Ford OBD1 and OBD2 Codes Full List for Free Download

Do you own a Ford? Would you like to know how to read trouble codes and what the OBD1 codes mean?

Not to worry, as this post will keep you up to speed with the latest and most straightforward techniques you could do at the comfort of your garage. 

Ford Motor company equipped the vehicles manufactured between 1986-1994 with self-test ability to identify the faulty components and sensors. 

We will dig into details entailing reading the OBD1 codes, identifying the defective part, and how to reset the codes after replacing the faulty component. 

FYI, no one will ever pull your leg with fraudulent information if you possess this knowledge. Keep reading to find out more!

Ford 2-digit OBD1 Codes List

Abbreviations:
KOEO = Key On Engine Off
CM = Continues Memory
KOER = Key On Engine Running

Download Full List of Ford OBD1 Codes Here

Ford 3-digit OBD1 Codes List

Abbreviations:
KOEO = Key On Engine Off
CM = Continues Memory
KOER = Key On Engine Running

Ford Manufacturer-Specific OBD2 Codes List

Download Ford OBD2 Codes Full List Here

How to read Ford OBD1 codes without a scanner (self-test procedure)

The most uncomplicated procedure to run a self-test to read OBD1 codes is performing a “Key On Engine Running” (KOER) test

Ford Motor Company equips its vehicles with a self-diagnosing system, allowing for easier detection of faulty components and sensors without rushing to a mechanic. 

The system was introduced in cars manufactured between 1982-1995. The self-diagnostic system records error codes emitted by faulty components and shares the information with the driver. 

You can quickly look up the error codes on the internet to identify the defective part. 

To initiate self-diagnosis, you first need the following items to assist you in recording the OBD1 error codes. 

Firstly, you’ll need an unrolled paper clip or a jumper cable, a piece of paper, and a pen. 

A piece of clipboard may come in handy, although it is not a necessary requirement. 

Next, you’ll need to get your engine to optimal running temperatures by running the engine idle for 5-10 minutes. 

The test described below is commonly referred to as the “Key On Engine Running” (KOER) test.

Here is what to do: 

1. Under the hood, locate the diagnostic box. It is often found on the driver’s side against the firewall, but it could also be located on the passenger’s side. The plug is housed in a plastic casing inscribed with the words, “EEC Test.” 
2. Using the paper clip or the jumper cable, insert one of its ends on the top right pin of the first plug and the other end to the pin in the singular connector plug. 
3. Immediately start the car’s engine once more, and have a pen and paper close by to record the OBD1 error codes. 
4. You’ll read the codes by identifying the number of flashes illuminated by the check engine light. 
5. The first set of flashes indicate the number of cylinders your vehicle has. If you run on a 6-cylinder engine, it will flash three times; and four times if you’re on an 8-cylinder engine. 
6. Next, you’ll need to wait for a couple of seconds, usually lasting between 30 – 60 seconds, for the vehicle to complete the self-diagnostic test. 
7. The first time the vehicle will illuminate once. This sign informs you to perform the goose test, which involves turning the steering wheel halfway through left and right, stepping on the brake pad, and holding on to the throttle to rev up the engine. 
8. Depending on your vehicle make, it will display 2 or 3 digit codes. You’re advised to confirm which format your vehicle model uses. Nevertheless, vehicles between 1986-1991 display them in twos, whereas the models between 1992-1994 display them in threes. 
9. You should count the number of flashes and record them on a piece of paper. It is advised that you have a partner to aid in reading or writing the number of illuminating flashes. You should note that long pauses between flashes indicate that you’re proceeding to the following code. Otherwise, keep counting through the flashes. 
10. The vehicle iterates through the OBD1 codes twice before exiting the self-diagnostic test. Look up those codes to find out the dysfunctional component. 

Additional methods to read OBD1 codes without a scanner

There are a ton of ways you may use to read the OBD1 codes. If you’re the kind of person to explore a new way of doing things, then here are a couple of techniques to go with. 

Using an Analog Voltmeter

Firstly, you should connect the analog voltmeter to the ECU through the data link connector located under the engine’s hood.

The data connector has two plugs. Use a jumper cable to connect pin 2 in the first plug to the other pin in the second single pin plug. 

By connecting the negative terminal of the voltmeter to pin 4 in the first plug and the positive terminal to the battery’s positive side, you can take the reading.

If an error code is registered, the analog voltmeter will alert you by sweeping the voltmeter needle across its display.  

Using a Message Center

Hold on to the select, checkout, and reset button simultaneously on the electronic instrument cluster. 

To perform the “Key On Engine Off” test, also referred to as (KOEO), hold the above three buttons before turning on the ignition then releasing the buttons.

Performing the “Key On Engine Running” test (KOER) is done by holding the three buttons, turning on the ignition before releasing the buttons. 

Models between 1987-1990 require one to press the select button thrice, whereas models between 1991-1995 need one to hold the gauge select button thrice until “DEALER 4” is shown. 

You should note that all models require one to initiate self-test using a jumper cable to loop through connectors STI and SIG RTN. 

Basic codes while using the message center:

The vehicles will display code 4255 to indicate entering of KOEO self-test. 

They will show a base readout of 4030 to inform that KOER has been entered. Next, the DTC’s will output RH followed by three-digit codes. 

Finally, code 4011, the service passcode, will be displayed. You should note that all models will exit the self-test when the ignition is turned off. 

Using Overdrive Cancel/ Transmission MIL

Models equipped with an E40D transmission system and a 7.3L diesel engine perform the KOEO self-test by flashing the OCIL/ TMIL lamp. 

Toggling the OSC once keeps the lamp off, indicating that the vehicle can achieve the overdrive gear position. 

Similarly, toggling may result in the light staying on to stop the car from shifting in an overdrive position. 

Receiving DTC 99 will evaluate to fault with the EPC (Electronic Pressure Control) circuit of the E40D transmission system. Under such conditions, the lamp will serve as the TMIL (Transmission Malfunction Indicator Lamp). 

How to read OBD1 codes on Ford with a scanner

The OBD1 scanner is used to read the trouble codes in vehicles manufactured between 1982-1995. It utilizes two tests to read the error codes recorded by the ECU (engine control unit). 

They are the “Key On Engine Off” test and the “Key On Engine Running” test. To perform this test, you should first locate the diagnostic box within the engine compartment and ensure the engine is warmed up before starting the test. 

Here is the procedure of reading OBD1 codes on Ford using Innova 3145:

1. Uncover the EEC Test case and plug in the code reader. 
2. The first test is the key on engine off. It begins by starting the vehicle’s electronic components without cranking up the engine. Next, it proceeds as indicated. 
3. Switch on the code reader, then press and hold the test button to begin the test. An arrow should show up on the display screen of the code reader to indicate that the OBD1 scanner has successfully connected to the ECU. 
4. It takes about 10 seconds for the codes to start displaying on the display panel. Record the said codes using a pen and paper. 
5. Next, the OBD1 will display a 10 to indicate no more readable codes, then code 111 indicating that the test is complete. After this step, you can switch off the code reader. 
6. Finally, you will perform a “Key On Engine Running” test, which proceeds as follows.
7. Crank up the engine and turn on the code reader. Press and hold the test button to commence the process. 
8. The first display shows the number of cylinders the engine has. Next, you will perform the series of steps discussed below to negate corresponding errors. Do a half turn if your car includes a power steering, press the cancellation button if your vehicle provides overdrive, and hold the brake pedal if your vehicle has an on and off brake switch. 
9. The code “10” will appear then you’ll have to wait for another 30 to 60 seconds for the codes to appear on display.
10. Record the error codes on a piece of paper. Finally, a “10” would display once more to indicate no more readable codes, then code 111 indicating the end of the test. Switch off the code reader and the engine after this. 

How to clear Ford OBD1 codes

Pulling the ECU fuse for 15 to 30 seconds

The easiest and most common method to clear DTCs is pulling the ECU fuse for 15 to 30 seconds. You don’t have to jerk off the battery’s negative terminal as the process will reset the ECU. Drive for 75+ miles, then run the self-test once more using a jumper cable or paper clip to verify if the trouble codes were erased. 

Some other methods for specific vehicles

For EEC-V & DI 7.3L Turbo Diesel

You can reset the PCM by disconnecting the ground cable to the battery for five minutes or using the NGS (New Generation Star) tester. Disconnecting the battery’s ground cable to clear DTCs will result in the rough operation of the vehicle for the first few miles. However, normalcy will resume when the adaptive values are relearned.

For EEC-IV Continuous Memory

1. Initiate the KOEO self-test. 
2. Deactivate the self-test as soon as DTCs start to display as follows: 
3. Position the central button to the STAR tester in the up position. 
4. If the test was conducted using an analog voltmeter or an Ohmmeter, dislodge the jumper cable from the self-test input connector and self-test return pin connector. 
5. If the test was done using an NGS tester, press the STOP button. 
6. For test results, read through the engine check light, message center, and OCIL, remove the jumper cable from the self-test signal return pin and the input connector of the self-test.  
7. On completion, the continuous streams of DTCs would have been erased. 

For Keep Alive Memory (KAM)

You’ll need to disconnect the negative battery cable and isolate it for at least five minutes to clear the keep alive memory. Afterward, driving for at least 10 miles for the vehicle’s processor to relearn the values is necessary. 

For Merkur 2.9L & 85–88 2.3L Engine

1. You’ll first need to initiate the KOEO self-test. 
2. Immediately the first error code is received, disconnect the jumper wire from the self-test input terminals. 
3. Repeat the self-test once more with the jumper wire to confirm that the DTCs are erased.  

For Aspire, Capri (1.6L), Escort & Tracer (1.8L), Probe (2.0L w/4EAT, 2.2L & 2.5L) & 88–93 Festiva

1. Start the KOEO self-test. 
2. Immediately you receive the first error code, unlatch the push button located on the Super Star II Tester. 
3. Disconnect, then isolate the battery’s ground cable before pressing and holding the brake pedal for about 5 to 10 seconds. 
4. Finally, conduct the self-test to verify the DTCs are erased. 

For Mercury Villager

All other DTCs can be erased using each of these methods except that of a malfunction indicator lamp. After disconnecting the battery’s ground cable, stored DTC in the backup memory will be erased after 24 hours. If you’re using an NGS tester, select the Diagnostic Test Mode Results before pressing the CLEAR button. 

Here are the steps to adhere to erase DTC resulting from malfunctioning indicator lamp:

1. Firstly, actuate the diagnostic test mode. 
2. Next, disconnect the DTC. 
3. While utilizing the suitable jumper cable, loop through wires BL/W and GY/BL. 
4. Remove the jumper cable after waiting for about two seconds before reconnecting the DTC.
5. Although the MIL will remain on, the DTCs will have been erased. 

For MCU System

MCU systems don’t contain KAM to store service DTCs. Therefore, DTCs are cleared on switching the ignition off. 

Final thoughts

Reading OBD1 codes doesn’t have to be a daunting experience, and you don’t have to spend a dime if you can DIY. By performing a simple KOEO or a KOER test, you can identify the error codes in the vehicle, whether by checking the engine light, TMIL, or using the message center. 

The process is simple, loop through the data link connectors using a jumper cable or an unrolled paper clip before running through the procedure. You will head after this only to the spare parts shop to purchase the faulty component and not a repair shop to diagnose your vehicle.