wiring harness, both a visual inspection and a continuity test should be performed. Inspect the connector pins for damage (corrosion, bent or spread pins, etc.) when directed to remove a connector.
^ Spark timing adjustments are not possible.
^ When making voltage checks a GROUND or LOW reading means any value within a range of 0 to 1 volt. Also VPWR or COIL PWR or HIGH readings means any value that falls within a range of B+ to 2 volts less than B+.
^ When using the spark plug firing indicator, place the groove end as close as possible to the plug boot. Very weak flashing may be caused by a fouled plug.
^ Spark timing will vary at idle due to feedback spark strategy used to control idle speed.
^ Do not use a 12 volt test lamp to check the CKP-, CKP+, PIP, IDM, or SPOUT circuits. The lamp will prevent the circuit from operating.
CAUTION
^ Most DVOMs used by auto technicians belong to a class or type known as "averaging". Examples are the Rotunda Digital Volt-Ohmmeter 007-0001, Fluke 70, 20 series, and Fluke 88. Recently technicians have started to use DVOMs of a different class (true RMS, DVOMs: Fluke 87, 8060A, 8026A, etc.). True RMS DVOMs should not be used with the Pinpoint Tests because they may display different voltage readings if the DVOM is turned on first and then the test leads are connected, or if the leads are connected first and then the DVOM is turned on. Also they may not auto range to the same range every time and some display significantly different values depending on the range selected. It would be impossible to list all of the meters and how to use each, so we are requesting that you perform the following test to verify your DVOM is compatible with the Pinpoint Tests.
^ Using a known good DIS or EDIS vehicle, install the DIS or EDIS diagnostic cable, connect the EEC breakout box to the diagnostic cable, start the vehicle and measure the AC voltage between J53 (C1E) and ground. The battery should be charged and the engine must be idling between 700 and 900 rpm. On any DIS or EDIS vehicle (except Escort/Tracer) the value should be between 1.0 and 2.0 volts AC (1.5 volts is typical). If you have the DIS hand held testers they may be used instead of the diagnostic cable/EEC breakout box to gain access to the J53 (C1E) and J43 (PIP E). Next, with the engine idleing, measure between PIP and ground. This reading should be between 6 and 8 volts AC.
^ Because the Escort/Tracer EDIS ignition system fires the coil differently (repetitive spark) at idle, the coil to ground voltage reading should be between 2 and 7 volts AC (4.5 volts is typical). The PIP to ground reading on the Escort/Tracer is the same as the other DIS/EDIS systems.
^ If the readings you get agree with our test, your DVOM is OK to use with the Ignition Pinpoint Tests. If not, do not use it because it may lead to false diagnosis.
^ When using a DVOM, correct test lead polarity must be observed. The red test lead is positive (+) and the black test lead is negative (-).