Reading 1980-95 Ford OBD1 Trouble Codes

In this video, we show you how to check any trouble codes off any ~1980-1995 Ford Vehicles. It is very simple to do, and can easily save you lots of time, and lots of money. Hopefully this helps you figure out any issues you're having with your Ford vehicle, and thanks for watching! If you'd like to check out our window stickers on our eBay auctions, click the link below!
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Keep Boosting! Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Budget Boosting, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Budget Boosting assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Budget Boosting recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Budget Boosting, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Budget Boosting.

[@office1055]

If you have a smartphone just record the flashes and you can play them back to double-check your Counting

[@keyworksales6241]

Good idea thanks

[@mechanicalking]

Yep

[@chrisfoster3772]

Thanks Ron

[@davidparker7777]

Lol. You should do the video.

[@HarryRenner-h9q]

I did that but I'm not sure if it cycles through more than once?

[@Logistican518]

I do brakes on the side out of my 96 Buick and came across my first 1995 F250 today. Come to find out all eight lug nuts were stripping the studs as they were all halfway off, so the noise wasn't brakes. Anyhow, he also had a check engine light. This video has allowed me to prepare to read his codes. This is an older man that loves his truck, so I appreciate this tutorial. Thank you

[@budgetboosting]

you're welcome, thank you for your comment

[@phee_lee]

You’re like the Bob Ross of auto mechanics and it’s great

[@renomountainfolk9602]

We want to see "little Happy Codes."

[@robbyjones7631]

Get a Actron CP9690 code tester. It lists the code definition for each code. It has code connect to diagnose codes. Instead of counting flashes, it reads it in print along with the code. Warm the engine first. Check the radiator level first.

[@renomountainfolk9602]

Hello B.B. "king". Thank you for this great overview on how to without "proper tools." *I discovered that taking a close up video on my cell phone was the next step for your lesson. Since I couldn't pay my son enough money to help me, this was the "trick" needed to catch those fast as fish codes! Cheers. PSR

[@dianecampbell9228]

OMG!! YOU ARE AWESOME!! NOBODY HAS THAT OBD 1 METER ANYMORE, NOBODY KNOWS WHERE THE SELF TEST CONNECTOR IS ANYMORE! I'VE BEEN PULLING MY HAIR OUT FOR WEEKS TRYING TO FIND A MECHANIC TO GET THE CODES... NADA!! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!! :-D

[@budgetboosting]

Sometimes you can get lucky at autozone and oreilly auto parts stores, some of them do have OBD 1 ford code readers with digital displays but back when I made this video, they were very hard to find and expensive.

[@dianecampbell9228]

:-D THE HECK WITH THE CODE READER! I GOT IT DOWN NOW :-D I WENT TO THE LIBRARY, GOT THE MANUAL, COPIED THE CODE LIST, AND IM GOOD TO GO!! THANKS SOOOO MUCH!

[@kb3svj]

I'm one of the lucky guys who has not one but two 1997 F-250s equipped with OBD1 so this video is good for I as well. Thank You! - John

[@JeffreySHill]

Reading OBD1 codes on my 1990 Bronco tonight. Never done that before so thanks so much for the knowledge and power!

[@Purosanluispotosi]

I have a 1987 bronco and I never did that to

[@martystevens8357]

On our 1985 Ford, I had 2 EGR position sensor codes. I was getting vacuum at the EGR at idle. I did the codes test but didn't push the pedal to the floor for the snap acceleration test. I got a TPS code. I ordered a TPS from Autozone. Then I rechecked the codes pushing the pedal down. The TPS code wasn't there. That TPS was 6 yrs. old. I Replaced it and the EGR codes went away! It was the TPS! Now I have a code 13 but it runs o.k. The TPS was holding the throttle open a little causing the EGR to open a little. The engine loped. So, if you get EGR position codes, replace the TPS!

[@jwoodyr1]

I think this is very important .... "The Continuous Memory DTCs are separated from the Key On Engine Off DTCs by a six-second delay, a single half-second flash, and another six-second delay."

[@xXBoo56Xx]

Kickass video. Going to pull codes from my '88 today.

[@JohnDove]

I just picked up a 85 LTD wagon and wanted to pull the codes. Your video helped a lot. Thanks!

[@budgetboosting]

John Dove That's great, glad to hear. Thank you for watching.

[@brokenboosted1515]

For Everyone's information if you already didn't know ford and Mazda partnered in the late 80s and early 90s so they are very similar. (pulled codes from a b2200 and Mazda 626 this same exact way ) Dope video btw

[@jbmaxwell6547]

When did Leonardo DiCaprio make youtube vids?? Great job dude

[@tonesavage4]

Jb Maxwell he won't wake up! Give him the kick!

[@lizdahl847]

He looks like Leo's twin for sure😅

[@salimoneus]

Sorry not even close to Leo, but he could definitely pull off a great Jack Nicholson impersonation

[@kathleenrunning8626]

Matt your good people, your a man how you could bring home to parents for dinner you have a big heart pal.

[@memberson]

Hello maybe you can help me out I've tried this but mine don't flash on the inside what could be going on?

[@csd1063]

Did you find out why it did not flash

[@finoochoa9568]

dudes this guy is badass helps alot

[@kennethmatthews6088]

How did you terminate the EGR sensor. Where did you purchase or make same. Thanks for your videos

[@ocsrc]

How do I reset ABS and Brake light on a 1991 Explorer ? I replaced the brake line and the lights are still on. I pulled the battery for 3 hours, didn't get them to go out. I am not sure what is needed to reset the ABS system. On a 96 there is an ABS module under the dash that you unplug to reset it. Could not find this module on my 91 Any help ? Thanks

[@MrEightyAM]

I have a 1994 Ford Aerostar 3.0 will this work? If not how can I get the codes... (without warming up the vehicle because it won't start... hence the need for code) Thanks for your time.

[@michaelharris1895]

did not have time to read all comments so, if no one is around to help write codes use your phone camera or recording mode to assist

[@Chaidezutube]

👍

[@johnwalters7415]

I have seen this done with engine running and with engine off which is the best?

[@alexavila7489]

Engine off. It's not recomend to turn the engine over while bridged. But I've forgot about the wire jumped and turned cars on. Nothings happened. Hope that helps

[@RalphSampson...]

I'm trying find my OBD on my '89 7.3L Diesel. Should it be there on the fenderwell, too.

[@jesseontiveros8402]

I have a Ford Ranger 1993 V6 3.0 4x4. How do we check the codes?

[@matthewkyle3793]

What year is the truck you were testing because I can't figure out if my truck has two digit codes or three digit codes

[@scottmcbride2237]

Can this be done with the 1988 ford e150 econoline vans 5.0L

[@MiguelGarcia-zt2uz]

I just bought myself a 1990 f250 4x4 5.8 and I'm trying to fix all the things that are wrong with it,one question does the harmonic balancer pulley cause the engine to shake or there's something else doing it, checked the fan clutch and was fine. Do you got any other ideas

[@openroad988]

I hope this procedure works for you, but here is my experience with my 95 F150, 4.9L. I failed two emissions tests because of high hydrocarbons and high carbon monoxide. I have an OBD 1 adaptor for my truck that works with my OBD 2 code reader, but decided to use the flash system describe here just to see how it worked. I ran the test several times and it returned a code for the throttle position sensor, a code for the MAP sensor and a code for something re: the radiator fan. None of this made a lot of sense for my symptoms. The one thing listed high on the likely problems list for both was an O2 sensor, which did make sense. So, I then tested the engine with my OBD 1. It did not return codes for the TPS or MAP or radiator fan, it returned one code for the O2 sensor. If I had relied on the flash-code system I may well have purchased and installed parts I didn't need and would have not solved the problem. If it works for you, great, but investing a few dollars for an OBD 1 adaptor may be well worth it to you.

[@Purosanluispotosi]

Ok so wath is more trusth whit that obd1 conector or doing counts that flashing engine lights

[@charleslockhart5696]

Thank you very much why it's so good so great that guys like you get online and show us how to do this stuff thank you I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart thank you thank you

[@markbroad119]

I wonder why my 95 f250 powerstroke has an obd2 port? Passenger side under the dash

[@mandiavery5532]

My 1994 Ford ranger does not have the grey part. Just the black peice. I do have a 2 prong port along with the black peice. Not seeing the grey peice... The cover box does have an area for that grey part but it's missing. Is there another way to check obd readings?

[@jacobrothermund4685]

I have a 95 f350 doing the same thing. Idling very high sometimes and at times misfires. I wonder if my throttle sensor went as well. Looks like it was replaced once and could of went bad from sitting so long

[@davidfarmer2788]

Why did the first code blink 232 then? Was it going back to the 2

[@johnmedbery3998]

'96 E-150 , 4.9 Automatic eating starter drives in winter months . intuition is telling me TPS and code read out 13 , and usually this engine fires up in the first revolution but cold weather start up more revs an a hit and miss creating kick back type resistance against starter. The first time this happened , it blasted the nose cone right to peaces and I'm on my 5th starter this December after last winters 4. What do think ?

[@Clintdaddiac]

TEN MILLION THANKS 3 KIDS IN COLLEGE IM SO BROKE I CANT AFFORD TO PAY ATTENTION! EXCEPT TO LEARN AND YOU PROVIDED THE KNOWLEGE NOW I GOT PICK-UP BACK AND IM WORKING AGAIN

[@MyGTisxHUNTER07x]

Lady from the bottom of my broken heart I say this" YOU ARE A SAINT NO MATTER IF THEY SUCCED IN LIFE OR NOT KNOW THAT THEY ARE LUCK TO HAVE YOU ALL OVEER THIM TILL THAT TIME, I WOULDN'T LIE IF I SAID THAT I ENVY THEM TOO".

[@anthonywiess2366]

I have a 1994buick LeSabre on KZbin it said it takes a special scan tool because it was both OBD1 and OBD2 is this correct

[@jessehernandez3257]

Ok so I got code# 98,22,51,53 and 54 in the car Manuel doesn’t specify their meaning. Can you recommend where to get that information??

[@nickp6684]

QUESTION FOR ANYONE!! my 1990 ford ranger 2.9l is flashing 518 and 986 but those codes are not avalible. I couldn't find them anywhere. Please help! Am I reading the flashes wrong??

[@rumsin300]

In the beginning of the video you mentioned that all OBD1 V-8 gas engines. Does it also include 7.5 Liter motor? I hava a 95 F-250 (7.5 Liter). I noiced tat you did the KOEO test but not the KOER? Was there a reason for this? Can you retreive all of the codes with KOEO test?

[@dawngartner1185]

I'm using a Rotunda Star OBD1 on a 1991 F-250. My check engine just keeps flashing once pause.......once again.....repeat repeat repeat. So is the code on mine just 1?

[@jimbo942review]

Hate to ask such a dumb question, but what are the specific specifications of the jumper wire? Will any gauge wire do, or does it need to be 22, 20, etc.? Also, what are the "male ends"? Will simply stripping the insulation off the ends and using bare wire be sufficient? Thanks for the video.

[@brandonk1502]

You could literally use a paper clip if you wanted to, it doesn't matter.

[@RodneyTurner-l7u]

I tried your code method i got no results so what now can i do i used a paper clip as you did thanks

[@rickferrier3496]

Thank you so much will this procedure give me codes that would inform me if the transmission solenoids are a problem or the speed sensor on the top of the rear diff.

[@budgetboosting]

I found a helpful link to find OBD1 trouble codes including transmission www.troublecodes.net/ford/

[@tigolbitties8352]

What about a carbed eec iv system in an 85 ranger

[@hendricks177]

I need help reading the codes off my 91 ford f350 7.5 i never read the codes before.

[@jpruiz894]

I already changed the Iac Valve and tps sensor and still stock in high idle what I can do?

[@JoseLopez-tb5mk]

Goid video, sir just where is the ground wire f ki r a 1991 f150 fuel sending unit. My reserve fuel fauge pointer flipped all the way to the tight...ty Sunday, aug, 13,2023

[@emmashaye]

Would this work for a 1988 ford e150 van?

[@allb4dinner962]

I got a 1990 f-250 5.8l my reverse works fine but drive won't engage or takes a long time to engage got any ideas as to what may be problem 4x4 if that helps

[@heifershaft]

I came up with an idea.....video the sequence with your phone?

[@chadhenschen5065]

great video,thanks for info...I have 87 bronco,full-size.4.9..trying to do test your showing here,..when you first turn ignition on without jumper wire,check engine light should briefly show correct?..mine is not..nor is it coming on with jumper wire for this test..checked the bulb and it is good..any thoughts?.thanks.

[@budgetboosting]

+chad henschen the power source to most diagnostics is shared with the power socket for cigarette lighter. If that fuse is blown, that is most likely the cause.

[@matthewkyle3793]

A good website to get the code key from and I have the numbers written down I just don't know where to go to pair them up with the codes themselves

[@mkshffr4936]

Subscribed. :) I found this searching to read codes on my 91 Mercury Colony park 5.0 LoPo. I think it probably has the same procedure. I don't have a scribe so I think I will record the flashes using my phone's video camera. It looked like before the "2" there was a single flash. Is that just a heads up? Also is there a longer pause between groups of digits for example 23 13 being flash flash short pause flash flash flash longer pause flash short pause flash flash flash?

[@laurenharich2735]

Can you please help me with my 1993 f2500 7.5 L 460. I have the codes but I’m not sure what they mean or what parts to buy

[@Journey4SureKnowledge-N-Wisdom]

I can't agree with you more....haynes manuals are some of the biggest botched up excuses for a shop manual. Can't tell you how many times on how many different vehicles that they were a huge waste of time and just frustrates the mechanic even when just trying to locate something in the manuals. Me and my dad do everything we can to find the good ol' chiltons manuals on ebay n such and so can often get a quality manual for the same or less cost than buying these Haynes manuals at places like autozone and advanced auto.

[@lashawntinsley3407]

Got it jumped but light isn’t blinking. What am I doing wrong?

[@MikeJones-se1xn]

Where do i figure out what number is what code

[@PedroHernandez-cz1ri]

Good job man,you got a new subscriber, keep the good work

[@cavysperformanceshop5806]

What if your check engine light doesn’t come on at all when you turn the key??? That’s what mine does

[@adrielramirez8912]

Either your Check Engine light bulb went bad or you have a bad ECM

[@RodneyTurner-l7u]

I try this and i get no codes so whats the problem you think

[@vincent7808]

Will it work on my 1980 Buick Century 3.8

[@florentineortiz3274]

You are a G damn genius sir!!!!! Thank you so much! 89 Bronco. My fancy scanner was not gonna do that... so thank you brother!!!!!

[@carlcostanzo9907]

Will this work on 89 towncar?

[@gamebladee]

Will this work for a 1989 Ford econoline?

[@jessethrasher4807]

Yes

[@jwoodyr1]

I just did it on my 89 E250 van and it worked a charm.

[@thenuclearbarf]

What happens when it pauses?

[@twofacepalmer1212]

This was for KOEO... what about KOER?

[@kyLewiLsOn1351]

I have an 87 f150 302 and whenever I try to read the codes on the computer, it doesn't work. The engine light comes on as normal to indicate no oil pressure because the truck isn't running, but no check engine light. My EGR was bypassed as well as the smog pump & I'm 99% sure the TPS is bad on mine too so why am I not getting codes?

[@hankbridges5055]

Check the fuses.

[@jacobberlin7419]

would this work for spark plugs and things like that I have a 1990 bronco and the engine is running poorly

[@arron9638]

What if your CEL is burnt out like mine

[@dougevans6339]

the hook up can also be on the passenger side. And it's better to buy a code scanner at orileys for 35 dollars and it comes with a code book

[@budgetboosting]

+Doug Evans true that is better but most of them just blink and flash lights which still have to be counted and manually recorded. The only ones that actually give you the codes and live data like the shops have cost a few thousand bills.

[@dougevans6339]

+Budget Boosting not true. I bought a reader that actually reads codes and has memory for only $35. no flashing lights just codes on a screen.

[@budgetboosting]

+Doug Evans OBD I ? if it is, I'm getting that scanner. Do you have a part number?

[@dougevans6339]

+Budget Boosting yes it is obd1 its made by innova electronics corp. and every part store around where I live in commerce ga. has them for 35-40 bucks. just Google innova 3145 you'll see a ton of them.

[@budgetboosting]

+Doug Evans Only downfall does not show live data such as sensor readings which are very helpful for troubleshooting sensor problems. On the lookout for one of those.

[@DJ-365]

on my 1989 Ford Bronco 5.0 302 ci, i am getting code 33 and 111 ..... you said that you Blocked off your EGR is that the Tube ? that goes to the intake ? i put a throttle positioning valve in about 2 years ago, my truck runs great after 15 minutes of driving at a stop light the idle drops and goes back to norm, then drops almost like it want to stall, also when i am outside the truck while idling it smells like its running rich... HELP ! P.S when its cold it runs great until 15 minutes or so ..

[@MyBdawg13]

My 90 Ford F-150 is doing the same exact thing did you find the issue?

[@DJ-365]

@@MyBdawg13 i put another throttle positioning in and it seems to be a lot better, it only does it when i first start it now, after about 20 seconds it goes away So i don't know, i am going to check my timing ...

[@keithsmith5908]

I used a digital reader and it said 20 and 50. My symptoms are surging idle/rough running. Any thoughts?

[@timtitus2823]

I also did the air box modification big difference in fuel mileage major man I cleared out the cat... any suggestions a muffler what's better flow not so much noise and should I straight pipe the inside of the cat¿¿¿

[@andrewsmith941]

If I can figure out a way to send you a video of my codes can you tell me what codes it is showing?

[@josuerodriguez74]

Where do I find the eec relay on a 1993 f150?

[@nathanwatland7973]

The easiest way to get and read the codes is to simply record the flashes with a phone camera and then you can watch as many times as you want ! Much easier to do especially if you have multiple codes and are working by yourself.

[@bradenjohnson5788]

does this work for a 4.9 also?

[@brianmartin7964]

what does it mean if it starts flashing really fast and does not seem to stop? (Blue /88/F-250/EFI/351)

[@jedclampett6466]

I sure this works as well for the 4.9L.

[@joseramirez6947]

The fuel pump on my f150. 1989.won't stop.keep runing and the truck don't stare.what can be???

[@mathismotovegas]

Great video, made me 100% comfortable on testing my buddy's ford. Thanks

[@budgetboosting]

Lance M Thank you for your comments and for watching.

[@kaydenhansen9045]

So this won't work on my i6 4.9l?

[@naomipettigrew465]

Thanks I couldn't understand the book u expanded it better

[@whiteheat916]

Anyone else get a real Jack Nicholson vibe from this guy? Awesome video!

[@donald_pump6678]

I have a 1990 Ford Ranger with the 4.0L V6. Would this still work with the V6 or is it just the V8s?

[@hankbridges5055]

A CP9690 can test your Ford Ranger 4.0. It checks codes and gives definitions of codes. It's well-lit. It checks solenoid and relay tests. It has code-connect to diagnose codes. It gives the code definition according to that vehicle. EBAY has it. Get 4 aaa batteries for under the rear cover.

[@josephbeardsley8084]

1987 Ford F-150 I bought a obd1 scanner it’s not connecting to the computer so I tried the jumper wire but still no blinking just steady check engine light and battery light can you help

[@miken857]

Did you ever find out how to check the check engine light?

[@josephbeardsley8084]

@@miken857 no I didn’t I changed all my relays and re ran some wires and it went off

[@going5635]

When I ran the code scan I recorded the flashes with my cell phone recording. That way I can go back and look at him later without missing them

[@CarlosSoPro]

Thanks For this guide! You made it really simple and clear! thanks a ton man!

[@larrythomas6086]

i would like to have a diagnostic code definition chart for a ford f-150 1989 model.

[@lukebecker1959]

Whst does it mean when mine never flashed.

[@msenglish8382]

this guy is funny but totally relatable

[@Jesse--]

What about 460 big blocks?

[@anthonystalter5346]

What page number are u on for codes in the haynes

[@DogsAreGreat1973]

Hi! Thanks a lot for your video and exact way to explain the whole thing. That´ll be my first OBD diagnosis. You say, every car-brand has differences for setting the jumper-cable. I drive a 1994 FORD Explorer. Do I have to use the same pins as shown on the FORD 250? Best regards Ronny Schenk (from Germany)

[@budgetboosting]

all OBD I Fords uses same technique. Each manufacturer such as GM, Toyota, Nissan and others use different plugs and different terminals.

[@rafaelvaldes8699]

DogsAreGreat1973 lo nombres codigos350 1993

[@johnnyohness]

Just discovered your channel. Looks great. I have a question you may know the answer to. I have a 1993 Lincoln Town car. Two days ago I bought a new battery from Advance Auto. They installed it for me. After instillation I drove off. However when I parked at my destination and turned the key off there was a buzzer (some kind of code sound) that came from the dashboard near the glove box that sounded 5 times. It paused and sounded 5 more times. It repeated this for 5 times then stopped. Now every time I turn the instigation off it sounds all over again 5 times pauses then repeated 5 times. In other words 5 times in a group of 5 . 25 buzzes in groups of 5 for 5 times.. I have had the car for years and never heard this. Do you have any idea what it is?

[@MyGTisxHUNTER07x]

I know I'm 11 months late lol, just try to disconnect the negative terminal for 10 min and reconnect it to rest the PCM and check again.

[@pitoloko5150]

Where can I check the code after I get them ?

[@jennifercampbell1664]

Could you tell me what it means?

[@jennifercampbell1664]

Maybe you can help me. I'm getting a 3 and a 2 on my 1992 Ford e online E250 inline 6 4.9L

[@Whitney-sn9gb]

Where is the obd port on a 1990 5.7 ford van

[@benwright6330]

What about 1995 Ford 7.5 460 engines

[@rembleekah8722]

Is this for only fords that have a current check engine light on? Or can you check for underlying codes for parts that are nearly failing?

[@dugyfresh292]

That's somthing I'd like to know as well

[@rembleekah8722]

Seriously lol. Would be nice to know which parts are close to failing so my ass doesnt get stranded

[@martystevens3969]

Joshua You can check codes KOEO and KOER. It shows codes now, memory codes, and KOER codes. A code 11 is a pass code meaning everything is o.k. Between KOEO and KOER codes is a single flash which is a separater code. Memory codes are for problems intermittent. If you get OX. sensor codes rich replace the MAP sensor. If you have vacuum at the EGR at idle, replace the charcoal canister purge valve.