Displaying and Reading Trouble Codes

NOTE: Ford DOES NOT provide procedures to retrieve or clear trouble codes without the New Generation Star (NGS) tester.

NEW GENERATION STAR (NGS) HOOK-UP
1. Turn ignition switch off.
2. Select the appropriate program card for the vehicle.
3. With New Generation STAR (NGS) tester control unit face down, insert the program card into the slot on the back. If you insert the card incorrectly, the card will not seat on electrical connection and NGS will not work.

NGS HOOK-UP
1. Plug NGS into the data link connector (DLC).
2. NGS will perform an initialization, which checks NGS memory and verifies that the vehicle interface module (VIM) matches the program card software.
3. If the screen displays an error message, refer to Appendix C of the NGS Operator Handbook, System Messages.

NGS MAIN MENU - The main menu provides six selections and displays over two screens:
- VEHICLE AND ENGINE SELECTION.
- DIAGNOSTIC DATA LINK.
- DIGITAL MEASUREMENT SYSTEM.
- DIAGNOSTIC TEST MODE.
- NGS SETUP.
- INTERNAL SYSTEM TESTS.

SELECTING MENU ITEMS - To move to the second screen of the main menu, turn the menu dial or press these number keys:
- 1 or 0 will move you to the next screen.
- 2 or 9 will take you back to the previous screen.
- Turn the menu dial to move the highlighting up or down on the screen.
- Press TRIGGER to select the item.
- An up or down arrow on the right side of the screen indicates there are more menu items on a screen either above (previous) or below (next).
- The numbered keys located under the screen have soft functions - functions that change depending on the test that you are running. These special keys with functions on the screen will be called screen buttons.
- Also, whenever you are in the test or function screens you can return to the main menu by pressing CANCEL until you reach the main menu.


1. Turn the ignition switch to the "OFF" position.
2. Locate the data link connector (DLC) under instrument panel.
3. Connect New Generation STAR (NGS) tester to the DLC.
4. Select vehicle and year.
5. Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position.
6. At the first screen press the TRIGGER to PAGE FORWARD.
7. At the next screen, select DIAGNOSTIC DATA LINK. Press TRIGGER.
8. At the next screen, select ABS-ANTI-LOCK BRAKE MODULE. Press TRIGGER.
9. At the next screen, select DIAGNOSTIC TEST MODES. Press TRIGGER.
10. At the next screen, select RETRIEVE/CLEAR CONTINUOUS DTCs Press TRIGGER.
11. At the next screen, press the START button.
12. At this screen, all DTCs will be displayed. Record all DTCs.
13. The following On-Board Diagnostic Trouble Code Index should be used to diagnose the anti-lock brake system. Ensure the diagnostic procedures are followed step-by-step in order as indicated. Following the wrong sequence or bypassing steps will lead to unnecessary replacement of parts and/or incorrect resolution of the symptom