[WarriorXonE]

Hello,

I have been reading many posts on this web site and have learned a great deal from questions and comments posted by other members. but for all of my use of the search function on this site i have yet to find any info on some error codes i am getting.

Here are all the codes
34
81
82
83
84
85
so fare these are related to smog pump being removed along with thermactors.

but the ones i have questions about it

18
61

The scanner i use tells me 18 has to do with a SPOUT connector or circuit grounded

61 deals with the ECT sensor if grounded.

These codes where pulled after the car reached operating temps. I also replaced the ECT, EC Switch (The thing the ACT), and the ACT. i have checked the wiring to make sure every thing was plugged in properly. but the scanner doesnt really tell me if it the temp sensor on the passenger side of the engine or the collent temp switch. if i unplug the switch the codes dont change on the scanner so i am lead to belive that there is an issue with the switch.

Finaly the error 18. after looking through the wireing around the engine bay some wire where loose in the harness to the distributer. when the key was forward if i jiggled the wires there is a sound that is made when you unhooked the SPOUT connecter. but i didn't unhook it i just jiggled the wires. so i reseated the wires in the harness and now i can jiggle away without any sounds. but for good measure i also replaced the old distributer with the MSD one.

The short version of this question would be how to i go about fixing the DTC 61 and 18? There is a new sensorfor coolant along with nice snug connections and a new distributor.

Sorry for the long post just wanted to through in as much onfo as i could to help diagnose the prob. oh also it is an 87GT (AOD) converted to MAF, new motor, long tubes, UDP, smog removed. theres more but that should be the bulck of what matters.

Thank in advance,

Steve L.

[TENGRAM]

sounds like you found the cause for the 18. there's a break in the wires leading to it. your solution might only be temporary so you'll want to go through and trace the wire to find the break.

61 - this is for the ECT. disconnect the sensor from the harness connector. with the key in the ignition to the "on" position, measure the voltage across the two terminals on the ECT harness connector. should be 4-6 volts. then with the key out of the ignition, measure the resistance across the same terminals. should be 10000 ohms or greater...infinite resistance.

also would be a good idea to test the ECT sensor itself. measure the resistance across the two pins on the sensor. it should match the appropriate temp on this chart:

let us know

[WarriorXonE]

Well i did check out the ECT... turns out the ECU isn't putting out the Vref voltage (4-5V) instead ~.32V. this is right off the ecu. that is taken care of now. it may not be the best solution but i split the vref line to the ACT sensor. So all in all that should be taken care of for now.

but error 18 is still popping up. i tested the connection and volts look fine, however. the code only pops up after i start the car. the car will start but then die very quickly. however if i retard the timing to about -6* the i can start the car (Verified with a timing light). i can also advance it a rediculous amount +20* and it will stay running (Also verified with a timing light) this is done with the SPOUT connector unhooked. Then when it is running i can set this to 10* and it will idle.
but i am unable to keep the car running at this setting. So im not really sure if the car is unable to detect the spark timing. any other ideas on this error 18 would be great.

Thanks,

Steve L.

[WarriorXonE]

Another day more testing... after playing around with the distributor some how the idle seems to be fin and the car fires right up when cold. However it still takes a good 10-15 sec's to start when cold or has been sitting over night.

BTW error 18 still popping up... : (

im thinking i might have messed up the computer by unhooking the power with the key forward. "I always for get to take the key out!".

any who i currently have an AOD tranny and was wondering what computers can i get to replace the old one. I currently have a "C3W1".

Thanks,

Steve L.

[TENGRAM]

Originally Posted by WarriorXonE Another day more testing... after playing around with the distributor some how the idle seems to be fin and the car fires right up when cold. However it still takes a good 10-15 sec's to start when cold or has been sitting over night. BTW error 18 still popping up... : ( im thinking i might have messed up the computer by unhooking the power with the key forward. "I always for get to take the key out!". any who i currently have an AOD tranny and was wondering what computers can i get to replace the old one. I currently have a "C3W1". Thanks, Steve L.

your ECM is fine. you would have many many codes if there was a problem with it. suggest to go back through and trace that break in the spout connector wiring.

[WarriorXonE]

Thought i would post a follow up... turns out the whole issue was caused by a failing MAF ECU piggy back harness.

Appaently the harness from ford motorsports started to rust... "you got me how". after testing the signal lines there where no breaks in anyof the wires and in fact they all looked fine. the problem only occured when i put the MAF connector between the wire harness of the car and the ECU. so i took the whole thing off and tested it with a multi meterl some pins where shorting out to other pins. maint pin #7 ECT.

After taking the whole thing apart and cleaning out the inside of the harness making sure it was clean of any and all corrosion. i put it all back together and every seansor that need the Vref voltage is now getting it.

Thanks every one for the helpfull hints. So for the future always check the damn harness!

Thanks,

Steve L.

[Tony_90fox]

Good to hear you got it worked out...TENGRAM is the man when it comes to engine codes!