Decoding Ford OBD1 Codes: Your Guide to Vintage Ford Diagnostics

Navigating the complexities of vehicle diagnostics can be daunting, especially when dealing with older systems. For owners and enthusiasts of classic Ford vehicles, understanding OBD1 (On-Board Diagnostics I) codes is essential for effective troubleshooting and maintenance. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of Ford OBD1 diagnostic trouble codes, empowering you to understand your vehicle’s signals and address issues efficiently.

Before the standardized OBD2 system became mandatory in the mid-1990s, manufacturers like Ford utilized OBD1 systems. These earlier systems, while less standardized, still offer valuable insights into your vehicle’s health. This article will delve into the meaning of Ford OBD1 codes, helping you diagnose problems in your cherished Ford classic.

What are Ford OBD1 Codes?

Ford OBD1 codes are diagnostic trouble codes generated by the vehicle’s computer system when it detects a malfunction. Unlike the alphanumeric codes of OBD2, OBD1 codes are typically two-digit numbers. These codes are accessed through a specific diagnostic procedure, often involving counting flashes of the check engine light or using a scan tool compatible with OBD1 systems.

Understanding these codes is the first step in diagnosing a range of issues, from engine performance problems to sensor malfunctions. While OBD1 systems are less sophisticated than their modern counterparts, they are still invaluable for pinpointing the area of the vehicle requiring attention.

Ford OBD1 Trouble Codes Explained

The following table provides a detailed list of Ford OBD1 diagnostic trouble codes for fuel-injected systems. Please note that this list is a guide and should be used in conjunction with your vehicle’s repair manual for accurate diagnosis. Always consult a professional mechanic if you are unsure about any diagnostic or repair procedure.

Code Fuel Delivery Type Description OBD2 Equivalent (Approximate)
11 Injected System Pass N/A – System OK
12 Injected Unable to control RPM during Self-Test high RPM check P0507 – Idle Air Control System RPM Higher Than Expected
13 Injected Unable to control RPM during Self-Test low RPM check P0506 – Idle Air Control System RPM Lower Than Expected
14 Injected Profile Ignition Pickup (PIP) circuit failure P0320 – Ignition/Distributor Engine Speed Input Circuit Malfunction
15 Injected 1. Electronic Engine Control (EEC / PCM) processor ROM test failure 2. Electronic Engine Control (EEC / PCM) processor Keep Alive Memory (KAM) test failed P0605 – Internal Control Module Read Only Memory (ROM) Error / P0603 – Internal Control Module Keep Alive Memory (KAM) Error
18 Injected 1. SPARK OUTPUT (SPOUT) circuit open 2. Ignition Diagnostic Monitor (IDM) circuit failure SPOUT circuit grounded P0322 – Ignition/Distributor Engine Speed Input Circuit No Signal / P0321 – Ignition/Distributor Engine Speed Input Circuit Range/Performance
19 Injected CID circuit failed P0340 – Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction
21 Injected Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor out of Self-Test range P0118 – Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit High Input / P0117 – Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low Input
22 Injected Back Pressure (BP) sensor out of Self-Test range P0404 – Exhaust Gas Recirculation Circuit Range/Performance
23 Injected Throttle Position sensor (TPS) out of Self-Test range P0123 – Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch A Circuit High Input / P0122 – Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch A Circuit Low Input
24 Injected Air Charge Temperature sensor (IAT) out of Self-Test range P0113 – Intake Air Temperature Circuit High Input / P0112 – Intake Air Temperature Circuit Low Input
25 Injected Knock Sensor not sensed during Dynamic Response Test P0325 – Knock Sensor 1 Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 or Single Sensor)
26 Injected Mass Air Flow sensor (MAF) out of Self-Test range P0103 – Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input / P0102 – Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Low Input
29 Injected Insufficient input from Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) P0500 – Vehicle Speed Sensor A Malfunction
31 Injected Pressure Feedback (PFE) circuit below minimum voltage P0405 – Exhaust Gas Recirculation Sensor A Circuit Low
32 Injected Pressure Feedback (PFE) circuit voltage low. P0405 – Exhaust Gas Recirculation Sensor A Circuit Low
33 Injected Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve opening not detected P0401 – Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Insufficient Detected
34 Injected 1. Pressure Feedback (PFE) sensor voltage out of range 2. Exhaust back pressure high / Pressure Feedback (PFE) circuit voltage high P0406 – Exhaust Gas Recirculation Sensor A Circuit High
35 Injected Pressure Feedback (PFE) circuit above maximum voltage P0406 – Exhaust Gas Recirculation Sensor A Circuit High
41 Injected 1. Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) circuit indicates system lean (rear HO2S). 2. No Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) switching detected rear HO2S). P0171 – System Too Lean (Bank 1) / P0131 – O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 1, Sensor 2)
42 Injected Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) circuit indicates system rich (right HO2S). P0172 – System Too Rich (Bank 1) / P0132 – O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 1, Sensor 2)
45 Injected Coil 1 primary circuit failure P0351 – Ignition Coil A Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction
46 Injected Coil 2 primary circuit failure P0352 – Ignition Coil B Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction
48 Injected Coil 3 primary circuit failure P0353 – Ignition Coil C Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction
49 Injected Spark Output (SPOUT) signal defaulted to 10 degrees BTDC / SPOUT circuit open P0322 – Ignition/Distributor Engine Speed Input Circuit No Signal
51 Injected Engine Coolant Temperature sensor (CTS) indicate -40F / circuit open P0118 – Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit High Input
52 Injected 1. Power Steering Pressure Switch (PSPS) circuit is open 2. Power Steering Pressure Switch (PSPS) circuit did not change states P0550 – Power Steering Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit Malfunction
53 Injected Throttle Position sensor (TPS) circuit above maximum voltage P0123 – Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch A Circuit High Input
54 Injected Air Charge Temperature sensor (IAT) indicates -40F / circuit open P0113 – Intake Air Temperature Circuit High Input
56 Injected Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor input is greater than maximum voltage P0103 – Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input
59 Injected Low speed fuel pump circuit open (battery to ECA). P0231 – Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit Low
61 Injected Engine Coolant Temperature sensor (CTS) indicated 254F / circuit grounded P0117 – Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low Input
63 Injected Throttle Position sensor (TPS) circuit below minimum voltage P0122 – Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch A Circuit Low Input
64 Injected Air Charge Temperature sensor (IAT) indicated 254F / circuit grounded P0112 – Intake Air Temperature Circuit Low Input
66 Injected Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor input is less than maximum voltage P0102 – Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Low Input
67 Injected Neutral Pressure Switch (NPS) circuit closed; A/C ON P0850 – Park/Neutral Switch Input Circuit
72 Injected Insufficient Mass Air Flow (MAF) output change during Dynamic Response Test P0100 – Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Malfunction
73 Injected Insufficient Throttle Position sensor (TPS) output change during Dynamic Response Test. P0120 – Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch A Circuit Malfunction
74 Injected Brake On/Off (BOO) circuit failure – not actuated during Self-Test P0504 – Brake Switch A/B Correlation
77 Injected Brief Wide Open Throttle (WOT) not sensed during Self-Test / Operator error N/A – Test Procedure Error
79 Injected A/C on / Defrost on during Self-Test N/A – Test Condition Error
81 Injected Idle Assist Solenoid (IAS) circuit failure P0505 – Idle Air Control System Malfunction
83 Injected Low speed primary fuel pump circuit failure P0230 – Fuel Pump Primary Circuit Malfunction
84 Injected Exhaust Gas Recirculation Vacuum Regulator (EVR) circuit failure P0403 – Exhaust Gas Recirculation Circuit Malfunction
85 Injected Canister Purge (CANP) circuit failure P0443 – Evaporative Emission System Purge Control Valve Circuit Malfunction
87 Injected Primary fuel pump circuit failure P0230 – Fuel Pump Primary Circuit Malfunction
88 Injected Electro-Drive Fan (EDF) circuit failure P0480 – Fan Control Circuit 1 Malfunction
91 Injected 1. Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) indicates system lean (front – HO2S) 2. No Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) switching detected (front – HO2S) P0171 – System Too Lean (Bank 1) / P0130 – O2 Sensor Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1, Sensor 1)
92 Injected Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) sensor indicates system rich (front – HO2S) P0172 – System Too Rich (Bank 1) / P0132 – O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 1, Sensor 1)
95 Injected Fuel pump secondary circuit failure P0231 – Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit Low
96 Injected High speed fuel pump circuit open P0232 – Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit High
98 Injected Hard fault is present N/A – General Fault Indication
No Codes Injected Unable to initiate Self-Test or unable to output Self- Test codes N/A – Communication Error
Codes Not Listed Injected Service codes displayed are not applicable to the vehicle being tested N/A – Incorrect Application

Note: OBD2 equivalent codes are approximate and provided for general understanding. Always refer to Ford specific documentation for accurate diagnosis and repair.

This information, combined with careful observation, proper testing procedures, and the use of tools like a digital multimeter, will significantly aid in diagnosing and repairing your Ford vehicle effectively. Remember, this guide is not a substitute for official Ford service manuals or professional training. For in-depth diagnostics and complex repairs, always consult a qualified mechanic and refer to the factory service manual for your specific vehicle model and year.

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