Navigating the complexities of your Ford’s onboard diagnostics system can feel daunting when that check engine light illuminates. Fortunately, modern vehicles are equipped with OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics II) systems that help pinpoint potential issues. Understanding Ford Obd2 Trouble Codes is the first step in diagnosing and resolving car problems, saving you time and potentially costly repairs. This guide provides a detailed look into Ford specific OBD2 codes, helping you understand what they mean and what steps you can take.
Understanding Ford OBD2 Codes
OBD2 codes are standardized codes used across the automotive industry to identify issues within a vehicle’s systems. For Ford vehicles, these codes are crucial in diagnosing everything from minor sensor malfunctions to more significant engine or transmission problems. When your Ford’s check engine light comes on, the vehicle’s computer, known as the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), has detected an issue. It then stores a corresponding trouble code, which can be accessed using an OBD2 scanner.
These codes are typically five characters long. The first character indicates the system:
- P – Powertrain (Engine and Transmission)
- B – Body (Body control systems like lights, windows, etc.)
- C – Chassis (Braking system, suspension, steering)
- U – Network/Communication (Communication between onboard computer systems)
The second character is a number:
- 0 – Generic OBD2 code (common to all manufacturers)
- 1 – Manufacturer-specific code (Ford in this case)
The third character indicates the subsystem, and the last two characters specify the exact fault. While generic OBD2 codes (starting with P0) are common across all makes, Ford also utilizes manufacturer-specific codes (starting with P1, P2, etc.) to provide more detailed diagnostics for their vehicles. This article focuses on these Ford specific OBD2 trouble codes to give you a more targeted understanding of potential issues in your Ford.
Common Ford OBD2 Trouble Codes
Below is an extensive list of Ford OBD2 trouble codes. This list includes powertrain related codes that are specific to Ford vehicles. Understanding these codes can empower you to better communicate with your mechanic or even undertake some DIY repairs if you are experienced.
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P1000 | OBD-II Monitor Testing Incomplete |
| P1001 | KOER Test Cannot Be Completed |
| P1039 | Vehicle Speed Signal Missing or Improper |
| P1051 | Brake Switch Signal Missing or Improper |
| P1100 | Mass Air Flow Sensor Intermittent |
| P1101 | Mass Air Flow Sensor out of Self-Test Range |
| P1112 | Intake Air Temperature Sensor Intermittent |
| P1116 | Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor is out of Self-Test Range |
| P1117 | Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Intermittent |
| P1120 | Throttle Position Sensor out of range |
| P1121 | Throttle Position Sensor Inconsistent with Mass Air Flow Sensor |
| P1124 | Throttle Position Sensor out of Self-Test Range |
| P1125 | Throttle Position Sensor Intermittent |
| P1127 | Heated Oxygen Sensor Heater not on During KOER Test |
| P1128 | Heated Oxygen Sensor Signals reversed |
| P1129 | Heated Oxygen Sensor Signals reversed |
| P1130 | Lack of Upstream Heated Oxygen Sensor Switch – Adaptive Fuel Limit – Bank No. 1 |
| P1131 | Lack of Upstream Heated Oxygen Sensor Switch – Sensor Indicates Lean – Bank No. 1 |
| P1132 | Lack of Upstream Heated Oxygen Sensor Switch – Sensor Indicates Rich – Bank No. 1 |
| P1135 | Ignition Switch Signal Missing or Improper |
| P1137 | Lack of Downstream Heated Oxygen Sensor Switch – Sensor Indicates Lean – Bank No. 1 |
| P1138 | Lack of Downstream Heated Oxygen Sensor Switch – Sensor Indicates Rich – Bank No. 1 |
| P1150 | Lack of Upstream Heated Oxygen Sensor Switch – Adaptive Fuel Limit – Bank No. 2 |
| P1151 | Lack of Upstream Heated Oxygen Sensor Switch – Sensor Indicates Lean – Bank No. 2 |
| P1152 | Lack of Upstream Heated Oxygen Sensor Switch – Sensor Indicates Rich – Bank No. 2 |
| P1157 | Lack of Downstream Heated Oxygen Sensor Switch – Sensor Indicates Lean – Bank No. 2 |
| P1158 | Lack of Downstream Heated Oxygen Sensor Switch – Sensor Indicates Rich – Bank No. 2 |
| P1220 | Series Throttle Control fault |
| P1224 | Throttle Position Sensor B out of Self-Test Range |
| P1230 | Open Power to Fuel Pump circuit |
| P1231 | High Speed Fuel Pump Relay activated |
| P1232 | Low Speed Fuel Pump Primary circuit failure |
| P1233 | Fuel Pump Driver Module off-line |
| P1234 | Fuel Pump Driver Module off-line |
| P1235 | Fuel Pump Control out of range |
| P1236 | Fuel Pump Control out of range |
| P1237 | Fuel Pump Secondary circuit fault |
| P1238 | Fuel Pump Secondary circuit fault |
| P1250 | Lack of Power to FPRC Solenoid |
| P1260 | Theft Detected – Engine Disabled |
| P1270 | Engine RPM or Vehicle Speed Limiter Reached |
| P1288 | Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor out of Self-Test Range |
| P1289 | Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor Signal Greater Than Self-Test Range |
| P1290 | Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor Signal Less Than Self-Test Range |
| P1299 | Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor Detected Engine Overheating Condition |
| P1309 | Misfire Detection Monitor not enabled |
| P1351 | Ignition Diagnostic Monitor circuit Input fault |
| P1352 | Ignition Coil A – Primary circuit fault |
| P1353 | Ignition Coil B – Primary circuit fault |
| P1354 | Ignition Coil C – Primary circuit fault |
| P1355 | Ignition Coil D – Primary circuit fault |
| P1356 | Loss of Ignition Diagnostic Module Input to PCM |
| P1358 | Ignition Diagnostic Monitor Signal out of Self-Test Range |
| P1359 | Spark Output circuit fault |
| P1364 | Ignition Coil Primary circuit fault |
| P1380 | VCT Solenoid Valve circuit Short or Open |
| P1381 | Cam Timing Advance is excessive |
| P1383 | Cam Timing Advance is excessive |
| P1390 | Octane Adjust out of Self-Test Range |
| P1400 | Differential Pressure Feedback Electronic Sensor circuit Low Voltage |
| P1401 | Differential Pressure Feedback Electronic Sensor circuit High Voltage |
| P1403 | Differential Pressure Feedback Electronic Sensor Hoses Reversed |
| P1405 | Differential Pressure Feedback Electronic Sensor circuit Upstream Hose |
| P1406 | Differential Pressure Feedback Electronic Sensor circuit Downstream Hose |
| P1407 | EGR No Flow Detected |
| P1408 | EGR Flow out of Self-Test Range |
| P1409? | EGR Vacuum Regulator circuit malfunction |
| P1409? | Electronic Vacuum Regulator Control circuit fault |
| P1410 | EGR Barometric Pressure Sensor VREF Voltage |
| P1411 | Secondary Air is not being diverted |
| P1413 | Secondary Air Injection System Monitor circuit Low Voltage |
| P1414 | Secondary Air Injection System Monitor circuit High Voltage |
| P1442 | Secondary Air Injection System Monitor circuit High Voltage |
| P1443 | Evaporative Emission Control System – Vacuum System – Purge Control Solenoid or Purge Control Valve fault |
| P1444 | Purge Flow Sensor circuit Input Low |
| P1445 | Purge Flow Sensor circuit Input High |
| P1450 | Inability of Evaporative Emission Control System to Bleed Fuel Tank |
| P1451 | EVAP Control System Canister Vent Solenoid Circuit Malfunction |
| P1452 | Inability of Evaporative Emission Control System to Bleed Fuel Tank |
| P1455 | Substantial Leak or Blockage in Evaporative Emission Control System |
| P1460 | Wide Open Throttle Air Conditioning Cutoff circuit malfunction |
| P1461 | Air Conditioning Pressure Sensor circuit Low Input |
| P1462 | Air Conditioning Pressure Sensor circuit high Input |
| P1463 | Air Conditioning Pressure Sensor Insufficient Pressure change |
| P1464 | ACCS to PCM High During Self-Test |
| P1469 | Low Air Conditioning Cycling Period |
| P1473 | Fan Secondary High with Fans Off |
| P1474 | Low Fan Control Primary circuit |
| P1479 | High Fan Control Primary circuit |
| P1480 | Fan Secondary Low with Low Fans On |
| P1481 | Fan Secondary Low with High Fans On |
| P1483 | Power to Cooling Fan Exceeded Normal Draw |
| P1484 | Variable Load Control Module Pin 1 Open |
| P1500 | Vehicle Speed Sensor Intermittent |
| P1501 | Programmable Speedometer & Odometer Module/Vehicle Speed Sensor Intermittent circuit-failure |
| P1502 | Invalid or Missing Vehicle Speed Message or Brake Data |
| P1504 | Intake Air Control circuit malfunction |
| P1505 | Idle Air Control System at Adaptive Clip |
| P1506 | Idle Air Control Over Speed Error |
| P1507 | Idle Air Control Under Speed Error |
| P1512 | Intake Manifold Runner Control Stuck Closed |
| P1513 | Intake Manifold Runner Control Stuck Closed |
| P1516 | Intake Manifold Runner Control Input Error |
| P1517 | Intake Manifold Runner Control Input Error |
| P1518 | Intake Manifold Runner Control fault – Stuck Open |
| P1519? | Intake Manifold Runner Control Stuck Open |
| P1520? | Intake Manifold Runner Control circuit fault |
| P1519? | Intake Manifold Runner Control fault – Stuck Closed |
| P1520? | Intake Manifold Runner Control fault |
| P1530 | Open or Short to A/C Compressor Clutch circuit |
| P1537 | Intake Manifold Runner Control Stuck Open |
| P1538 | Intake Manifold Runner Control Stuck Open |
| P1539 | Power to A/C Compressor Clutch circuit Exceeded Normal Current Draw |
| P1549 | Intake Manifold Temperature Valve Vacuum Actuator Connection |
| P1550 | Power Steering Pressure Sensor out of Self-Test Range |
| P1605 | PCM Keep Alive Memory Test Error |
| P1625 | Voltage to Vehicle Load Control Module Fan circuit not detected |
| P1626 | Voltage to Vehicle Load Control Module circuit not detected |
| P1650 | Power Steering Pressure Switch out of Self-Test Range |
| P1651 | Power Steering Pressure Switch Input fault |
| P1700 | Transmission system problems |
| P1701 | Reverse Engagement Error |
| P1702 | Transmission system problems |
| P1703 | Brake On/Off Switch out of Self-Test Range |
| P1704 | Transmission system problems |
| P1705 | Manual Lever Position Sensor out of Self-Test Range |
| P1709 | Park or Neutral Position Switch out of Self-Test Range |
| P1710 | Transmission system problems |
| P1711 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor out of Self-Test Range |
| P1713 thru P172 | Transmission system problems |
| P1729 | 4×4 Low Switch Error |
| P1740 | Transmission system problems |
| P1741 | Torque Converter Clutch Control Error |
| P1742 | Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid Faulty |
| P1743 | Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid Faulty |
| P1744 | Torque Converter Clutch System Stuck in Off Position |
| P1745 | Transmission system problems |
| P1746 | Electronic Pressure Control Solenoid – Open circuit |
| P1747 | Electronic Pressure Control Solenoid – Short circuit |
| P1749 | Electronic Pressure Control Solenoid Failed Low |
| P1751 | Shift Solenoid No. 1 Performance |
| P1754 | Coast Clutch Solenoid circuit malfunction |
| P1756 | Shift Solenoid No. 2 Performance |
| P1760 | Transmission system problems |
| P1761 | Shift Solenoid No. 3 Performance |
| P1762 | Transmission system problems |
| P1767 | Transmission system problems |
| P1780 | Transmission Control Switch circuit is out of Self-Test Range |
| P1781 | 4×4 Low Switch is out of Self-Test Range |
| P1783 | Transmission Over-Temperature Condition |
| P1784 | Transmission system problems |
| P1785 | Transmission system problems |
| P1786 | Transmission system problems |
| P1787 | Transmission system problems |
| P1788 | Transmission system problems |
| P1789 | Transmission system problems |
| P1900 | Transmission system problems |
Note: This information is for informational purposes only and not intended as repair advice. Always consult a qualified technician for diagnosis and repairs.
Taking the Next Steps After Identifying a Ford OBD2 Code
Once you’ve retrieved a Ford OBD2 trouble code, it’s important to take appropriate action. Here’s a step-by-step approach:
- Record the Code: Write down the exact code. This will be crucial for further research and when consulting with a mechanic.
- Research the Code: Use online resources (like this website!) to understand what the code signifies. Knowing the potential issue is the first step to resolution.
- Visual Inspection: Before jumping to conclusions or expensive repairs, perform a visual inspection of the related system. For example, if you have a code related to the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor, check for any loose connections, damaged wiring, or a dirty sensor.
- Use a Reliable OBD2 Scanner: Ensure your scanner is correctly reading and clearing codes. Sometimes, a code might be intermittent or a ghost code. Clearing the code and seeing if it returns can be helpful (but be cautious about simply clearing codes without understanding the underlying issue).
- Consult a Professional: If you are not comfortable diagnosing or repairing the issue yourself, or if the problem seems complex, it’s always best to consult a certified mechanic. Provide them with the trouble code and any observations you’ve made.
Understanding Ford OBD2 trouble codes is a valuable skill for any Ford owner. It empowers you to be more informed about your vehicle’s health and communicate effectively with automotive professionals. By using this guide and taking a proactive approach, you can address issues promptly and keep your Ford running smoothly.
For further information and community support, check out these Ford enthusiast websites:
You can also find more general information on check engine lights and OBD2 codes at:
- Ford Check Engine Light @ Check-Engine-Light.com
